Transfers

Congratulations on your acceptance to UNC Charlotte! As you begin making plans to join us at UNC Charlotte, it’s time to start thinking about where you are going to live.

As a transfer student, you are not required to live on campus. We encourage you to explore your off-campus housing options as soon as possible as many complexes fill quickly! If you are unsure where to begin, we recommend starting your search with our Niner Choice Program. 

Niner Choice

The Niner Choice Program is a safety education initiative designed to help students and their families make informed decisions about off-campus living options. The program is a partnership between Housing and Residence Life, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety. Complexes that join the program need to meet and adhere to specific safety standards and record-keeping, and not meet or exceed established crime thresholds. 

Learn more about the Niner Choice program, including a list of properties, here. If you have questions about the Niner Choice program, email Off-Campus Student Services at ocssmailbox@charlotte.edu.

Off-Campus Housing Tips

• Finding an Apartment. When shopping for an apartment, it is important that you do your research! Once you have a set budget, narrow down your search and focus on your top ranked communities. It is a good idea to start your process by reading reviews for each property. It is also beneficial for you to visit and tour the communities you are interested in and talk to current residents you may know. When you have decided on a property, read the lease carefully before signing and ask about all upfront fees you will be required to pay, such as security and cleaning deposits. Additionally, never sign a lease with a community until all paperwork qualifying you has been received, processed, and approved.
• Understanding A Lease. A written lease is a legal, binding contract that holds a tenant responsible for covering all fees during its term. Signing your first lease can be an overwhelming experience. It’s important that you are aware of your rights as a tenant and understand all components prior to signing any document that holds you liable for any charges. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding a lease agreement, it may be a good idea to seek out a legal services provider that can review all of the terms and conditions.
• Things to Consider.
  • How close is the property to campus? Will you need transportation? Does the complex offer a shuttle option that fits your schedule?
  • Estimate the monthly expenses you’ll need to cover rent, food, utilities, laundry, insurance, transportation, etc.
  • Do you prefer to live in a student housing community?
  • Who will you live with? Will you utilize the complex’s roommate placement service? Will they have a similar schedule as you? What beliefs and habits do they practice to create a healthy living environment?
  • Are there amenities you feel would make your living experience better? Free parking? Fitness center? Pool? What are the safety features management utilizes to keep residents safe?
  • What are the terms of the lease? Will you be responsible for only your share of the rent? Will you have to coordinate payment each month with a roommate? 

Off-Campus Housing Resources 

• Using Financial Aid Funds. Learn more about how financial aid funds may be used for off-campus housing here
• Important Factors to Consider. Niner Finances provides a list of important factors to consider when evaluating off-campus housing here
• Off-Campus Housing Website. Access helpful tools and resources for living off campus including but not limited to:
  • Niner Choice Properties/Listings
  • Roommate Finding
  • FAQ’s
  • Off-Campus Safety Guide
  • Leasing 101: Educational Video Series

Off-Campus Housing Benefits 

Did you know a majority of UNC Charlotte transfer and continuing students live off campus? Here are a few benefits of living off campus:

• Convenience: most off campus properties are within walking distance of campus. Many also provide a shuttle service to campus. Also, having a space away from campus can be great for mental well-being and school-life balance.
• Independence: living off campus gives students an opportunity to build key life skills needed to succeed after graduation, including budgeting, cooking, managing utilities and dealing with landlords/leases.
• Privacy: off-campus apartments typically offer more space, more private bathrooms, and more privacy.
• Community: a majority of transfer students choose off-campus housing. Living off campus gives you the opportunity to meet other students who aren’t tied to one class year or residence hall.
• Amenities: off-campus apartments are able to offer a variety of amenities that on-campus housing can’t including, but not limited to, variety of floor plans, larger roommate groups, in-unit washer and dryer, full-size closets, individual bathrooms, resort-style pools, fitness centers, and yoga studios.
• City Connections: living off campus helps students connect, not only to the university, but also to the surrounding city, including local coffee shops, parks, small businesses and community events.
• University Resources: students who live off campus still have access to all the resources provided on campus including dining, University Recreation, Career Center, Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services. 
• HRL Support: HRL still supports students who choose to live off campus through their Off-Campus Student Services unit. 

On-Campus Housing Availability 

On-campus housing for transfer students is extremely limited. To support the success of incoming students, we will prioritize applications from entering, first time in college (FTIC) students. 

If you are seriously considering living on campus, we recommend you apply early! Submitting an application and paying the $100 non-refundable application processing fee does not guarantee you a housing assignment. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide an update on whether we will have availability on-campus for transfer students until mid-to-late summer. If you are uncomfortable waiting that long - do not submit a housing application and instead secure a space off campus as soon as possible.

If you apply for on-campus housing and decide to lease off-campus, please keep your contract cancellation deadlines and corresponding penalties in mind. To request cancellation of your housing contract, you must log in to the Online Housing System, open your application, and submit a Housing Cancellation Request. 

If you have any questions about on-campus housing, call us at 704.687.7501 or email us at hrlmailbox@charlotte.edu.