Starting a new position at Elon University involves more than preparing for your first day on campus. You may also be comparing neighborhoods, estimating your commute, gathering apartment application documents and deciding how much space you need outside the workday.
For employees looking for apartments near Elon University, Burlington can offer a practical balance between campus access and everyday convenience. Preston Park is located approximately 15 minutes from Elon University, although actual travel time will depend on your campus building, assigned parking area, schedule and traffic.
This guide explains what to confirm before moving, how to evaluate your commute and what to consider when choosing an apartment in Burlington.
Is Burlington a Good Place to Live While Working at Elon University?
Burlington gives Elon University employees another option beyond living directly beside campus. It provides access to local shopping, restaurants, recreation, Downtown Burlington and major routes such as I-40 and I-85.
Living in Burlington may be especially useful when more than one person in your household has a commute, when you want convenient access to everyday shopping or when you prefer to separate your home routine from campus life.
Before choosing a location, compare more than mileage. Consider:
- Your exact campus destination
- Your assigned parking area
- Your usual arrival time
- Evening or weekend responsibilities
- Access to shopping and services
- The apartment space and amenities you will use regularly
Explore the broader area through Preston Park’s Burlington neighborhood guide before narrowing your apartment search.
Confirm Your Elon University Work Location
Elon University includes numerous academic buildings, administrative offices, athletic facilities and parking areas. A general campus address will not always tell you what your daily arrival will look like.
Before touring apartments, ask your manager or Human Resources department to confirm:
- Your primary building or department
- Your expected work schedule
- Your first-day arrival location
- Your assigned or recommended parking area
- Whether your position includes evening or weekend events
- Whether you may work remotely on certain days
Elon University employees may park on campus without a parking charge, but faculty and staff must register for a permit. The permit identifies the designated lots available to the employee.
Knowing your parking location is important because the drive to campus is only part of the commute. You should also account for the time needed to park and walk to your building.
Test Your Elon University Commute
Online maps provide a helpful estimate, but they cannot recreate your exact morning or evening routine.
When possible, drive from the apartment community to your campus building during the hours you expect to commute. Test the route on a weekday and include the time needed to enter campus, reach your parking area and walk to your workplace.
During your test drive, consider:
- Morning and afternoon traffic
- Campus events
- Weather conditions
- Road construction
- Alternative routes
- The walk from parking
Preston Park is approximately 15 minutes from Elon University!
Choose an Apartment That Supports Your Work
The best apartment is not simply the one with the shortest drive. It should also support the way you spend your time before and after work.
Faculty members may need room for grading, research or class preparation. Administrative employees may work a hybrid schedule. Coaches, event staff and student-support professionals may have early mornings, late evenings or weekend responsibilities.
As you compare apartments in Burlington, ask yourself:
- Do I need a separate workspace?
- Will I regularly bring work home?
- Do I need additional storage?
- Will anyone else live or work in the apartment?
- Do I want a private outdoor area?
- Which amenities will realistically fit my routine?
- Will in-home laundry save time during busy weeks?
Preston Park offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom floorplans, giving residents several options for living alone, sharing a home or creating a separate office or guest room. Each apartment also includes a washer and dryer, private patio or balcony, stainless steel appliances and modern interior finishes.
View the current layouts, pricing and availability at Preston Park Apartments.
Prepare Your Apartment Application Documents
Relocating for a new position can create a timing challenge. You may need to apply for an apartment before receiving your first paycheck from Elon University.
Gathering your documents early can help prevent delays. Depending on the community’s current requirements, you may need:
- A government-issued photo ID
- An official offer letter
- Recent consecutive pay stubs, when available
- Employer contact information
- A direct Human Resources verification email
- Rental history or references
- Any additional income documentation
Ask Elon University for a written offer letter that clearly lists your position, anticipated start date and compensation. You should also confirm which Human Resources representative can respond to employment-verification requests.
Application qualifications and document requirements may change, so review Preston Park’s application checklist and rental qualifications before submitting your application.
Plan for Life Outside Elon University
A successful move should support more than your work schedule. Consider what you would like your evenings and weekends to look like once the onboarding process is over.
Before moving, choose at least one routine that has nothing to do with work. That might mean:
- Taking an evening walk
- Joining a fitness class
- Meeting friends for dinner
- Exploring Downtown Burlington
- Spending time outdoors
- Creating a regular grocery or meal-preparation routine
Burlington offers access to dining, shopping, parks and entertainment beyond the university campus. Preston Park is positioned near destinations such as Alamance Crossing, Downtown Burlington and University Commons, with access to I-40 and I-85 for travel throughout Alamance County and the surrounding Triad area.
Small routines can make a new community begin to feel like home.
How Preston Park Supports Your Routine
Preston Park offers modern 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in Burlington along with amenities designed for relaxation, exercise and everyday convenience.
Community amenities include:
A saltwater swimming pool
A 24-hour fitness center
A yoga room
A pickleball court
A community pond
Walking paths
A covered picnic area
Barbecue grills
A fire pit
A leash-free dog park
Resident gathering spaces
In-home washers and dryers can make it easier to manage laundry around the academic calendar, while multiple floorplan options provide flexibility for remote work, guests or additional storage.
Explore Preston Park’s community amenities to see which features fit your daily routine.
Ask About the Preferred Employer Program
Elon is currently included in Preston Park’s Preferred Employer Program. The program may provide qualifying employees with savings on application and administration fees. Because offers and qualifications can change, contact the leasing team for current program details.
Learn more about the Preferred Employer Program or visit the Employer Resource Center for additional relocation guides created for people working in the Burlington area.
Find an Apartment Near Elon University
Choosing where to live while working at Elon University requires more than checking the distance between two addresses. Your campus building, parking assignment, work schedule, apartment layout and after-work routine should all be part of the decision.
Ready to compare apartments near Elon University? Explore Preston Park’s available floorplans, review the community amenities, take a self-guided tour or contact the Preston Park leasing team with questions about your move to Burlington.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Preston Park from Elon University?
Preston Park is approximately 15 minutes from Elon University. Commute times will vary based on traffic, your campus building and your assigned parking area.
Does Elon University provide employee parking?
Elon University states that employees may park on campus for free. Faculty and staff must register for a parking permit, which identifies the designated lots they may use.
What apartment sizes are available at Preston Park?
Preston Park offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Burlington. Available layouts include options for individuals, couples, roommates, families and residents who need space for a home office.
Does Preston Park offer benefits for Elon employees?
Elon is currently listed as a participating employer in Preston Park’s Preferred Employer Program. Contact the leasing team to confirm eligibility and current savings before applying.