Looking for a cool crash pad for you and your best friends in the next semester? Need a place to stay for your summer school classes at UNCW? Seeking an alternative to the rising costs of student housing? Off-campus Wilmington long-term rentals for students give you a place to call your own while attending to your studies.
You’ve survived the shared kitchen in Belk Hall, logged enough hours inside Randall Library, and already have your go-to hot food meal at Wagoner Dining Hall. Now, it’s time to take your college experience to the next level by moving off campus.
Here’s what you should keep in mind before moving off campus.
Find Long-term Rentals for Students
Students who prefer living off-campus can rent homes near the UNCW campus. There are plenty of houses available, but you must find long-term rentals that accept student renters.
Not every rental home welcomes students. Students are a unique niche of renters typically looking for shorter leases, higher risk renters due to damage concerns, younger age, and other factors. These impact the availability of off-campus houses to rent for students.
Most long-term rentals that accept students will indicate it in the property description. Alternatively, students can contact homeowners or local property management companies to see what’s available for students.
Transparency about enrollment is important due to restrictions on who can rent certain properties. Check out this student-friendly two-bedroom unit in Wilmington.
Complete an Application with Co-signer
Applications are required for most long-term rental homes. Students interested in renting a home in Wilmington must go through the application process, which includes:
- Personal information about renter
- Co-applicants/Occupants
- Employment
- Income verification
- Application fee
Most students won’t have employment to meet the standard approval qualifications. These qualifications include a minimum credit score, earning 3x the monthly rent, and renter history. In these scenarios, a co-signer is recommended to help secure off-campus living.
Students must submit all information and documents for approval before being accepted to move in. Most applications have a non-refundable application fee.
Are you ready for Adulting?
Renting a home to live off-campus is a big responsibility. You’re instantly thrust into the world of adulting. Student housing makes life easy with all amenities included and with resident assistants (RAs) staffed to ensure that residence life is comfortable for everyone. Off-campus housing will be your first taste of bills. To make off-campus living successful, plan how to split utilities like heat, water, wifi, etc. between roommates.
In addition to bills, living on your own has several other factors to consider. You’re responsible for cleaning, grocery shopping, and making maintenance requests. All that on top of your schoolwork! Only students who can balance school with maintaining a rental home should consider moving off campus.
Check out this long-term rental in Wilmington for students that includes a benefits package for renters to help set up your home services during move-in.
Determine Your Preferred Lease Term
UNCW requires all freshmen to live on campus in dorms, and most stick around through their sophomore year. Students considering a long-term rental instead of student housing typically need a one- or two-year lease. The lease period accounts for their junior and senior year.
For homeowners, students renting for two years is preferred for a more consistent income. It also saves the hassle of finding new student tenants every semester. One-year leases are standard, with the option to renew at the end of the lease term. Renters can opt out of renewing the lease and repeat the process of finding new off-campus housing.
A one-month security deposit is required for most Wilmington long-term rentals for students, and you won’t get the money back until the end of the lease.
Obey the rules
If you think living on campus has too many rules, wait until you see what’s expected when living off campus. Student-friendly rental homes in Wilmington often include tenant rules in the rental contract agreement. Make sure you read the entire contract and understand the rules before signing the lease.
Many homeowners include rules to help protect their property and neighborhood. Common rules include
- No partying
- Noise regulations after a certain hour
- Visitor restrictions
- Subletting allowance
Rules vary depending on whether you rent a house or property within an HOA. Subletting is common for students who spend their summers away from Wilmington. If you plan to sublet your rental for a few months, double-check with your rental contract that it’s allowed.
Stay focused
UNC Wilmington’s iconic soaring seahawk is illuminated by early sunlight as the day begins on UNCW campus. The sculpture, which features a 20-foot wingspan, was commissioned and paid for by philanthropist Ike Belk. PHOTO BY JEFF JANOWSKI/UNCW
Moving off campus is a big step! There are pros and cons to living off campus. It’s more responsibility and requires the discipline to stay focused on schoolwork. Living further away from your classes makes it easier to skip class. And not having an RA constantly checking on you means that you have more freedom. On the other hand, staying away from campus can make you more productive during your time on campus and give you a quieter place to complete homework.
Find Wilmington long-term rentals for students to start a new chapter in your student life journey!