Student Life in Charlotte


Our JWU Charlotte community is incredibly close-knit. With our location in the heart of the city’s Uptown district, students have access to job and internship opportunities, as well as being just steps from professional sports venues, museums, parks and award-winning food.

JWU students enjoy a beautiful day in the City
A serene urban park at dusk, with a calm pond reflecting the illuminated skyscrapers and bare trees against a deep blue sky.

Living in Charlotte, North Carolina

JWU’s Charlotte Campus spans just a few blocks, making it closely connected and easily walkable. You can also hop on the free CityLynx Gold Line Light Rail stop right by campus to quickly get to the center of Uptown.

When you’re not exploring the city, you can get involved on campus by joining one of the 35+ student clubs, playing for an athletic team or attending events. There’s always something fun to do outside the classroom.

Where You’ll Live

Campus Housing That Feels Like Home

Living on campus gives students an opportunity to experience the best of JWU. Our two centrally located residence halls offer suite-style living with in-unit bathrooms. Pet-friendly living options are also available.

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What You’ll Eat

Eat in or order to-go from The Caf

The Caf is our primary dining location with menus ranging from comfort favorites to global eats. It includes stations and concepts such as Wildcat Kitchen, Pantry, Soup & Salad Bar, Grill, Pizza & Pasta, and Dessert. The Caf accepts meal plan swipes or flex dollars, and cash and credit for faculty and staff without a meal plan.

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How To Get Involved

35+ Student Clubs and Organizations

From exploring mixology to appreciating anime, our clubs and organizations span a wide range of topics — if you can’t find something you like, you can easily start your own club. Fraternities and sororities are also active on campus. You’ll meet our clubs and orgs at the Involvement Fair, one of the Welcome Week events that kicks off the fall semester. Campus events like this are an integral part of our traditions and allow students to come together and make new friends.

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NCAA Coast-to-Coast DIII Varsity Athletics

JWU Wildcats Compete in 9 Different Sports

Get in the game or cheer on your fellow Wildcats from the stands! Intramural, recreation, fitness and wellness programs are also part of our Athletics offerings.

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Getting Around Charlotte

Transportation to Campus and in the City

For traveling into Uptown, students can use the free CityLYNX Light Rail Gold Line, which has a stop right by campus. If you have your own car on campus, you can purchase a parking permit for the Cedar Street Parking Deck (Lot D). JWU students can also get a discounted Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) pass to get around the city and state.

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Commuters

Living off-campus? Here’s what to know.

Commuting students are still part of the campus community and have access to all the same resources and services as students living on campus. There are also dedicated commuter hang-out spaces on campus, and our Student Engagement office is always available to help you with planning for off-campus living.

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Interested in studying abroad?

Take Your Studies Around the World

We offer direct enroll, exchange and faculty-led programs that include a wide range of interests, time frames and locations. You can complete your studies while immersing yourself in a different culture and expanding your worldview.

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JWU Global

Support for International Students

JWU Global is a unified hub dedicated to supporting international students throughout their entire JWU journey. The International Student Services Office offers comprehensive immigration and support services for JWU’s international student population, and the English Language Culture Academy teaches the English as a Second Language (ESL) program to help international students improve their English language skills.

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Campus Safety & Security

The Safety & Security team is on duty around the clock, every day of the year, and works closely with Charlotte police, fire and EMS. Every building opens by ID card swipe. Blue light emergency phones sit at regular intervals throughout campus, and the Safe Walk program provides an escort or a ride at night.

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Parents & Families

Our students’ families are an integral part of the Wildcat Community. 

Whether your student is deciding on a college, has already been accepted to JWU or is currently enrolled, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We’re here to help

Our admissions counselors can help you find programs that fit your needs, talk you through application steps, explain financial aid options, and answer questions. Get started today.