Planning your Arrival
need-to-know
The Registrar's Calendar is where you can find all of the dates and deadlines for the current and future semesters. You can also find exam schedules and a calendar of religious holidays on that page, as well as access to the course schedule.
The Graduate Catalog includes University academic policies, regulations, and procedures; information about degree and certificate programs, including degree requirements; a listing and description of courses; and a faculty directory. Refer to the catalog that corresponds to the year you were admitted.
Laptop requirement
You may bring your own laptop or choose to purchase one elsewhere. The NinerTech Store offers several laptop bundles. Note: Check with your Graduate Program Director and view the specific hardware and software requirements of your college. (There is also free software!)
Register for classes
Course registration can be confusing. Visit our how-to guide for instructions!
Contact your department
Make key connections ahead of time. Read your department's website, introduce yourself to your future professors, and connect with your new colleagues!
The free LiveSafe app has many features to help keep you safe, and its handy GPS can give directions to campus buildings.
Navigating Campus
Transportation
UNC Charlotte runs free bus service 7 days per week around campus with connections to the light rail and to Charlotte Area Transit (CATS). Download the UNC Charlotte Niner Transit Pass Go app for transit and paratransit arrival estimates and schedules.
Niner Paratransit provides disability transport for those with mobility impairments. Arrange this through the Office of Disability Services. Paratransit riders must first register.
Parking
All campus parking requires either a permit or visitor parking payment.
Various parking permit types can be purchased through UNC Charlotte MyPark, including an $8 daily permit for people who aren't on campus often.
Find an overview and in-depth information about parking on the Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) website.
For information regarding disability parking options, please see the PATS Disability Parking page.
With a campus ID you can take the fare-free shopping shuttle from campus to Target, Harris Teeter, and Patel Bros Friday through Sunday, from 5-9 pm.
Bike and scooter rentals can also be found around campus.
Public Safety
Find NinerReady Preparedness information on the Charlotte Emergency Management site.
It is suggested that you not walk on campus alone after dark and that you travel only on lighted pathways. You can request a SafeRide from UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety by calling 704-687-2200, texting or calling from the LiveSafe app, or with a Blue Light Emergency Phone. There are over 300 of these phones across campus. They're monitored 24/7 for reporting crimes and for the SafeRide program.
CITY transport Options
Those who pay the Miscellaneous Transportation Service Charge (MTSC) in their student fees (most enrolled students do, with the exception of Distance Education and students enrolled in co-op programs) then you have already paid for a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) pass and can ride the light rail and buses with your 49er ID card.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is our nearest airport. Other (occasionally more affordable) options include Concord-Padgett Regional, Piedmont Triad International, and Raleigh Durham International.
The light rail (LYNX Blue Line) runs from the UNC Charlotte station to South Charlotte. You can easily travel via light rail from the Dubois Center to the main campus and back, with trains running every 15 minutes for most of the day.
There are also over 70 bus routes serving Mecklenburg county and surrounding areas. Check out Passio GO to get live tracking of buses around Charlotte!
Amtrak is the train service
Finally, one great resource for finding bikes on a budget is the Charlotte Re-Cyclery, a local nonprofit that refurbishes and sells used bikes.
Living in Charlotte
Fun Things to Do
We have recommendations for ways to find fun things to do in and around the Charlotte area, and if you're looking for even more things do, Charlotte's got you!
Public Library
We love Atkins Library, but the public library also has a wealth of resources! Residents can get a virtual card (non-residents pay a nominal yearly fee).
Grad Students with Kids
Find a number of potential child care resources and suggestions for family activities on the CGLL's Students with Children page.
Beyond Charlotte
From the beaches to the mountains, North Carolina has a lot to offer. See what's out there at visitnc.com.
Utilities
Duke Energy 800-600-DUKE (electricity)
Piedmont Natural Gas 800-752-7504
Charlotte Water 704-336-7600
Most neighborhoods have several options for internet (including fiber), TV, and home phone service.
