Moving to Durham from New York City, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I worried that without 24-hour public transportation or late-night takeout spots, I’d feel stuck or out of place. But what I found was a slower, more intentional pace of life — and I actually grew to appreciate it. Durham isn’t NYC, but it has its own charm: friendly neighbors, beautiful green spaces, and local gems that quickly make it feel like home.

If you’re nervous about the transition, you’re not alone. But, for me, settling in turned out to be less daunting than I thought. Whether you’re getting ready to start your journey at Fuqua or you’re already on your way, here’s a guide to help you navigate this transition, from where to live to where to shop for your first couch.

Finding a Roommate

My first step to starting my Fuqua journey was to find a roommate. I am the kind of person who loves my alone time but also enjoys co-living and socializing with others. Coming to Fuqua, I knew that having my own room and a roommate would be perfect. Having a roommate helps me not feel alone in a new environment, especially when they can relate to that feeling, and it makes socializing a lot easier. So, I joined the admitted students’ LinkedIn page for my class to meet people.

Also, the admissions team put an Excel spreadsheet together where everyone puts down their information and preferences. That made the process of finding a roommate super smooth! The MQM/MMS WhatsApp group chat is another great source to get to know people and reach out to anyone you relate to.

Choosing a Place To Live

When I was looking for a place to live, what was most important to me was the distance to places I knew I’d be going to regularly. That includes the supermarket, downtown Durham, and restaurants.

The second most important thing was looking for a place that had great amenities and a good leasing staff ready to help whenever needed. I also wanted to live in an area close enough to Duke that if I did not feel like driving, I could still take the bus and make it to class on time.

1. 810 9th Street Apartments

My roommate and I chose to live at the 810 9^th Street Apartments, and my experience has been great! Located in the 9^th Street District, our apartment is close to restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and shops. There’s a bus stop right in front of the building, and it takes about 20 minutes to get to Fuqua by taking the bus.

The apartments are very luxurious and spacious. The building offers a gym, pool, lounge, meeting rooms, grill, mini golf, a doggy park, and my favorite: free coffee! WiFi and cable are included in our rent, and the leasing office is very responsive and attentive.

This complex is more popular among MBA students, and very few MQM or MMS students live here.

2. Station Nine

Station Nine is also located along 9^th Street and features modern apartments with great walkability to popular shops and restaurants. It is also right next to a bus stop, so getting to Fuqua is really not that hard, especially if you do not have a car.

Many Duke students, including MMS and Daytime MBA students, live here, so it’s a natural spot for social gatherings. The complex is gated, offering an extra level of safety and security.

3. Trinity Commons at Erwin

Trinity Commons is another popular choice among Fuqua students. Located just across the street from Duke’s East Campus and about a 10-minute drive (or shuttle ride) to Fuqua, it offers a great mix of accessibility and comfort.

The apartments themselves are modern, with features like hardwood floors, updated kitchens, and in-unit laundry. The building also has a pool, a fitness center, and community spaces, which are great for meeting other students, not just from Fuqua, but from other Duke programs too.

4. Chapel Tower

Chapel Tower is one of the closest apartment complexes to Fuqua. The complex provides basic amenities and is within walking distance to campus. I’d say it takes about 13 minutes to walk to Fuqua from here, which I love.

A significant population of MQM students live here and have gatherings and get-togethers, which makes this place full of warmth and joyful moments. It is not as luxurious as other complexes, and they do not have elevators, which has been a concern for some students.

5. Heights at LaSalle Apartments

Heights is a very Fuqua-heavy complex. I’d guess about half of the MQM and MMS students live here. It’s just a little quieter in terms of nightlife compared to places like Trinity Commons, but tons of Fuqua people live there, hang out, and organize events.

At Heights, you’ll get bigger floor plans than Trinity Commons or downtown apartments, often at a better value. This area tends to attract students who want a balance — close enough to campus and friends, but also a quieter home base to recharge after busy days at Fuqua. If you’re bringing a car or looking for a pet-friendly place, Heights at LaSalle is definitely worth considering.

Some other honorable mentions:

• The Belmont offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartments with amenities like a pool, fitness center, and a private lake with a jogging trail if you are into nature walks or runs. It is very popular among MMS and MQM students, and a good percentage of the class lives here.
  
• Blue Light Living is a modern building with fully-furnished apartments, which is great for people who don’t want to worry about moving or buying furniture. Blue Light also has a rooftop pool.
  
• Lofts at Lakeview is right next to campus, within walking distance to Fuqua if you ever miss the bus. The apartments are very luxurious, and a lot of MQM students live in this area. A few great places to eat are just steps away, including Chipotle, TGI Fridays, and Enzo’s Pizzeria.

Buying Your Apartment Essentials

Moving from New York, I had to buy a lot of furniture when I moved to Durham. I tend to get my used furniture from Facebook Marketplace, especially when it comes to sofas, chairs, and dining tables.

There also are a few options exclusive to Duke students. Duke List is an online marketplace where anyone with a Duke NetID can post or view listings. Student groups and organizations put together spreadsheets for incoming students to buy furniture from previous students, so I recommend reaching out to them as well!

The Habitat ReStore is also a good option. There are several locations in Durham and the greater Triangle area. The stores sell donated furniture and other household items.

At the end of the day, transitioning to Durham is more than just finding a place to live — it’s about building a new routine, community, and sense of home. Whether you’re navigating your first grocery run or meeting your future best friend at a Fuqua event, every small step helps you settle in. I was surprised by how quickly Durham began to feel familiar, and I hope this guide helps you feel a little more confident as you take that leap. You’ve got this — and welcome to your next chapter!