First-Year Live-On Requirement

BUILDING COMMUNITY, BUILDING SUCCESS

Living on campus helps you build your foundation for success at UNC Charlotte. You will establish a support network of friends, classmates and mentors while living in the heart of campus life.

Research shows that students who live on campus their first year develop strong friendships and connections, take advantage of campus academic and support resources, and graduate at higher rates. Your future success in Niner Nation starts by living on campus!

In alignment with our institution's efforts to provide all students with a solid foundation for academic success, the University has a First-Year Live-On requirement for first-time in college (FTIC) students*.

*Note: the requirement does not apply to new residents joining us for spring only. You are not required to apply/live on campus or to submit an exemption request.

Here's why living on campus during your first year is valuable:

Academic Success. At Charlotte, we know from our institutional research that students who live on campus their first year are more likely to return for their second year. We also know that students who live on campus for the first year are more likely than their off-campus peers to graduate in four years.

Convenience. Living on campus puts you within walking distance of your classes, labs, libraries, theaters, concerts, art galleries and sports facilities. Residents gain confidence in navigating the campus, and are more likely to take advantage of the resources for overall success at Charlotte (academic support, physical and mental wellbeing, experiential learning, career development, entertainment, etc.).

Connections. Living on campus offers you a variety of ways to get connected to campus as well as with other residents, faculty and staff. You’ll form study groups, join clubs and engage in sports and wellness activities. With 6,000+ students living on campus it won’t take long to make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Personal Growth & Support. Living on campus teaches you to live independently while still providing the support you need to grow as a person and adult. Our residence hall staff teams exist to help you find your place on your floor, in your building, and around campus.

Safety. The safety and security of our residential students is of utmost importance. That’s why we keep our buildings locked 24/7. Access to each residence hall is restricted to residents of the building only. In addition, extra security is provided by professional staff who live in each hall, security guards, security cameras and our own police department on campus.

HOW TO APPLY

Living on campus your first year sets you up for success at UNC Charlotte. As an admitted, first-time in college (FTIC) student, you can apply for housing via the Online Housing System when the housing application opens.

Note: students will need to be admitted, submit their intent to enroll, and pay their enrollment deposit before they will be able to access the housing application or exemption request form.

Exemptions

We understand that living on campus as a first-year student isn't a good fit for everyone.

Automatic Exemptions (no housing application required)*:

Student who is residing at their permanent address in a neighboring county while attending their first year at the University (Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Union)
Under 16 (on first day of housing contract)
Over 21 (by first day of housing contract)
International Student (F-1 or J-1 status)
Prior Military Service
Married

If you would prefer to live on campus, you will be able to apply when the housing application opens in early Spring semester.

*Being automatically exempt means you do not need to request an exemption. Automatic exemptions do not require documentation provided that information is listed in Banner.

If you think you may have a reason to request an exemption, you have the opportunity to do so through the Online Housing System. Examples of eligible exemptions include being the parent of dependent children, serving as primary caregiver of an adult, financial hardship, living with a sibling off campus, or other extenuating circumstances.

Again, the goal of the requirement is to help each student build a foundation for success and we will work with students who may have different needs than other incoming first-year students.

If you have any questions about your situation/need for an exemption, please give us a call at 704-687-7501 or email us at hrlmailbox@charlotte.edu.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will the First-Year Live-On Requirement begin?

How do I know if I'm a first-time in college (FTIC) student?

Which Residence Halls Can First Year Students Live In?

How many years are first-time in college (FTIC) students required to live on campus?

Why is there a First-Year Live-On Requirement now?

I live in a neighboring county but want to live on campus. What do I do?

Who is eligible for an exemption?

What do I do if I need to request an exemption for health-related reasons?

How do I submit an Exemption Request Form?

What is the deadline to apply for housing or submit an Exemption Request Form?