Who is subject to this requirement?
- Students at least 17 years of age, who are admitted to UNCW and begin their academic careers in the summer or fall term immediately following their high school graduation.
- First-year students who participate in UNCW’s semester long, fall study abroad program in the United Kingdom.
These students should plan to live in university owned or operated housing for both their first and second years at UNCW. Fall study-abroad students will be assigned UNCW housing beginning their first spring semester on-campus in Wilmington.
All students living in university owned or operated housing are subject to the meal plan requirements.
View Meal Plans
Who is not subject to this requirement?
- Students who will be under the age of 17 on their first day of class at UNCW
- Students admitted to UNCW as a Transfer student
- Students who begin their career at UNCW in the spring semester
- Students who will attend UNCW as a part-time student or will not be fully matriculated
What about First-Year Spring Admits (FYSA)?
FYSA students are not subject to the two-year residency requirement and are not guaranteed on-campus housing. FYSA students may apply for housing for the spring semester when they begin their academic career at UNCW and will be housed on a space available basis.
FYSA who secure on-campus housing for their first spring semester should plan to live off-campus starting the following fall semester. FYSA students interested in living on-campus for their second year will be placed on a waitlist and offered housing if space becomes available.
What if I am not yet 17 years of age?
New students under the age of 17 may request to live on-campus by emailing the Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life at
housing@uncw.edu. The Executive Director will consider all such requests on an individual basis and will typically want to meet with the student and their legal guardian(s). Students who have such requests granted will be expected to live on-campus for their first two years at UNCW.
Are there exceptions made to the two-year residency requirement?
A First-Year student may request to have their Two-Year Residency waived by submitting a written appeal if they meet one or more of the exceptions below. Students who:
- Will be over the age of 21 on the first day of class for their first enrollment term
- Have prior active-duty service in the United States Military.
- Have legal dependents.
- Are legally married.
If you believe you meet one or more of these criteria and wish to be exempt from the residency requirement, please email HRL at
housing@uncw.edu and attach appropriate documentation.
What about “local” students?
If your home address as listed on your UNCW application for admission is located in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick counties you will be granted an automatic exception and no additional paperwork is required.
Local students may opt into UNCW housing by completing the housing application and paying the application fee online. By selecting this option, you are committing to live in UNCW owned or operated housing for two years.
Are there other exceptions?
Students with disabilities for whom off campus housing options are necessary may request an exemption. Those requests with supporting documentation should be made directly to the Disability Resource Center. For more information call 910.962.7555 or email.
UNCW Housing and Residence Life may make additional exceptions should occupancy considerations warrant and will request verification documents for any of the above exceptions. Please email HRL at
housing@uncw.edu with questions or to submit a request for an exception.
Learn more about this request
What if I do not submit a housing application for my second year?
If you are subject to the residency requirement and do not submit a housing application, you will still be assigned a UNCW space and charged for UNCW housing for the applicable academic terms. It is in your best interest to submit an application listing your housing and roommate preferences.
