About Wilmington - NC
Wilmington, located in North Carolina - NC, is one of the most popular destinations among students. Here is a breakdown of the proportion of international students by level of study in Wilmington - NC:
Undergraduate: 80%
Postgraduate: 10%
Research: 10%
Wilmington - NC, has 30% international students, making it the city with one of the largest percentages of international students in the USA. One world-class university is located in the city, including the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), and Cape Fear University, contributing to its excellent reputation for higher education.
Popular Student Areas in Wilmington - NC
Popular Wilmington - NC areas amongst university students are Northside, Downtown, and College Acres. There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for the perfect student area to stay in, including transportation, cost, and amenities.
Students living in Northside will be near UNCW and Cape Fear Community College, and purpose-built student apartments will cost around $950-$1,200.
Travel time from the Northside to the city centre by different modes of transportation:
Bus - Ten minutes
Taxi - Seven minutes
Walking - 15 minutes
Students living in the Downtown area will be near Cape Fear Community College, and purpose-built student apartments will cost around $1,300-$1,600.
Travel time from the North Campus to the city centre by different modes of transportation:
Bus - Nine minutes
Taxi - Seven minutes
Walking - 11 minutes
Students living in College Acres will be near UNCW, and purpose-built student apartments will cost around $700-$1,000.
Travel time from College Acres to the city centre by different modes of transportation:
Bus - Ten minutes
Taxi - Seven minutes
Walking - 15 minutes
Best Student Off-Campus Housing in Wilmington - NC
Wilmington - NC has a variety of student room options, and students can explore different areas of the city in proximity to their universities and budgets.
Discover Student Room Types in Wilmington - NC
The purpose-built student housing in Wilmington - NC, typically includes a variety of amenities included in the bills; it varies according to the provider's terms and conditions. But broadly, we suggest a student should consider budget, needs, and preferences while making decisions.
Here, we have categorised the room types given below based on preferences and budget to help you in your decision-making.
Type 1: Affordable off-campus student housing in Wilmington - NC:
These cost around US$800 - US$1,500/month on average and are recommended for students who are comfortable sharing space. Typically, such properties are houses or apartments.
Shared room
Amenities: Self-contained apartment with multiple bedrooms, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$900/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$850/month
Triple/ Quadruple rooms
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$800/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’s average rent: US$850/month
Entire place
Amenities: Private bedroom, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$1,300/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$1,500/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$1,450/month
Type 2: Affordable off-campus student apartments in Wilmington - NC with privacy: These rooms cost around US$900 – US$1,300/month
Single Room
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$800/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$700/month
Flatshare
Amenities: Private Bedroom in a shared house or flat, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$900/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$700/month
Twin Rooms
Amenities: One room with two single beds, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$700/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$600/month
Double Rooms
Amenities: One bedroom with double bed, shared bathroom, and a shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$900/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$700/month
Room Type 3: Wilmington - NC Off-campus student rooms with privacy, quiet space, and near downtown cost around US$900 – US$1,400/month.
Student Flats
Amenities: Private bedroom, private bathroom, private kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$900/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$700/month
Student En-Suite Rooms
Amenities: Single bedroom, Private bathroom, shared kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$800/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$700/month
Student Studios
Amenities: private bedroom, Private bathroom, private kitchen
Northside’s average rent: US$800/month
Downtown’s average rent:US$800/month
College Acres’ average rent: US$700/month
Room Type 4: Students who prefer amenities over budget
Student penthouses in Wilmington - NC , cost around $5,000/month.
These are suitable for students who prefer to have private bedrooms, a private balcony, a terrace, privacy, spacious rooms, and a top floor that is more than budget.
Cost of Living in Wilmington for Students
It varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall, keeping your Wilmington - NC , student housing rent apart, some additional expenses around food expenses, transportation costs, and US$140 - US$440 are overlooked. We have curated a list of such necessary items along with some tips to help you reduce the cost of living in Wilmington - NC, as a student:
Food Expenses: US$200-300/month on average.
We suggest buying groceries that cost around US$300/month and cooking your own meals.
Shop at grocery stores such as those that offer student discounts on groceries, such as.
Trader Joe's : a store available in Wilmington - NC that frequently has sales and special offers, making it easy to score good deals on essentials like produce, frozen food, and pantry staples.
Target store : Store available in Wilmington - NC, which runs weekly sales and promotions on groceries alongside other household essentials, including food, and also offers RedCard for additional discounts.
Aldi : Store available in Wilmington - NC, which is popular for rock-bottom prices on grocery items.
Walmart: Store available in Wilmington - NC, and it offers student-focused Walmart Student programme for free shipping on grocery orders over US$35 and access to exclusive discounts.
Costco : Store available in Wilmington - NC, which offers student membership-based discounts on bulk buying groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples.
Wilmington - NC Food Banks: Offers groceries/food for free or at the lowest prices possible. To find such local food banks and their eligibility criteria, visit Feeding America's website or call 211.
Transportation Expenses:US$90 /month on average. Tips to save some money on daily transportation in Wilmington - NC while living as a college student. According to your preferences and the distance of the university from your residence, you may choose whichever option suits you.
Rent Bicycles: A few companies offer docked bike sharing and dockless bike sharing at discounted prices for students. Also, the students can look for campus bike rental programmes offered by their university. Search for such companies near your student accommodation.
Buses & Metro Passes: Many transit agencies offer student discounts on transportation fares. Generally, you can visit PassFinder or American Public Transportation Association (ATA) website to find student discount passes and their Terms and Conditions..
Trains: Amtrak Intercity trains connect major cities across the country, and can be a good option for weekend tours. It offers student discounts for people aged between 12-25 years.
Ridesharing: As an alternative to taxis, companies like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts.Just ensure if their services are available in Wilmington - NC
Carpooling: Some universities and colleges offer carpool matching programmes for students.
Electric Scooters: These are a flexible option for short trips within the city. Many companies, such as Bird, Lime, Spin, Lyft, Skip, Voi, Tier, Bolt, and Neuron, offer student discounts or reduced fares for certain plans. Just ensure that their services are available in Wilmington - NC.
Kitchen Essentials: cost you around between US$140 - US$440 approximately. However, it depends on your student room, regardless of on-campus and off-campus apartments, if kitchen essentials are included in the rent or not. Checking the property page you are interested in isrecommended. The cost may vary according to the city.
Basic cookware set (pots, pans, and skillet): $30-$100
Utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, knives): $20-$50
Plates, bowls, and mugs: $20-$40
Cutting board, knives: $20-$50
Small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker): $50-$200
Tips for international students to save money on Kitchen essentials
Thrift stores and consignment shops
Reuse utensils of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their utensils or lend them to you.
Online marketplaces are helpful for buying items at affordable prices and buying second hand items. Ensuring to personally check the item is recommended.
Check if your university has any college campus rental programmes for kitchen utensils.
Search for appliance rental companies nearby in the city to rent out kitchen essentials.
Cook in groups: If you are a group of students moving together, divide the selected rental utensil bill with them. It will reduce the cost way more than expected.
Bedding, bathroom, and cleaning essentials: would cost you around US$250 - US$1000 approximately.
Bedding essentials would cost you around US$220 - US$850 approximately.
including
Mattress and box spring: $150-$500 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended.)
Comforter: $30-$200 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended.)
Sheets: $20-$50
Pillows: $10-$50
Blanket: $10-$50
Bathroom essentials would cost you around US$36 - US$160 approximately.
Including
Toothbrush: $2-$10
Toothpaste: $2-$10
Bar soap: $1-$5
Body wash: $3-$15
Shampoo and conditioner: $5-$20
Razor: $5-$15
Shaving cream: $3-$10
Towel: $5-$20
Bathrobe: $10-$50
Cleaning Essentials: would cost you around US$30 - US$80 approximately.
Including the items shared below. Generally, cleaning essentials are required for living in studio apartments and private rooms.
Dish soap: $1-$5
Sponges: $1-$5 for a pack of 2-3
Trash bags: $5-$10 for a large roll
Laundry detergent: $5-$15 for a small bottle
Cleaning wipes: $2-$5 for a pack
All-purpose cleaner: $3-$10
Toilet bowl cleaner: $2-$5
Mop and bucket: $10-$20
Tips for international students to save money on Bedding & Bathroom essentials
Shop during sales and promotions on special occasions
Buy in bulk from the stores that offer student discounts.
Reuse the bedding essentials of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their bedding essentials.
