Dear Student,

Wake Forest is excited to introduce its new Affiliate Housing Program, designed to expand nearby off-campus housing options for juniors — while continuing the University’s commitment to a distinctively residential Wake Forest experience. This program — which will kick off in the 2027-28 academic year — reflects a core belief of our community: where you live matters.

What is affiliate housing?

Beginning with the Class of 2029, students may earn credit toward the University’s six-semester residency requirement by living at an approved affiliate property during their junior year.

Affiliate properties are not owned or operated by Wake Forest and must meet specific University standards to participate.

Residence Life and Housing will oversee the Affiliate Housing Program. Affiliate properties will be featured on Wake Forest’s off-campus housing website at offcampushousing.wfu.edu, powered by College Pads.

Why is Wake Forest launching this program?

The Affiliate Housing Program is intended to:

• Provide greater clarity and flexibility in housing decisions
• Create student-focused pathways in the private rental market
• Discourage accelerated leasing timelines
• Support a cohesive residential experience across all four years



By communicating earlier and expanding pathways to fulfill the residency requirement, the University hopes to foster a more informed, balanced, and student-centered approach to housing planning. Wake Forest will continue to evaluate how this program serves our distinctive residential community.

Featured affiliate housing partner

As part of this launch, Creekside at The Grounds will be a featured affiliate housing partner. This new community, opening in Fall 2027, represents a significant addition to nearby housing options as current first-year students begin planning ahead for their junior- and senior-year living arrangements. Students who will have fulfilled their residency requirement when Creekside at The Grounds opens in Fall 2027 may also consider living at this exciting development.

Designed with Wake Forest in mind, Creekside will offer fully furnished one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments in a purpose-built residential setting. Located along the revitalized Silas Creek and connected to campus by a multi-use path, the community combines independent living with close proximity to campus. All units will be fully furnished with modern furniture and smart TVs, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and private bathrooms for all bedrooms. Community amenities will include study lounges with smart TVs, a 24/7 fitness center, pool, package room, dedicated parking, an on-site clubhouse, and outdoor gathering spaces that support learning, connection, and wellbeing.

Important reminder about WFU’s residency requirement

Students who have not fulfilled the University’s six-semester residency requirement should not sign any off-campus lease unless they have received a written release from Residence Life and Housing.

While Creekside at The Grounds is the only affiliate property at this time, we expect additional properties to be added. As the Affiliate Housing Program expands, the number of juniors released from the residency requirement is expected to decline significantly. For this reason, students are strongly encouraged to wait until more information is shared before signing any lease.

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More information about the Affiliate Housing Program, including the student application process, will be shared in the coming months. To ensure consistent and accurate communication, the University asks that students wait for future updates, as additional details will be provided soon.

Warm regards,

Zach Blackmon, Ph.D. | Director of Operations

Stephanie Carter-Atkins, Ed.D. | Executive Director