UNC Greensboro prides itself on providing a welcoming campus community based on the values of equity, diversity and inclusion. As an office, the International Programs Center (IPC) strives to support these University principles to ensure that all students feel accepted and valued on campus. For this reason, we joined the nationwide #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign to demonstrate our commitment toward creating a friendly and safe environment for all of UNC Greensboro’s international students and visitors.
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. Opportunities for student engagement include more than 200 student organizations, 17 Division I athletic teams, intramurals, club sports, wellness center, campus golf course, student newspaper, student literary magazine, student radio station, music and choral groups, drama and dance performance groups, concerts, lecture and film series, internships, Outdoor Adventures program, fraternities and sororities, community service, and more! IPC also offers a variety of ways for students, scholars, and families to get involved in programs and events throughout the year.
To learn more, schedule a campus tour or take a virtual tour now!
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!
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:
UNCG and the city of Greensboro offer many opportunities for the family, from professional and intercollegiate sports to the Children’s Museum, the Greensboro Science Center and the Wet and Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park. Greensboro is also home to several city parks, botanical gardens and an arboretum. 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 assignment in Guilford County is 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.”
On-Campus Housing
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 International Programs Center (IPC) on a first-come-first served basis. For further information, please contact IPC.Off-Campus Housing
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 located near campus as well as temporary accommodation 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.Apartments
There are many off-campus housing options close to UNCG. Most 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
- The Reserve
- Summit at the Edge Apartments
Housing/Renting Legal Resources
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.Homestay Options
Students and scholars wishing to live with a U.S. family can connect with the American Homestay Network. Please contact Jorge A. Pradilla at jpradilla@homestaynetwork.com for more information. Homestay options are not available to international exchange students who are here for only a semester or academic year.Local Hotels and Other Short-Term Housing Options
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
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.Transportation
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 maintains a list of sustainable transportation options including rideshare services and bicycles. Options for navigating the city of Greensboro include the HEAT (Higher Education Area Transit) bus and the Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) local bus service. Uber and Lyft are rideshare services that can be accessed via your smartphone for on-demand travel needs. 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
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 a checking account during your stay. Many bills in the U.S. are paid with checks or bank 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.
Cell/Mobile Phone:
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 may offer prepaid or pay-as-you-go mobile phones with companies such as Motorola, T- Mobile, and Virgin Mobile. These allow you to buy inexpensive phones and purchase minutes of call time as needed.
Text messaging is popular in the U.S., but there may be limits or charges involved. Refer to your service provider to learn more.
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 state, 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 10 days and completed the IPC check in process to have your SEVIS Record activated.
North Carolina Driver’s License
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.
North Carolina State ID 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.
North Carolina REAL ID
Effective October 2020, 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 to obtain a REAL ID, you will need to use your passport as appropriate identification.Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Locations: 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
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 our page on Health Insurance Requirements for the J-1 visa.