For the sixth year in a row, NC State welcomed its largest incoming class. With the increase in the student population, there is an increase in the demand for student housing.

In an email interview, NC State University Housing Director of Administration, Katrina Pawvluk, explained how the increase in demand impacts student housing.

“Because the university has a first-year live-on requirement, any change in admission numbers for new freshmen has an impact on the total number of beds available for returning students. University Housing regularly reviews all on-campus spaces in an effort to maximize options within our inventory. A recent example of this effort includes relocating some office space in Wolf Ridge and allowing us to add a 4-person apartment back into our student inventory,” Pawvluk said.

For some NC State students, housing is a worrying topic. Fredy Gallardo, a third-year studying electrical engineering, plans to reapply for on-campus housing next year. Gallardo said that the incoming classes fueled his concerns saying, “Oh yeah, definitely. Each year we keep accepting more freshmen. So it’s definitely something to worry about for sure.”

When asked about NC State’s current housing assignments, Gallardo said, “I wish they had more options for sure.”

Another student, Olivia Greenspan, a first-year studying math, said, “I think people like to complain,” she said, “…but also, I don’t know if there would be a better way to do it…I think freshman year is a little unfair. Because you have really good dorms and then you have really bad dorms in the same pool.”

To remedy the housing issue, NC State is launching the Cates West Development to provide new student housing and dining facilities. Other goals include improving the student experience by building community spaces and having a dedicated space for student academic initiatives.

The project will take place in three phases and is projected to be completed in 2030. It will involve the demolition of buildings such as Lee Hall, Sullivan Hall and Bragaw Hall.

The reconstruction will take place on NC State’s Central Campus precinct.

When asked if the project will change housing assignments, Pawvluk said, “The Cates West project will likely be done in phases in order to maintain (or increase) the number of beds we have available to students. Based on this, I don’t foresee any significant impacts in how students are assigned.”

On the topic of on-campus housing, Pawvluk said, “A goal for University Housing is to provide housing for students that is clean and well maintained across our inventory. We want all students to have a positive and comfortable on-campus experience. We also have our buildings on a regular summer refresh process which includes but is not limited to new paint, flooring, lounge furniture, etc.“

Gallardo is hoping to obtain on-campus housing again next year, but in the event he is unable to, he said, “There are some apartments down on Trailwood Drive that I saw, and that’s where I’m going to apply to.”

The housing inventory gap in North Carolina is impacting off-campus housing affordability. When asked if off-campus housing pricing was a cause for concern, he said. “For the most part, yeah.” He continued, “especially ones that are closer to campus? They’re more expensive.”

Pawvluk said “In recent years we have seen an increase in off-campus rental rates which can make off-campus housing not a cost effective option for some students and families. There are also a limited number of apartment complexes that offer 9 month leases so students are forced to pay rent on an apartment they may not be using during the summer months.”

According to Zillow’s rental site, the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Raleigh is $1,850. Another rental website, Apartments.com, estimates that the average two-bedroom apartment is $1,607 for 1,078 sq. ft.

Erin Breiner, program director of community support in the Office of Student Life and Advocacy, gave tips for seeking affordable off-campus housing. Tips include setting a budget including more than base rent, determining non-negotiables, comparing properties, finding roommates and negotiating contracts to save money.

Students who want off-campus housing can use the NC State off-campus housing website. There are tabs for housing, roommate searching, resources and listing searches.