Frequently Asked Questions

Housing Assignments

When is the housing application due?

Freshman housing applications need to be completed by Friday, June 8, 2012. Freshmen who do not fill out the application by the application deadline can still apply for housing online, but the likelihood of being placed in one of your listed housing choices is substantially lower.

When are you mailing out information regarding freshman housing, and the application form?

The Office of Undergraduate Housing does not mail out housing brochures, or housing applications. The only thing that may be mailed to you is a postcard which indicates that the online housing application is available - information that you can also find simply by checking the freshman housing web site. Everything that our entering freshmen need to complete the application process is linked from our freshman housing web page.

Are freshman housing assignments made on a 'first come, first served' basis? Do Early Decision admits get preference in housing assignments?

Housing assignments are not made on a 'first come, first served' basis. Early Decision and Regular Decision applications fill out the housing application at the same time, and we do not track whether you were an Early or Regular Decision student when making housing assignments.

I am an athlete. Do I need to fill out the online housing application?

Yes. We cannot assign you to housing until you have completed an online application. There are no specific 'athlete' buildings, floors or rooms in housing. If you want to request a roommate, you must do so by indicating their name and NetID on the housing application. Please consult the Northwestern Directory for assistance in determining this information.

How are the answers on my housing application used to make my housing assignment?

As an admitted freshman, you are guaranteed a space on-campus to live.  There are many types of living communities at Northwestern.  Your responses to the application questions will help us better assign you to a community that offers you a rewarding undergraduate experience.

As stated on the housing application form that you filled out, "... [The Office of Undergraduate Housing] cannot guarantee a specific type of assignment for a roommate, single-occupancy room, or a specific residence hall, even if requested."

How do I apply for a Residential College?

Residential Colleges are listed on the regular freshman housing application, and freshmen apply for them  by listing the Residential College or Colleges they for which wish to be considered. Students interested in a Residential College are required to write a short personal statement on their housing application.

My friend and I want to be roommates - how can we make this request?

We would be happy to accommodate this request. If you want to live with a friend, please list their name and NetID on your application - there is a specific question on the application that asks for this information. Please consult the Northwestern Directory for this information. You must both request each other on your applications (ie, the request must be mutual) for us to honor your request. You can also request a triple room this way.

If you both do not list the same buildings in your list of building preferences, you can be assigned together into any building that either of you chose on your application or on campus.

When do I find out where I was assigned?

An email will be sent to your Northwestern email account during the first week of August with information regarding your online housing contract. Your assignment, campus mailing address, and the name of your roommate(s) will be listed on that contract.

How can I find out which buildings are air conditioned/carpeted/co-ed/have suite style rooms/have food service in them?

Check the  individual building descriptions on the Living@NU website to view a list of pertinent details for each building. You are responsible for deciding what amenities are important to you, and reading over the building descriptions to find the buildings that will best suit your needs.

Can I request a single room? If I do, what is the likelihood of being assigned to a single room?

The default housing assignment for freshmen is a double room, and you should expect to be assigned to a double occupancy room.  There is no way to maximize your chance for a single room.

The freshman housing application does have a place for you to indicate if you would be interested in a single or triple occupancy room as well as a double room, should any unexpectedly come available. Keep in mind that there are very few single and triple rooms on campus, most of which are assigned to upperclassmen.

How can I find out which buildings have single rooms/double rooms/triple rooms?

Please visit our Residence Halls Description Page for a listing of the undergraduate living units.

Please note that although many of these buildings may have a mix of singles, doubles and triples, it doesn't mean that all room types listed for each building will be available in the pool of rooms available for freshmen and transfer applicants.  Most of the single rooms in these buildings are already assigned to upperclassmen, unless otherwise noted.

Meal Plans

What do I need to know about meal plans?

Information about meal plans will be available later this summer. You can find out more information regarding dining on-campus on the Dining Services web site. All freshmen living in on-campus housing have a 14-meal a week meal plan to start with, to insure that they can access the Dining halls immediately.

Housing Contracts

Will you be mailing my housing contract to me?

The housing contract is electronic, and the link to it is sent to you via your Northwestern email account during the first week in August. You sign it by entering your Student ID number where prompted on the contract, and clicking the submit button. You should print out a paper copy for your records, as we will not be mailing a copy of it to you.

Roommates

I have never shared a room before. What can I do to ensure we get along?

Chances are, your new roommate has never shared a room before, either. We have some excellent information on living with a roommate.

Cooperation, communication, and flexibility are the key to a successful roommate relationship.

How do I find out who my roommate is?

If you have been assigned a roommate, your roommate’s name will be listed on your housing contract.

How are roommates assigned?

After being assigned to a building, roommates are paired to the best of our ability, based on the responses given on the housing application.

I don't have a roommate listed on my contract. Does that mean I am in a single room?

This means that you are either assigned to a single room, or assigned to a double room but a roommate has not yet been assigned. Please email the Freshman Housing Coordinators to find out whether you are in a single, or are in a double and have not been assigned a roommate yet.

How do I contact my roommate? Can I call the housing office for information about my roommate?

The Undergraduate Housing office does not give out any information over the telephone or via email regarding Northwestern students unless they have authorized us to do so.

To find out how to contact your new roommate(s), please use the online directory system.

Type in the name of an Northwestern student, faculty member, or office and press the Query button to get contact information.

I looked someone up in the online directory, and didn't get very much information about them. At the top of the page, it said this: Northwestern students, faculty and staff: use the authenticated Web page to gain full access to directory information from off campus. Now what do I do?

Click the link to the authenticated web page, and enter your NetID and password (the same ones you use for your NU email) to get to more detailed information about the person you are looking up. Then, click the [more info] link next to their name.

Move-In Day

When do Residence halls and Residential Colleges open for 2012-2013?

Freshmen can move in starting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 20th, 2012. Upperclass students can return beginning on Monday, September 24, 2012.

Where can I find out information about Wildcat Welcome Week?

More information regarding Wildcat Welcome Week can be found on the New Student and Family Programs website.

I am participating in Pre-Wildcat Welcome program. Can I move my belongings into my residence hall early and then participate in this program?

We do not have an early move-in option for students participating in these programs.

Please contact these programs directly to find out what arrangements have been made regarding what to do with your luggage and/or suggestions on what past participants have done while participating in these programs.

Can I move in early?

Select students who are deemed essential for the opening of the residence halls and residential colleges are permitted to check in early (specific information will be made available later).  Students not in one of those approved groups will not be permitted to move in early.

What is the policy on parking during move-in day?

Please read our move-in parking information.

Packing

Do you have a list of suggested items that we bring to campus?

Please refer to the list of suggested items to pack.

Is there anything I can't bring with me?

Yes. Our list of suggested items to pack also includes a list of items that are prohibited in the residence halls.

How do I ship my belongings to campus?

Northwestern will be able to accept packages addressed to your fall assignment before you arrive. You can learn about shipping your items in advance. Because of the volume of mail, please note that mail is handled during Wildcat Welcome differently than it is during the academic year. You can learn about regular mail delivery during the academic year.

Rooms and Buildings

What are the exact dimensions of my room?

Because there are so many diverse housing options for students on campus, we are unable to offer exact room dimensions for specific rooms or buildings. We suggest that you look at the Residence Hall and College descriptions to see estimates for average room sizes in each building. We cannot give you exact room dimensions once you are able to identify your room number and building.

I anticipate getting a lot of "Care Packages" from home. What is my exact mailing address?

Your room number and the mailing address of your building is on your online housing contract. You can also refer to the residence hall and college descriptions for the preferred mail address format for each building. NOTE: all mail with zip code 60208 or "Northwestern University" will first be delivered to the campus mail center before arriving at the mailroom. That will significantly delay delivery. To ensure faster service, please be sure to address your letters as indicated on the specific building's page.

Where can I find more information about the building to which I was assigned?

You can find out more information about each building by reading descriptions of the Residence Halls and Residential Colleges, or, if you were assigned to a Residential College, by visiting the Residential College website.

Phone and Internet

Does my room come with Internet service?

Internet service is provided in every room. Each student has their own wired Ethernet connection. Additionally, all residence halls and colleges have wireless Internet access.

Please check with NUIT for more information.

Each room has one phone line.  The student must request and pay for phone service in their room.  For more information about phone services and charges please refer to NUIT's pages on the Student Telephone Service.

Is there television service in individual student rooms?

Typically there is no cable TV in sleeping rooms.  Cable TV is provided in many lounges in the residence halls.

Mail Services

Where do I pick up my Mail?

Visit the Mail Services page for a complete list of all residence halls and residential colleges.  You will be able to see where each building gets mail and packages (you will see that many buildings get their mail in their own building but need to go to a nearby building for packages).

I live in a fraternity/sorority. What happens with my mail?

Unless you live in Phi Mu Alpha or Sigma Alpha Iota, the residence hall mailrooms do not handle fraternity or sorority mail. The individual fraternity and sorority houses are responsible for their residents' mail.

Can I buy stamps at the mailroom?

No, the mail rooms do not have stamps or other packaging/shipping supplies available. Norris sells stamps at the Cashier's Office.

Where is the post office?

The main post office is located at:
1101 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60201
(847-328-6288)

A smaller branch is located at:
1929 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201

Where is the nearest FedEx/UPS?

FedEx packages may be dropped off at Kinko's located on the ground floor of Norris. Supplies and a scale are available to ship these packages. For additional tracking and shipping information, visit the FexEx website. Customer service may be reached at 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339).

The UPS Store is located at 1555 Sherman Ave, Evanston (847-869-3000). They have supplies and materials available as well. Additional information may be found when you visit the UPS website. For customer service, you can call 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877).

If I have moved, what happens with my mail?

You will receive your mail in the timeliest manner by updating your address directly with the respective companies/senders.  Please check with the mail room to ensure that your information is updated. You can refer to the mail forwarding information for more details on providing updated address information.

If I have graduated, what happens with my mail?

Please update your address directly with the respective companies/senders. You can refer to the mail forwarding information for more details on providing updated address information.

Can I leave a package to be picked up in the mail room?

If you are leaving a package for another student in that residence hall, then yes, please give it to the mail clerk on duty.

If you are leaving a package to be picked up or returned to an outside sender, then no, the mail rooms do not accept packages to be sent out. Please contact the carrier directly to arrange for a pickup when you are available in your room.

The mail room is not open when it is supposed to be.

If a note is not posted, please email the Mail room Manager with the date and time. Sometimes, a mail clerk must miss a shift for unexpected reasons. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

There is a piece of mail in my mailbox that is not mine.

Please drop it off with the mail clerk on duty or slip it in the outgoing mail slot. Although we try to be as accurate as possible, we sort through many pieces of mail each day and mistakes may occur.

Something was sent to me overnight/Express mail. Why did I not get it?

Unfortunately, overnight/Express mail usually must be delivered in the morning when the mailrooms are generally not open. If you are not in your room, then the carrier does not leave the package. The carrier may try again later in the afternoon or the following day.

What if I have a complaint, compliment, concerns, or suggestions?

You may contact your respective Mailroom Manager, or the Mailroom Coordinator. For the mailroom coordinator, please email Residential Life Mailroom Services.

How do I apply to be a Mail Clerk?

Most Mail Clerk positions are filled at the beginning of the year. You must be a work-study student. If you are interested, please contact your respective Mailroom Manager for more information or visit the Mail Clerk Application page.

I am interested in flyering all of the mailboxes on campus. How can I do this?

University Residential Life strongly discourages this method of advertising, as it is not effective, and recipients of bulk mailing either throw the advertisements away in the trash or on the floor outside of the mailrooms, at which point it is not fair to the housekeepers to clean them up. If you are interested in a limited bulk mailing, the best way to do this is to address each piece of mail to its intended recipient, bundle it in room order, and drop it in campus mail. All other bulk mailings not addressed to intended recipients must be approved 2 weeks in advance by the Mailroom Coordinator, and must be from a registered student group, be of appropriate content (not advertising any policy violations, for example), and have clearly designated contact information on the flyer itself.

Laundry

I lost money in the washer/dryer, how do I get reimbursed?

For all concerns with laundry equipment, including lost money, please refer to our information on laundry services.

How can I see what machines are currently available in my building?

Visit the LaundryView webiste for the most up-to-date information on open washers/dryers in your building.

Keys

What happens if I am locked out of my room?

If you are locked out of your room, contact a CA or the CA on Duty. The first two lockouts of the academic year will be provided at no cost. Upon the third lockout, you will be charged for a lock change.

I need to have my room lock changed, how much does it cost?

The standard fee for a lock change is approximately $200. Report lost keys to the Housekeeping Office in Foster-Walker.

If my key broke will I be charged for it? And where do I go to have it fixed?

If all parts of the key are returned to the housekeeping office you will not be charged for the broken key (with some small exceptions).  The housekeeping office will give you a temporary replacement key which must be returned when the original has been repaired.

Guests

I have someone coming to visit and would like to rent a guest room in Allison. With whom can I speak?

Please contact the guest room coordinator at concierge@northwestern.edu.

Where can I rent a cot for guests staying in my room?

Please contact the Housekeeping office in Foster Walker at 847-491-5101.

Maintenance/Housekeeping

I have a maintenance issue in my room/on my floor/in the building, to whom should I report the problem?

All issues should be reported to your CA or on duty CA.

The light bulb in my room burned out, how do I have it replaced?

Please leave a note on your door for the housekeeper, they will change the bulb for you. If it is a problem with the light itself the housekeeper will report the light outage to the housekeeping office at 1-847-491-5101.

Who can I talk to about recurring issues in my room?

Please speak to your CA first. Your CA will then contact the appropriate person.

Bikes

Where do I go for assistance with bike lock cuts?

The housekeeping office on the first floor of Foster Walker can help with bike lock cuts.

Where can I store my bike?

Students are prohibited from storing their bikes in their room.  A few residence halls or residential colleges have a bike room.  All buildings have ample outdoor bike racks. We also offer a bike storage program where we will store a limited number of bikes during winter quarter.

Miscellaneous

I need to know when the halls open and close before and after each quarter in order to book my plane ticket. Where can I find that information?

Check the housing dates for information about opening and closing.

Can I stay in my room over Winter and Spring Break?

No, Residence Halls and Residential Colleges are closed over Winter and Spring break. Your belongings can stay in your room, but you need to find a place to stay over those breaks.

Can I stay in my room over Thanksgiving Break?

Yes, you can stay in your Residence Hall or Residential College over Thanksgiving break.

What size are the mattresses?

All mattresses on campus are (36" by 80"). They are sometimes referred to as "twin extra-long mattresses." Please refer to our list of things to bring for information on a program that the Residential Housing Association coordinates to help students find the right linens.

CA Selection

I'm a freshman. How do I register for Career Cat if I don't know my GPA yet?

You can enter a fake gpa for now, then when you get your grades later in the month, you can adjust your gpa on your account.