This housing policy, although aimed at creating a sense of community, has led to overcrowded accommodations and has compromised the quality of the experience for many. UNCW can strive for a better housing solution that prioritizes the well-being and experience of students, rather than forcing them into cramped living conditions.

My friend, like many other students, found herself in "overflow" housing during her freshman year. This made her feel like she was kicked to the curb by the University because of how overcrowded it's becoming. Also affected many other freshman amenities such as broken and overcrowded laundry facilities, uninviting bathroom conditions, and unappetizing meal options. The lack of study spaces in dorms and lack of privacy in rooms of up to 6 people. Not to mention the amount of stress for an RA to be responsible for up to 80 students and dining halls trying to accommodate such an influx of students.

This situation could have been entirely avoided if there was more flexibility with the University's rigid two-year on-campus housing requirement.

UNCW needs to revisit the two-year on-campus housing requirement and adjust it to allow second-years to go off-campus. This will help freshmen have a better on-campus experience with adequate accommodations, and for upperclassmen to become more independent and live more affordably. Please sign this petition to make a better first-year experience at UNCW.