If you are new to the area, or just new to the idea of living off-campus, beginning your search can be a daunting process. Fortunately, we have broken it down into 8 progressive steps, that relate specifically to UNCW students.

 STEP 1: Decide what you can afford to pay each month.

In general, UNCW students tells us they like to spend about $350 - 500 a piece (or less) for housing and utilities when they choose to have roommates. If they choose to live alone, their housing costs will be higher. Consult the chart below to see the average costs of apartment rentals in Wilmington.

The first step in seeking off-campus housing is finding out how much you can afford. Click here to open a .PDF copy of our helpful brochure, "Setting Up a Budget: It's Your Move."

*statistics compiled by Wilmington Apartment Finder.

  STEP 2: Decide if you want to live within or outside of the 1-mile radius of campus.                                      

Undergraduate off-campus students who live within one mile of the center of campus are NOT permitted to park on campus between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, many students choose to live within this area because they save money on yearly parking permit fees, are near other students, and are close enough to walk, bike or skateboard to campus. There is also a free shuttle bus system with convenient stops for students who live within one mile of campus.

Find out more about UNCW's one-mile radius rule and how it might impact your decision on where to live by visiting the following Web sites:

• UNCW Parking and Transportation
• Map of UNCW's One-Mile Radius

 STEP 3: Decide if you want to live alone or with housemates.

Sharing a house or apartment with a roommate is a great way to keep expenses down. Click here to learn how to find a roommate at UNCW - and one you will be compatible with!

 STEP 4: Decide what type of housing you are looking for.

Asking yourself the following questions may help you clarify the type of off-campus housing you are interested in (such as an apartment, a condominium, townhouse, a single-family house, or a room in a private home).

• Do you you want to live in an area where a lot of other students live?
• Would you feel more comfortable living off-campus if there was a student advocate (CDA) who can assist you with questions and concerns, and who facilitates programs for students in your community?
• Do you need a place that's furnished?
• Are you going to have a pet?
• How long do you want to be committed to a lease?
• How much space do you need?
• Do you want certain amenities, such as a pool, garage, or exercise facility?

 STEP 5: Do some comparison research.

Once you've decided the type of property you are interested in, you can consult the right information sources, such as:

• The Seahawk Perch's Off-Campus Housing Ad Service (ads for apartments, privately-owned rentals (houses, condos, rooms in private homes); free message boards for students who need roommates).
• Drop by our office in the Fisher Student Center Lobby for more information about local apartment communities and pick up several brochures.
• If you are concerned about safety, call the Wilmington Police at 910.343.3602 for crime statistics of specific areas.

 STEP 6: Narrow your search, and begin visiting properties.

Generate a list of your top housing picks, and call the office or landlord to schedule an appointment to visit the property. (Remember, many apartment offices are closed or have limited hours on weekends.) If you are planning to have a roommate, make sure they go along with you.

Once you are there, ask about:

• flooding (the whole complex or even just your specific unit - remember Wilmington is prone to hurricanes and heavy summer rains!)
• incidences of crime (many apartments cannot report these numbers - you may have to refer to the Wilmington Police number in Step 5.)
• parking regulations
• "house rules" or homeowner's covenants regarding noise, visitors, smoking, pets, etc.
• upkeep of the premises (are there homeowner's dues?)
• deposits ( refundable or not?)
• waiting list (do they currently have one? and do you have to pay to be placed on it?)
• lease terms (are they negotiable? do they allow sub-letting?)
• repairs or damages - which you are responsible for and which the owner/manager is responsible for

If you are looking at apartments, make sure you ask to see the exact apartment you will be getting, and not just the model.

Based on the information you've gathered, and your overall impression of the places you've visited, you should now be able to select a property.

 STEP 7: Before you sign that lease...

READ IT THOROUGHLY! It is also your right to have the property manager/owner review your lease with you. Ask them to do so. Many apartments offer lease addendums that explain the lease in easier to understand language.

Also, realize that you may need a co-signer/guarantor (such as a parent) in order to secure a lease.

Understand that a lease is a legally binding agreement. Should you break your lease, you are still responsible for paying the rent even if you are no longer there. The property manager/owner is not able to make allowances for roommate conflicts - if a roommate leaves the person who signed the lease is responsible for the entire rent payment. (For more information about roommate agreements, click here.)

If you still have questions, you can schedule a free appointment with a local attorney through UNCW's Student Government Association by calling 962-3553 (students only, please.)

STEP 8: Your search is over, now what?

Time to get set-up in your new home! Print off a copy of our Off-Campus Living Guide for information on setting up your utilities and newspaper service, as well as how get renter's insurance, and how to make your new home as secure as possible.

Also, now that you will be living on your own in the Wilmington Community, you should be aware of how your conduct will affect your neighbors, and of the University's expectations of your behavior. Consult the Off-Campus Living Guide for more information.