Housing Options
Students have three main choices for housing at INTERLINK/UNCG. Cost per month, minimum length of stay, and furnishings vary greatly.
Homestays
- Homestays are the best initial housing choice for many students because they allow them to live with an American family. They are flexible for length of contracts and offer students many opportunities to improve their English, adjust to life in this country, and learn about the culture. This option is especially recommended for three types of students:
- Students who have not spent time in the U.S.;
- Students who have more limited language skills, since the homestay provides many opportunities for practicing and getting help with English;
- Graduate or more mature students.
While transportation can be an issue due to the fact that most homes are not located near the campus, there are several options (e.g., taking a free bus, riding with someone else, getting a car) that typically solve this problem. AND, some hosts provide transportation (and meals) as an option at added cost.
Carefully consider the following questions and answers to help you make a decision about whether you are the kind of person for whom a homestay is most appropriate. Click the questions to see the answers.
1. What is a Homestay?
2. What kind of student is best suited for a homestay?
3. What kind of families participate in the homestay program?
4. What do homestay families expect of students?
5. What are the advantages of a homestay?
6. Are there difficulties with a homestay?
7. What suggestions do you have about Homestays?
Off-campus apartments (click for list)
- Off-campus apartments (shared or individual) usually require a six-month or one-year commitment. Many apartments are easy to walk to from the campus. Sharing with a person from your country does not help language learning, however. Apartments come in two main types: 1) Suites--two to four students share a kitchen, living area, and bathrooms, but each student has a private bedroom. Typically, all furniture and appliances are provided and some utilities. Many of these apartments are within walking distance of the campus, and they cost around $450 - 550 per month. 2) Unfurnished one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments, which usually require a large deposit or an American co-signer. These apartments cost around $600 - 800 per month.
On-campus housing
- On-campus housing is rarely available now. Usually, space is open only for women. UNCG is building more housing, but it will not be ready before 2012. Most campus housing is shared (two-person rooms), with bathrooms down the hall. Students who live on campus are required to have the UNCG mealplan, covering all meals (see Calendar and Fees for current costs per term). Currently, for males, on-campus housing is only available in the summer. To apply, indicate in your INTERLINK application that you would like on-campus housing. You cannot apply on the UNCG website.
