On Sept. 14, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction indefinitely postponing the effective date of the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule intended to establish a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that would impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. Northwestern is monitoring this case and any further developments, and we will continue to provide updates as appropriate.
Housing
On-Campus Options for Students
Information about Northwestern Housing for students is available on the Residential Services website. Undergraduate students are required to live in university housing for the first two years of their program.
Off-Campus Housing
The university provides various resources to assist members of the Northwestern community in finding housing. See Northwestern's Off-Campus Life webpage for useful information including resources on finding housing, subletting and finding roommates.
Standard Procedures
When applying for an apartment, a landlord may require an application fee and a credit check (which may require a Social Security number or ITIN), as well as proof of income. Also, when signing a lease, a landlord may require a deposit (usually equivalent to one month's rent) in addition to the first rent payment.