Life at UNCG
UNC Greensboro prides itself on providing a welcoming campus community based on the values of equity, diversity and inclusion. The Global Engagement Office strives to support these University principles to ensure that all students feel accepted and valued on campus.
Discover the Campus and Community
UNC Greensboro is located in the city of Greensboro, the third largest city in North Carolina with a population of approximately 270,000. UNC Greensboro is a challenging, supportive and engaged community. Founded in 1891, it is the largest and most diverse university in the Triad, serving more than 20,000 students.
UNC Greensboro’s picturesque campus includes more than 30 academic buildings and 30 residence halls on 250 acres. IPC also offers a variety of ways for students, scholars, and families to get involved in programs and events throughout the year. Learn more about the campus here!
To learn more, take a virtual tour now!
UNC Greensboro Campus and Student Life
UNCG has a wide range of opportunities for all students to get connected. Student life at UNCG offers everything from recreation activities to community service, arts exhibitions, and more. Be sure to check out these other resources to explore even more exciting opportunities for involvement!
DIscover Greensboro
Greensboro is located in the piedmont region of North Carolina, and is centrally located between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Besides being home to six colleges and universities, Greensboro is a city full of vibrant history and culture. Its small-town feel with big city opportunities creates an inviting atmosphere for students and families alike. With a blossoming downtown and charming historical surroundings, it is no wonder Greensboro is such an exciting place to live, work, study, and visit!
To discover more about entertainment, dining, and attractions in Greensboro, check out these webpages:
Family Life
UNCG and the city of Greensboro offer many opportunities for the family! For more information about family activities and events at UNCG, visit the University Events Calendar. You can also check out the City of Greensboro Public Events Calendar.
Greensboro and Guilford County offer numerous options for public, private, religious-based, and charter K-12 (Kindergarten through 12th grade) school. The school system for the Greensboro area, Guilford County Schools, not only provides regular stream elementary, middle and high schools but also popular magnet and newcomers’ schools. Public school assignments in Guilford County are based on residential address. You can see more information about school performance at NC Report Card. For religious-based and private school options, Google keywords “private schools in Greensboro North Carolina.”
Housing Options
UNC Greensboro has numerous on- and off-campus housing options. The campus has many residence hall styles ranging from traditional dorms to modern suites and apartments. UNC Greensboro is conveniently located near numerous off-campus housing options within walking distance to campus. Please review the following resources and sites for further information about on-campus and off-campus housing to choose which option will work best for you!
International students are encouraged to consider living in our International House (I-House), which is a community of both international and U.S. students. Other on-campus housing information can be found through the UNCG Housing and Residence Life website. Some visiting scholars may be eligible to rent an on-campus apartment owned by the Global Engagement Office (GEO) on a first-come-first served basis. For further information, please contact GEO
Many international students and scholars choose to live in rental housing off campus including apartments, duplexes, townhomes, condominiums, rooms-for-rent and houses.
IMPORTANT NOTE: UNCG provides information about apartments near campus, temporary and long-term accommodation. However, the University is NOT INVOLVED with reservations, contracts, co-signers, security deposits, furnishing of apartments, etc. and does not inspect these apartments or vouch for their condition. Upon or before your arrival, we can provide contact information, directions and general information but it is best for you to see apartments before signing a contract/lease agreement. Some apartment management companies allow you to apply for an apartment prior to your arrival (usually requires a fee) although an application does not necessarily ensure reservation or guarantee of a space. When leasing an apartment, a six-month or one-year lease is usually required.
A good amount of apartments are within walking distance to campus. Monthly rental fees for off-campus housing are reasonable but vary depending upon distance to campus and the types of amenities provided. Apartments may offer 6 or 12 month lease options and do not require relocation during summer and winter breaks. Suggested off-campus student apartments located near campus include:
- University Village
- Burkely Communities
- The Province
- Spring Place
- Sterling Park Apartments
- Summit at the Edge Apartments
If you would like to expand your search for apartments, check out Apartments.com
Below are listed some helpful resources that outline your rights as a renter as well as the protocol to take if issues arise with your lease or landlord.
Students and scholars wishing to live with a U.S. family can connect with the American Homestay Network. Please contact Jorge A. Pradilla at [email protected] for more information. Homestay options are not available to international exchange students who are here for only a semester or academic year.
Below are some helpful links to other housing options in Greensboro.
- UNCG Admissions Suggested Hotels
- Airbnb in Greensboro
- Search extended stay hotel options via the Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau
Parking and Transportation
Students with access to a personal vehicle can explore parking permit options available through Parking Operations and Campus Management (POCAM). There is also a helpful parking map to show the location of the various parking lots relative to the academic and administrative buildings.
There are several transportation options for getting around Greensboro, and traveling to other areas in the U.S. The Spartan Chariot is the recommended bus system for transit on UNCG’s campus. Parking Operations and Campus Access Management (POCAM) maintains a list of sustainable transportation options including rideshare services and bicycles. Options for navigating the city of Greensboro include the Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) local bus service. For traveling outside of Greensboro, be sure to check out the Piedmont Triad International Airport, Amtrak train service, and Greyhound Trailways regional bus system.
Banking and Cell Phones
Accessing money from your home bank can be expensive. For example, if you use a cash machine (ATM), you may be charged a service fee by both the U.S. bank and your home bank. Check with your home bank to find out what procedures and fees they recommend while you are in the U.S. If you bring a lot of money to the U.S., we recommend that you have an American checking account during your stay. Many bills in the U.S. are paid with credit or with debit cards, and opening an account is usually easy. If you plan to work on campus, you are required to open an account with direct deposit so that money can be easily deposited into your account.
Some exchange students choose to use their cell phone from their home country (if able), while others buy a U.S. cell phone. Popular cell phone companies include: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T- Mobile, and CricKet, but may require a two-year contract.
Students who choose to use their cell phone from their home country should make sure their device is unlocked to be used with a SIM card from a carrier in the U.S.
Large retail stores such as Target and Walmart offer prepaid or pay-as-you-go mobile phones with companies such as Criket, T- Mobile, and Virgin Mobile. These allow you to buy inexpensive phones and purchase minutes of call time as needed.
Social Security Information
Students who have received offers of employment are required to obtain a Social Security Number. Learn about obtaining a Social Security Number here.
North Carolina I.D.
As an F-1 or J-1 international student or scholar residing in North Carolina, you may wish to apply for a North Carolina driver’s license or State ID. The “International Driver’s License” is NOT valid in North Carolina. However it may be a helpful to have an English translation of a license issued from your home country if it is not in English. You do not need a Social Security Number to apply for a standard NC Driver’s License or State ID.
Please note: If you are a new international student, you cannot apply for a driver’s license or state ID until you have been in the U.S. for 14 days and completed the IPC check in process to have your SEVIS Record activated.
You will need to apply for an NC Driver’s Licence in-person at your desired Department of Motor vehicles (DMV) location. You must schedule an appointment before you visit your nearest driver’s license office. Be sure to cancel or reschedule the appointment if you cannot keep the original time.
In addition to the completion of a written computer test and a driving test administered at the DMV during your appointment (view NC Driver’s handbook and other preparation materials here), you must also bring the following documentation to your appointment with the DMV:
- Proof of residency in North Carolina (e.g. apartment lease, UNCG Housing Contract, phone/utility bill),
- Valid passport with F-1 or J-1 visa foil (or I-797 notice of action if you adjusted status in the U.S.),
- Printed I-94 admission/departure document,
- Original I-20 or DS-2019 form. We recommend taking with you all past and current original I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued by UNCG or another institution that you previously attended,
- Proof of liability insurance coverage (such as form DL-123 “Driver License Liability Insurance Certification”) or other acceptable documentation. Your insurance company must be licensed to do business in North Carolina
For more information about state regulations and policies regarding driver’s licenses and a copy of the NC Driver’s Handbook, please visit the NC Department of Transportation’s (DOT) webpage as a new driver.
Application for an NC State ID generally requires the following:
- Proof of residency in North Carolina (e.g. apartment lease or utility bill),
- Valid passport with F-1 or J-1 visa and attached I-94 admission/departure document, and
- I-20 or DS-2019 visa document. If you are for instance a transfer student from another U.S. educational institution, also take with you all past original I-20 or DS-2019 forms.
You can also view the DOT website for more details about obtaining a NC State ID.
Effective May 2025, the federal agencies will enforce tougher security standards. A REAL ID will be required at airport check-ins, federal buildings, military installations, and nuclear facilities. To know if you have a NC REAL ID, check for a little gold star on the top right of your driver’s license. Only if you have a social security number you will be able to get a NC REAL ID. Just follow the steps for NC Driver’s License or NC State ID and bring your social security card with you. If you are not eligible for a REAL ID, you must use your passport as appropriate.
There are two DMV offices in close proximity to UNCG:
2527 E. Market Street Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336.334.5745
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
2391 Coliseum Boulevard Greensboro, NC 27403
Phone: 336.334.5438
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Health and Safety
The wellbeing of all students and visitors is a top priority at UNCG. The UNCG Police Department offers a number of Safety Programs, Apps and Sites, and Resources geared at making students feel safe and comfortable at all times.
The Student Health Center also plays a critical role in maintaining mental and physical wellness of the campus community. Their staff can assist with matters related to student health insurance, medical appointments, and counseling sessions. If you are a J-1 international student or international scholar, visit the SHS page on Health Insurance Requirements.