Boom:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/apa/
Craigslist should be one of your best buddies as you look in to housing for the Fall 2011. I have used the service in numerous cities: Chapel Hill, Chicago, and Boston and have had 0 issues.
There is also a housing discussion/link in one of those fb groups. Also, one of the FB groups has current UNC Dental Students actively participating in the threads - I'm sure they will be able to answer your questions regarding housing.
My post below is only in reference to Apartments for rent (not the housing/condo/rent to own market of the Greater Chapel Hill Area).
Chapel Hill is a college town, therefore,
prime housing becomes available/will be
heavily advertised towards mid-to-late spring/time of graduation.
You all should definitely check the area out, but like everything else during this process - I would be patient on locking down a future residence.
I'm sure there are a few scattered hidden gems at this time (Winter) for rent availability in the fall, but current students are more than likely living in the best housing possible with leases that run in to Aug/Sept.
A majority of landlords are not putting the squeeze on current tenants to resign for the fall at this time.
If you are looking to stay close to campus/school (~15 min walk) then try and find housing as close to Franklin St/ Carrboro as possible.
The further you go from campus (i.e. Durham) the cheaper the rent will become. The closer you are to Franklin St. the higher the rent.
I plan on living off of Airport rd. which intersects Franklin and hosts numerous apartment complexes and houses.
The bus system in the Research Triangle Area is very efficient - check out:
http://www.ridetta.org/Bus_Shuttle/...BetweenRaleighDurhamandRaleighChapelHill.html
to help you as you scope out residences that are close to a bus line.
Again, feel free to contact me if you have specific questions. I'm all about my future class mates living in great pads!
Best!