Preparing to Leave Campus

As you make your travel plans prepare to leave campus, don't forget to make arrangements for your departure from Northwestern:

On-Campus Housing

Leaving campus for Study Abroad is considered a legitimate reason to cancel your housing contract. If you plan to be released from your room and/or board contract, you must complete a “Request for Cancellation of Room Contract” form (the blue form), available in the Undergraduate Housing Office, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

University Housing oversees assignments in Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha, which are subject to the steps outlined above. For all other Greek Units, contact your fraternity or sorority directly.

For further questions about University Housing, contact:

Off-Campus Housing

If you will be away for a summer, a quarter, or longer and would like to sublet your apartment, try some of the following to advertise your space:

Store Your Stuff

If you don't live nearby, you might not have the time or ability to move all your stuff home, so you might need to store it while you're gone. If you're keeping or subletting your apartment while you are abroad, some apartments have storage available; check with your landlord or property manager. Students in the past have also rented/shared public or self-storage units, and some have used other storage resources:

  • Campus Solutions*
    651-353-5888
    Campus Solutions specializes in storage and shipping for students going abroad for a quarter, or an entire year.  They offer free packing materials and low prices for Northwestern students.  Free door-to-door pick-up and delivery is included in their service, all you have to do is pack!

Remember: Never store valuables (computers, stereos, jewelry, etc.), as security cannot be guaranteed.

*Note: The Study Abroad Office does not endorse these vendors; contracts, agreements, terms, or pricing provisions have not been negotiated with them on behalf of the University.

Do not register for NU classes.

The Study Abroad Office will register you for a “placeholder” course for the duration of your time abroad (view exceptions), so you should not register for any classes at Northwestern.

  • Do not register for a class to “save a spot” for a friend!!!

    • We will not be able to register you for study abroad if you are already registered for any classes on campus.

    • If you register for NU classes, you could be double-billed (for both classes on campus and study abroad). While this might ultimately be corrected, double-registering will affect your standing as a full-time NU student and your financial aid, and it could prevent you from being able to register on time the following term.

  • Update your emergency contact information on CAESAR. If this information is out of date, a hold will be placed on your registration, and we will be unable to register you for study abroad.

  • Pay your bills! If you have any outstanding financial obligations to Student Accounts, Student Loans, or the library, a hold will be placed on your registration and we will be unable to register you for study abroad.

  • Don't forget your password! Keep your NetID and password current, so that you are able to access CAESAR from abroad.

  • Students in the School of Continuing Studies: The SCS Registrar will enroll you in the study abroad placeholder course. Please complete the SCS Study Abroad Registration Form and return it to their office. For appropriate course information, please contact the Study Abroad Office.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Northwestern University's policy of meeting demonstrated need extends to students attending affiliated study abroad programs. Students who attend unaffiliated programs are not eligible for any form of financial aid.

Remember to apply early for financial aid and funding for study abroad.