Student Resources
Residency Requirement
Wake Forest has a six-semester residency requirement, subject to housing availability. Learn more here.
Students with less than six housing credits should not plan to live off-campus unless they have been released in writing from the residency requirement by Residence Life and Housing.
“Pathways to 6”
Fulfill the Residency Requirement
Students fulfill the residency requirement by earning all 6 housing credits.
Release via the Off-Campus Lottery
Students who have earned four housing credits and wish to be released from the University’s residency requirement early may enter the Off-Campus Lottery. This indicates a desire to live off-campus prior to fulfilling the residency requirement. As Residence Life and Housing finalizes the number of students eligible to live off-campus, they will use a random selection process to release the appropriate number.
Exception to Residency Requirement
Students who meet certain criteria may request an exception to the residency requirement. Learn more here. Students requesting an exception should proceed with the housing process until receiving confirmation of approval.
Return to Campus
Students who have previously moved off campus and wish to return to on-campus living may submit a return-to-campus request through their Housing Portal. Requests are reviewed on an individual basis against on-campus availability.
Student Requirements
Students should not sign a lease unless they have fulfilled the residency requirement or have been approved (in writing) to live off-campus.
Students may only lease from Registered Landlords.
Students approved to live off-campus must complete the following requirements each academic year:
- Register their residential address
- If a student moves, they must re-register their new address
- Complete an online off-campus orientation to learn about expectatoins from the University, the city, and our neighbors.
Failure to complete these expectations will lead to referral to the Student Conduct process and could lead to holds on student accounts.
Find Your New Home
Once approved to live off-campus, you’ll next want to find a place to live.
- Decide on whether you want to look for apartments or single-family homes.
- Before signing a lease, ensure your landlord has registered with the University.
- Landlords must register with the University and agree to the Landlord Terms and Conditions.
- Per city ordinance, no more than four (4) students will be approved to live in any one single-family home.
Off-Campus Terms and Conditions
Students must comply with the following terms in order to maintain eligibility for off-campus housing:
- The Student must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws; housing ordinances; zoning regulations; University policies; and these terms and conditions.
- The University is the final authority on violations of University rules.
- The University may amend its policies or implement new policies from time to time and without prior notice, and requires Student to comply with all changes or new policies when effective.
- In addition to all applicable rules mentioned above, the Student shall abide by the Student Code of Conduct and all future iterations thereof.
- The Student understands that only students who have fulfilled, or been released from, the residency requirement are eligible to live off-campus.
- The Student may only lease from Registered Landlords and must register their address with Residence Life and Housing.
- The Student must complete a mandatory Off-Campus Orientation each academic year.
- The Student understands that violation of University policies may cause them to become ineligible to live at a specific property type or off-campus during the term of a lease. In these circumstances, a notice of ineligibility will be sent to the Student and the Landlord.
- By entering into a lease with students, the Landlord agrees that upon notice of ineligibility, the Student’s lease will terminate and the Landlord will have no further rights against the student except the following:
- Rent due and owing, plus rent for one additional month, not to exceed the length of the term of the lease.
- Actions for damages to the property or other liability arising out of the Student’s occupancy of the property.
- By entering into a lease with students, the Landlord agrees that upon notice of ineligibility, the Student’s lease will terminate and the Landlord will have no further rights against the student except the following:
- The University may communicate with the Landlord, the Student, or both regarding the eligibility and status of the Landlord, the property, and/or the Student.
- The Student agrees that their Landlord may share their tenant information with the University in emergency situations.
- The University makes no representations, assumes no liability, and has no responsibility to the Student, the Landlord, or any third person with regard to any lease, occupancy, or housing by any students of Wake Forest University. The Student assumes full responsibility for the selection, use, or occupancy of such property.
Off-Campus Conduct
The Office of the Dean of Students, along with Residence Life and Housing, receives and reviews reports of off-campus student behavior.
Reports from the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) or Wake Forest University Police Department (WFUPD) will be forwarded to the Office of the Dean of Students.
Depending on the severity of the incident, students may receive a warning letter from Residence Life and Housing or a formal student conduct charge letter from the Dean of Students Office.
Common Issues
Noise
Noise comes in all shapes and sizes—loud music, horns, sirens, cars being repaired or tested, even your voice (if it’s too loud between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.).
Next to carelessly discarded trash, noise is the one thing that will cause the most difficulty with your neighbors. Please be courteous and keep the volume down.
If you do have a party and expect the music to get a bit louder than usual, talk to your neighbors about it in advance. They may be willing to put up with the inconvenience as long as parties are the exception rather than the rule.
Trash
The City of Winston-Salem has a variety of ordinances related to garbage and recycling.
In general, your garbage cart(s) and recycling cart must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day— and put away within 24 hours of collection. You can recycle, too, so place these items in the recycling cart, not the garbage.
If you need additional garbage carts, please talk with your landlord.
Parking
- Be sure to read all Parking Signs along streets to prevent being ticketed or being towed.
- Some streets do not allow parking at all.
- Be sure to ask your landlord to provide specific parking areas for cars.
- Please do not park on the grass!
Resources
Meal Plans
Meal plans are not required for off-campus students. Visit Deacon Dining’s website for more information regarding individual meal plans.
To add a meal plan, visit the Housing Portal.
Parking Passes
Learn more about the commuter parking passes available on the Parking website.
Wake Line Shuttles
WFU Transportation provides a network of shuttles throughout the year for students, faculty & staff. Whether you are commuting to work, getting around campus between classes, doing research at the medical center, or exploring downtown Winston-Salem, the Wake Line makes it easy. Keep up to date with schedules, request a ride, or even track your bus live while you wait.
Renter’s Insurance
Protect your stuff when you’re away from home
Now that you’re living on your own, you need to protect both yourself and your property with an affordable Renters Insurance plan from GradGuard.
Furniture Rental
Love your new place even more with our furniture packages starting at $139 per month*. CORT will design 3 rooms of cohesive furniture just for you. They do the work so you can stay focused on your education.
Tips for Being A Good Neighbor
- Meet your neighbors; ask about the neighborhood.
- Talk with neighbors before your event (give them the details and your phone number).
- If you have a problem with your neighbors, talk to them to resolve it; don’t ignore the situation.
- Keep the noise levels down, especially at night and in the early morning – it’s the courteous thing to do.
- You are responsible for your guests; if they cause problems for the neighborhood, the problem ultimately becomes yours.
Home Safety Tips
- Always report any suspicious behavior or people in your neighborhood to the police.
- When you come and go from your property, and even when you are home, keep your doors and windows locked.
- Know who is on the other side of a door before you open it.
- During the day, close blinds on ground-floor windows to prevent anyone from looking into your house or apartment.
- Leave some lights on so your space looks occupied.
- Make sure your outdoor lights work.
- As you make travel plans, visit your year-round neighbors and ask if they could keep an eye on your space.
- Take valuables with you if you’ll be gone for a long time (such as winter break).
QUESTIONS?
For specific questions, please contact Residence Life and Housing at or 336-758-5185.