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Non-Traditional Students

The University of North Texas considers a non-traditional student to be an undergraduate who has two or more of the following characteristics:

  • Is older than the perceived “traditional” college age
  • Has returned to higher education after time away from initial enrollment
  • Has enrolled in higher education after time away from secondary education
  • Has dependents other than a spouse (usually children, family members, or others)
  • Is a single parent (either not married, or married but separated and has dependents)
  • Works at least 35 hours per week
  • Commutes to campus
  • Is enrolled in 100% online or off-campus courses

Introduction: A Message from your Non-Traditional Student Representative

"Non-traditional students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We are parents, veterans, returning students, commuters, full-time employees, and more. Although non-traditional students are becoming the new-norm on college campuses across the country, most of us would say it is difficult to feel like a member of the campus community. As your Non-Traditional Student Representative, I am determined to make every non-trad student feel included and at home at the University of North Texas. After all, non-trad students possess qualities that college campuses need now more than ever: resilience, adaptability, stamina, and optimism. Off-Campus Student Services provides non-trad students with resources and opportunities so that you can get the most out of your UNT experience. In these unprecedented times, community could not be more paramount, and we need support now more than ever. I am proud to be apart of our non-trad community and cannot wait to support you!"

OCSS Non-Traditional Student Representative, NonTradRep@unt.edu

  • You Should Know

    UNT has over 4,000 faculty and staff members, hundreds of departments, special facilities, services and events for you. As you get to know your campus, professors and academic advisors, you may also want to take advantage of the many benefits of being a UNT student.

    READ MORE

  • Campus Student Services

    UNT is a state-of-the art university. Our campus has all of the modern amenities that you would expect from a prestigious 21st century school. There are many computer access labs, complete library services, and student organizations, including an organization and social groups specifically for non-traditional students

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  • Navigating UNT Online Systems

    As a modern university, UNT is fully integrated online with many classes taught exclusively via the internet, and others in a classroom with supplemental internet instruction. In addition to coursework, most of your student information, including financial information, schedule and registration, and grades are centrally located in an online database. To navigate the UNT online system, students need only general knowledge of the internet and understanding of the tools required to access the UNT online system.

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  • Tips & Tricks

    All students entering college go through a period of adjustment. Non-traditional students may face even greater challenges as they strive to balance work and family with the new responsibilities of school. You may lack confidence or feel a certain degree of disorientation. You may have doubts about your own ability to do the work. There are many issues a non-trad may have to overcome to be successful in college, but with a positive attitude and motivation, you will accomplish your goals.

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  • How-To Vidoes

    Check out some helpful videos for our visual learners.

    VIDEOS

  • Scholarship Information

    There are many grants and scholarships specifically for non-traditional students. While the scholarships listed here are solely for non-traditional students, most scholarships are not restricted because of age, marital status, family situation or prior education. Non-traditional students are fully eligible for Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and any other federal and state financial aid program. These grants are accessed by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. For more information about scholarships and financial aid, and for a full list of scholarships available, visit financialaid.unt.edu/scholarships. Also, apply for the scholarships available within the College of your declared major, which are typically listed by each department online.

    READ MORE

Non-Traditional Student Representative

Coming to college for the first time, or returning after some time away, can be a very intimidating and scary idea for students. Trying to navigate the campus, knowing who to talk to about certain resources UNT provides, and getting into the groove of things in the classroom may seem stressful, and may take a bit of time for some. We have a Non-Traditional Student Representative to help you throughout your experience here at UNT, whether you're new and adjusting to life at UNT or counting down the days until graduation. This person, who is also a fellow non-traditional student, is available to answer any questions you may have or confide in about any issues you might be facing as a non-traditional student at UNT.

If you would like to speak with the Non-Trad Rep, please email them at NonTradRep@unt.edu or call (940) 565-3807.

Non-Traditional Student Resources

Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society for Adult Learners

Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) is an invitation-only national honor society for undergraduate adult learner students pursuing their first baccalaureate degree. Each semester, qualifying adult learner students (age 24 and older) are invited to apply for membership. After submitting a membership form and paying one-time dues, new members are formally inducted into ASL at the Induction Ceremony. ASL is a great way for high-achieving adult learners to be recognized for academic ability while overcoming the obstacles that adult learners and non-traditional students experience. ASL also offers an annual scholarship for adult learners.

Membership options include the following:

  • Membership only: $10
  • Membership and participation in the Induction Ceremony (price includes inductee guests): $27
  • Membership with graduation honor cords: $29
  • Bundle (membership, participation in the induction ceremony, and cords): $45 

For more information about ASL, visit the National ASL Website.

On the national website, you can also sign up for the ASL newsletter, get information about scholarships, and get connected to additional student resources. 

Non-Traditional Student Appreciation Week: October 9-13, 2023

UNT is dedicated to engaging our non-traditional students to enrich their journey through higher education. Are you a non-traditional student in search of resources, community, or free food?  Non-Traditional Student Appreciation Week, or "Non-Trad Week" is a full week of programming for Non-Traditional Students. It is held every Fall semester. Non-Trad Week events typically include extended departmental office hours, special food offerings, social events, presentations from UNT Departments and special guest speakers, family fun and movie nights, free tickets to a football game, professional-quality headshots, and so much more! All events are free with a current UNT student ID.

Check back for updates on activities and programs offered during Non-Trad Week.

Stay Up-to-Date

If you'd like to be alerted via email of upcoming events, resources, and scholarships that benefit you as a non-traditional student. 

Commuter Students

Our convenient location and online programming are some of the many reasons why more than 40,000 students choose to pursue their education with UNT. Approximately 80% of our students live near campus or are commuters who travel from the surrounding DFW area. Of these, over 8,000 fall into the category of “non-traditional” and over 3,000 are 100% online students. At UNT, Student Activities offers many options for off-campus, commuter, and non-traditional students, allowing you to balance your academic schedule around the distance, your job, and family responsibilities. Part of Student Activities, Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS), is here to you achieve your educational and extracurricular goals.

What is a Commuter Student? An Off-Campus Student?

For our purposes, a commuter student is a student who lives outside of Denton and drives to school. The student could live at home with their parents or relatives, live with their own family or dependents, or live alone. An off-campus student lives off-campus, but near UNT or in the city of Denton. Off-campus students typically live with a roommate or roommates in an apartment or house. They either walk, bike, take the bus, or drive a short distance to campus.

Commuter Student Guide

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Commuter Student Apprecation Week: March 4-8, 2024

Commuter Week is held every spring semester to honor and celebrate UNT students who commute to campus from outside of Denton. This week is also designed to create more awareness for our Commuters who have specific experiences. Commuter Week is filled with fun and informative events and programs offered by Off-Campus Student Services and other UNT Departments.

Off-Campus Housing

We work with Off-Campus Housing Source to provide a webpage, offcampushousing.unt.edu, dedicated to helping students find off-campus housing in the greater Denton area. On this page, you can find or post ads for apartments and homes for lease or rent. The page also hosts a roommate and sub-lease search application, free for UNT students. If you are looking for family-style housing instead of student housing and unable to find what you are looking for, select "Contact Us" in the top menu bar of that page and complete the contact form. Off-Campus Housing Source will reach out and help you directly.

Need some help? Check out the video below: "Off-Campus Housing 101", a presentation that includes information on Off-Campus Student Services (1:46), how to search for off-campus housing in the Denton area (10:43), and legal perspectives related to housing (37:28). This presentation is brought to you by OCSS, Off-Campus Housing Source, and UNT Student Legal Services.


Quick Tips for Landing Off-Campus Housing

  • Always Get a Tour

    Always Get a Tour

    Before making any major purchase, ask to see the place you plan to move into. All properties should be willing to give you a tour, and in most cases, you can reserve a date and time with the property manager. Examine every property of your interest and see if it is the one for you and your roommates. Contact the property managers directly for the best customer service, pricing and assistance. 

  • Establish a Relative Budget

    Establish a Relative Budget

    Signing a lease is a big deal; before you sign your name you should consider a number of factors. Establish a monthly budget to determine the costs of living off-campus. Consider food, transportation (gas and insurance), rent, utilities, internet, and other expenses that you may have. Find a place that fits your budget and living needs, and is a reasonable distance from school, work, etc. Most contracts are for either 9 months or a full calendar year, so think ahead for possible timing conflicts. Before you sign a lease, be sure that you can make these commitments and that they can be upheld until the conclusion of your leasing term. The UNT Student Money Management Center is an excellent place to learn how to get started on a budget. 

  • Ask About Bills

    Ask About Bills

    When discussing leasing contracts with a property manager, ask about Utilities (electricity, sewer, etc.) and what is included in your rent. Each property has a different method of collecting bills, and you should be aware of your options. Also, ask if you must make arrangements for utilities before your move-in date or if the property manages the utilities for you. Make a list of what each property provides (Including internet, cable, shuttle service, gym, maintenance support, etc.)

  • Actually Read Your Contract

    Actually Read Your Contract

    Before signing a lease, ensure you know exactly what you are signing. Every person intending to sign the lease should thoroughly read the contact. Be sure to understand if you are renting a single room or splitting an apartment unit among roommates listed on the contract. Be sure to read the fine print and highlight important dates and information. Ask questions of property managers over terms you do not understand and, if needed, seek legal assistance to verify the authenticity of your contract. UNT Student Legal Services[BROKEN LINK] is a great resource and is free for UNT students. 

  • Don't Give Up

    Don't Give Up

    Off-Campus Student Services is here to support your success. Should you ever need any help, please don't hesitate to contact us. We can help you navigate university resources such as parking or bus routes with Transportation Services, or look into a Commuter Meal Plan through Dining Services. Additionally, you need personal assistance navigating a housing search in the greater Denton area, fill out the contact request form here. For additional assistance, contact Off-Campus Student Services at ocss@unt.edu, (940) 565-3807, or stop by our office Union 345.

  • Begin Your Roommate Search

    Begin Your Roommate Search

    One of the quickest ways to locate housing off-campus is to find students who already have a place to live and are in need of a roommate, or who are looking to sublease their place. Our online roommate search can be found here. Read through the Roommates and Sub-Leases section below to explore how to find other students in need of a place to share! 

Finding a Roommate

The Off-Campus Housing Source website allows you to create a profile to find potential roommates, or have potential roommates find you! This service is free for current UNT students.  

Start Your Roommate Search

  • Go to the UNT Off-Campus Housing Source website: offcampushousing.unt.edu
  • If creating a new profile, click "Account" on the right on the menu bar, then click "Sign Up", and enter your EUID and password to log in; if you already have a profile, click "Log In"
  • Once logged in, click on "Account" again, where you can create or update your profile by clicking "View/Update Profile;" note that you can control your roommate preferences, privacy settings or hide/delete your account at any time
  • Once your profile is completed, you will be able to conduct a roommate search and/or potential roommates will be able to find you, at which point you can connect to determine if you are right for each other

Finding a Good Roommate Fit

It is your responsibility to contact potential roommates, communicate your desires and needs, and determine if the potential roommate is a good fit for you. It is likewise the potential roommate's responsibility to determine if the fit is good fit for them. No matter what, trust your gut and err on the side of safety when making decisions for yourself. 

Tips

  • Create interview questions (see below for examples)
  • Create a list of expectations to discuss with your potential roommate (e.g., is it okay to eat each other's food, what time of night would you like it to be quiet by so you can go to bed)
  • Meet in a public place
  • Always tell someone where you're going and how long you plan on being there

When speaking with a potential roommate, you may want to consider or ask about, but not limited to, the following:

  • Are you a morning or evening person?    
  • Do you have a job? How do you pay your bills?
  • What time do you typically go to bed and wake up?
  • What's your typical schedule?
  • Have you ever had a problem with roommates before?
  • How often do you clean?
  • What's your monthly budget for everything related to housing (e.g., rent, utilities, internet)?
  • If we had a disagreement, how would you prefer to resolve it?
  • How often do you have guests over? Will you have overnight guests? Do you host social events?
  • What amenities and services do you need or prefer (e.g., laundry, parking, pool, trash pick-up, fitness center, etc.)?
  • What are your preferred security preferences or services?
  • How close to campus do you prefer to be?
  • Do you have furniture? If so, what?

Subleasing

Life has all kinds of unexpected turns, and you have to adjust your plans. This may mean you can no longer live in your place, but you can't get out of your lease! This is where subleases can help. Subleases are when another person takes over someone else's lease and continues full or partial payment (whichever is negotiated as allowed by the property owner). Off-Campus Housing Source is a good place for you to post your sublease or find a sublease if you want a short-term living arrangement. This service is free for current UNT students.

Start Your Sublease Search/Post

  • Go to the UNT Off-Campus Housing Source website: offcampushousing.unt.edu
  • If creating a new profile, click "Account" on the right on the menu bar, then click "Sign Up", and Enter your EUID and password to log in; if you already have a profile, click "Log In"
  • Once logged in, click on "Account" again and click on "Sublet/Relet Listing" 
  • Enter your sublease information when prompted; note that you can control your sublease preferences, privacy settings or hide/delete your account at any time
  • Once your profile is completed, you will be able to conduct a sublease search or post your sublease

Finding a Good Sublease Fit

It is your responsibility to contact potential sub-lessors/lessees, communicate your desires and needs, and determine if the situation is a good fit for you. It is likewise the potential sub-lessor/lessee's responsibility to determine if the fit is a good fit for them. No matter what, trust your gut and err on the side of safety when making decisions for yourself. 

Tips

  • Create interview questions (see below for examples)
  • Do an internet search for subletting tips (e.g., type the address into Google Earth to look at a picture of the property to make sure it's legitimate) and avoiding scams 
  • Meet in a public place
  • Always tell someone where you're going and how long you plan on being there
  • Note that if something seems too good to be true (e.g., rent is significantly lower than it should be), it probably is
  • If you find a match as a sub-lessor/lessee, ensure the completion of a sub-lease agreement

When speaking with a potential sub-lessee or sub-lessor, you may want to consider or ask about, but not limited to, the following:

  • Does the apartment or landlord allow for subleases? It should say in the leasing agreement.
  • What is the living arrangement? Will there be roommates? Is it a house or an apartment?
  • What are the rules and conditions for the sublease?
  • What is the duration of the sublease?
  • How are the rent payments to be made?
  • What utilities will be included (or not included) in the rent? If not included, how are utilities payments made?
  • Can the sublease be voided at any time?
  • When is it available for move-in? When would I need to move out?
  • Is there a security deposit?
  • Is the property furnished?

Community Resources

Helpful links for Denton & the surrounding area.

Off-Campus Student Legal Services

Here is a provided list of Student Legal Services that may be helpful for off-campus students:

For a full list of legal services, visit UNT Student Legal Services[BROKEN LINK]

Housing Fairs

UNT's Housing Fair, held in both Fall and Spring, connects students with representatives from local apartment properties and student-living communities, as well as housing resources, all in one place. With properties bringing floor plans, information about amenities, price breakdowns, and move-in specials, the Housing Fair helps students find housing in the City of Denton. Additionally, UNT departments and community partners participate in providing important information and resources related to living off-campus housing. 

2023-2024 Housing Fair Dates:

  • July 26th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm Join the Virtual Housing Fair!
  • October 11th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Library Mall
  • March 6th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Library Mall

Vendors

Off-Campus housing vendors are invited to participate. Registration details and fees will be posted soon. 

If you are a housing vendor interested in participating, send an email to OCSS@unt.edu to be added to the invitation list. 

Community Partners

Community partners include UNT Departments and any off-campus non-profit, state, or local government or community agency that can provide valuable information to UNT students related to living off-campus. There is no registration fee for community partners. After registration, more information and instructions will be sent to you. 

If you are a community partner interested in participating, please email us at OCSS@unt.edu to be added to the invitation list.

Student Parents & Families

UrbanSitter & Complete Care

Complete Care pairs UrbanSitter's child care, pet care, senior care, and household services with Kinside's marketplace of daycares and preschools to bring you the very best coverage for all your needs. No matter the scenario, find the care that fits your budget, schedule, location, and preferences. This program is FREE to UNT students, faculty, and staff. An introduction to Complete Care can be found HERE!

To sign up, visit the Complete Care website HERE!

Lactation Rooms

Certificate: Mother-Friendly Worksite
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act calls for certain organizations with 50 or more employees to provide a private location and “reasonable break time” for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child's birth. Bathrooms cannot be designated as lactations rooms by the institution.

Five rooms for breastfeeding have been completed and furnished in the busiest buildings:

  • Union 431 (next to the restrooms)
  • Discovery Park B145
  • Willis Library 155C- need a key from front desk to access (Currently closed as Library is under renovation)
  • Gateway Center C058A- need the key from the front desk to access
  • General Academic Building 542A-need key from Dean's Office (rm 210) to access

The private rooms are indicated by the universal breastfeeding logo (see below), except for Union 431.

Universal breastfeeding and lactation logo.

Each room has a wood-look vinyl plank floor for ease of cleaning, includes a bariatric chair (rated to hold up to 1,000 pounds) covered in vinyl upholstery (also for ease of cleaning), a side table, and a table lamp so nursing mothers can turn off the overhead light if they so choose.

Each room also includes an outlet for a breast pump and a Koala brand changing table. There are no sinks in the rooms, but wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers installed.

For a comprehensive list of lactation rooms, please use the Lactation Rooms link above.

The Texas Health Code identifies organizations as “mother-friendly” when they establish policies to support worksite breastfeeding. The code also allows breastfeeding in any location.

Family-Friendly Study Hours

*On pause for the Fall 2023 semester*

UNT Food Pantry presented by Kroger

The UNT Food Pantry presented by Kroger is one of the best ways to serve our students experiencing food insecurity. Located in Crumley Hall, in the Diamond Eagle Student Resource Center, W. Highland Street, Denton, TX, 76201

Beginning August 21st, the UNT Food Pantry presented by Kroger hours for the Fall 2023 semester are:

  • Monday: 11am-6pm
  • Tuesday: 10am- 6pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30am- 1:30pm
  • Thursday: 10am-1pm
  • Friday: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Saturday: 12:30pm -2:30pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Learn more about the Food Pantry HERE

Request an Accommodation