How to Apply for Student Housing at Lark Chapel Hill

Finding the right place to live during college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a student. Housing can affect your academic success, social life, and overall well-being. For students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), one of the most popular and trusted options for off-campus living is Lark Chapel Hill. Known for its modern apartments, spacious two-bedroom options for UNC students, convenient location, and vibrant student community, Lark offers everything you need to balance academics and lifestyle.

But how exactly does the application process work? If you’re new to renting, the leasing process can seem a little overwhelming at first. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you step-by-step through how to apply for student housing at Lark Chapel Hill, covering floorplan selection, guarantor requirements, payment options, and tips to secure your spot before availability fills up.

Why Students Choose Lark Chapel Hill

Before diving into the application process, it helps to understand why so many UNC students choose to live at Lark Chapel Hill in the first place. Unlike dorms, Lark provides independence, privacy, and premium amenities designed with students in mind. You’ll enjoy features like:

• Fully furnished apartments with modern finishes
• Individual bedrooms and private bathrooms
• High-speed internet and utilities included
• A fitness center, study lounges, and resort-style pool
• A built-in student community with social events
• Walking or biking distance to UNC’s campus

With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that housing at Lark fills up quickly every leasing season. That’s why understanding how to apply for student housing at Lark Chapel Hill early can make all the difference.

Step 1: Explore Floorplan Options

The first step in the application process is choosing the floorplan that best fits your lifestyle and budget. Lark Chapel Hill offers a wide variety of layouts, including:

• Studios – Ideal for students who prefer their own space without roommates.
• Two-Bedroom Units – Great for sharing with a roommate while still enjoying a private bedroom and bathroom.
• Three- and Four-Bedroom Units – Perfect for those who want a social atmosphere and shared living costs.

Each apartment comes furnished, saving you the hassle of buying and moving large pieces of furniture. Utilities like water, Wi-Fi, and electricity are bundled for convenience.

When deciding on a floorplan, consider how much privacy you want, your budget, and whether you already have roommates in mind. The earlier you decide, the more options you’ll have since the most popular layouts tend to lease first.

Step 2: Start the Online Application

Once you’ve selected a floorplan, the next step in how to apply for student housing at Lark Chapel Hill is filling out the online application. The process is simple and can be done entirely through Lark’s website.

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

1. Personal Information – Name, student status, contact info, etc.
2. Floorplan Preference – Your chosen apartment layout.
3. Roommate Requests – If you already have friends you’d like to live with, you can specify them here. If not, Lark offers a roommate matching service.
4. Application Fee – A small, non-refundable fee is usually required to process your application.

Submitting your application early is key. Since housing fills up quickly, waiting until the semester is near can limit your choices or result in waitlisting.

Step 3: Understand the Lease Structure

One of the biggest differences between off-campus housing like Lark and traditional apartment rentals is the lease structure. At Lark Chapel Hill, students sign individual leases, which means you’re only financially responsible for your portion of the rent—not your roommates’.

Here are a few important details:

• 12-Month Lease – Lark typically operates on a year-long lease, ensuring you have housing for the full academic year and summer if you stay in Chapel Hill.
• Rent Includes More – Unlike standard apartments, your lease at Lark often includes utilities, furniture, and community amenities.
• Independence from Roommates – Even if your roommate moves out or misses rent payments, your lease remains unaffected.

This structure is designed to make student housing less stressful and more predictable for both students and their families.

Step 4: Guarantor or Financial Proof

Because most students don’t yet have the credit history or income to qualify for a lease independently, Lark requires either:

• A Guarantor – Typically a parent or guardian who agrees to financially back your lease.
• Self-Qualification – Students who meet certain income or credit requirements may qualify on their own.

The guarantor will be asked to provide financial information and sign an agreement during the application process. This step ensures that rent payments remain consistent and reliable.

Step 5: Secure Your Spot

After you’ve completed your application and provided the necessary guarantor information, the next step is securing your apartment. Availability at Lark Chapel Hill is competitive, and floorplans lease out quickly.

To ensure you get your preferred unit:

• Apply Early – The best time to apply is in the fall or early spring for the following academic year.
• Be Flexible – If your first-choice floorplan isn’t available, consider alternatives like a three-bedroom unit with roommate matching.
• Pay Your Deposit – Once your application is approved, paying your security deposit officially secures your spot.

Step 6: Explore Flexible Payment Options

Lark Chapel Hill makes paying rent simple and student-friendly. Once your lease is signed, you’ll have access to flexible payment options, such as:

• Online Rent Payments – Pay rent securely through the resident portal.
• Automatic Withdrawals – Set up recurring payments so you never miss a due date.
• Financial Aid Support – If you’re receiving financial aid, you may be able to coordinate rent payments around disbursement schedules.

These flexible options take the stress out of managing rent while juggling classes, exams, and extracurriculars.

Step 7: Move-In Preparation

Once your lease is secured, the last step in how to apply for student housing at Lark Chapel Hill is preparing for move-in. Lark typically provides move-in checklists, key pick-up instructions, and information about utilities and amenities.

Here are a few tips for a smooth transition:

• Pack light—your apartment is already furnished.
• Coordinate with your roommates ahead of time to avoid duplicate items.
• Mark important move-in dates on your calendar.
• Reach out to the leasing office with any questions.

Tips to Make the Process Easier

To make applying as seamless as possible, keep these tips in mind:

• Start Early – UNC’s student housing market is competitive, so don’t wait until summer to apply.
• Have Documents Ready – Gather personal, financial, and guarantor details ahead of time.
• Use Roommate Matching – If you don’t already have roommates, Lark’s roommate matching service can connect you with compatible peers.
• Stay Connected – Follow up with the leasing office to confirm your application status.

Why Timing Matters

Applying early doesn’t just give you better floorplan choices—it also reduces stress. Housing is one of the most common concerns students face, and scrambling last-minute can leave you with fewer options. By understanding how to apply for student housing at Lark Chapel Hill ahead of time, you can secure your ideal living situation without added pressure.

UNC’s Off-Campus Student Life resources also recommend securing housing well before the semester begins, further emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.

Final Thoughts

Living at Lark Chapel Hill gives students the best of both worlds: proximity to UNC’s campus and the independence of off-campus housing. With modern apartments, resort-style amenities, and a student-focused lease structure, it’s no wonder so many Tar Heels call Lark home.

By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how to apply for student housing at Lark Chapel Hill—from selecting your floorplan to signing your lease and preparing for move-in. The process is designed to be straightforward, stress-free, and student-friendly.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your college journey, don’t wait. Explore floorplans, start your application, and secure your spot at Lark Chapel Hill before availability runs out.