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Residential Services Email Archive

This page includes an archive of email communications sent to current and incoming students living in housing on Northwestern's Evanston campus.

Current Undergraduate Students

2026-2027 Contract is Live!, March 2, 2026

Rising second-year and others intending to live on campus including those in FSL and Evans Scholars, please see important information regarding RSRS below.

If you are a rising third and fourth-year students who does not intend to live on campus, you may ignore this message. 

Residential Services is excited to announce the 2026-2027 housing contract is now live on the Housing Portal. As a reminder general Information about Returning Student Room Selection for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available on the Residential Services website. 

All rising second-year students are required to complete both phases of the room selection process to meet the two-year residency requirement. Rising third and fourth-year students may complete the contract if they wish to live on campus again next year. All students planning to live in a fraternity, sorority, or Evans Scholars house only need to complete Phase One – Contracting.

Phase One Important Dates

  • March 2 – Contract Available for Returning (Current) Students at 9am CT 
  • March 3 - Roommate Finder Live at 9am CT (must have completed contract)
  • March 15 – Deadline to Submit Housing Contract AND Deadline for Rising 3rd & 4th Year Students to Cancel (if they signed a contract for 26-27 but have changed their mind)
    • Rising second year students who submit after this date will not participate in room selection and will be assigned to an available room at the conclusion of RSRS.
    • Rising 3rd & 4th year students who submit after this date will be added to the housing wait list and will not receive priority numbers or participate in room selection.
If you have any questions, please contact Residential Services at housing@northwestern.edu or by calling (847) 467-4663 (HOME).

Sincerely,
Residential Services

2026-2027 RSRS Update - Building Availability, February 24, 2026

Greetings,

  • We are pleased to share that the Bobb-McCulloch renovation project is progressing as planned. Beginning this Fall, students will be able to live in the newly renovated rooms on the former Bobb Hall side of the building. Rooms on the McCulloch side will be offline throughout the next academic year while their renovation is underway. 
    • You will also notice that the building name has been updated to “Bobb-McCulloch” in our housing system; however, only the south side will be occupied in 2026-2027.
  • Starting next academic year, Continuous Housing will be offered at 710 Emerson, 717 University, and 1856 Orrington. 1871 Orrington will no longer be used for Continuous Housing but will remain available to all returning students during Returning Student Room Selection.
  • We are excited to offer double rooms in Foster-Walker for the first time! These 12 rooms are located in the interior corners of the building and are the size of the lounges on each floor. Most will be available to returning student during room selection.
  • 640 Emerson will once again be occupied by Gamma Phi Beta this Fall. With this transition, 640 Emerson will no longer operate as a residence hall beginning next academic year.  

Second, we have a few clarifying points to make as you prepare for the RSRS process.

  • If you are a rising 3rd or 4th Year student who does NOT plan to live on campus for the 2026-2027 academic year, you DO NOT need to take any action! 
  • If you are a rising 2nd Year student or an upper division student considering living on campus, please be mindful of the following dates:
    • Phase One Dates
      • March 2 – Contract Available for Current Students at 9am CT
      • March 15 – Deadline to Submit Housing Contract AND Deadline for Rising 3rd & 4th Year Students to Cancel (if they signed a contract for 26-27 but have changed their mind). 

Please check the website for more details about Returning Student Room Selection. 

If you have any questions about the 2026-2027 RSRS process, please contact Residential Services at housing@northwestern.edu or by calling (847) 467-4663 (HOME).
 

Sincerely,

Residential Services

2026-2027 Returning Student Room Selection Information for Rising 2nd Year Students, February 11, 2026

Residential Services is excited to welcome you back to campus for your second year! Information about Returning Student Room Selection for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available on the Residential Services website. 
 
Rising Second Year students are required to live on campus for the 2026-2027 academic year. During Returning Student Room Selection you will participate in two distinct phases – Contracting and Room Selection. During the Contracting phase you will formally submit your contract for the next year and respond to questions about your preferred room type, building, continuous housing, all gender housing, and more. During Room Selection, you will be able to choose from a variety of living spaces across campus. 
 
All rising second year students living in Res Halls & Res Colleges are required to complete both phases of Returning Student Room Selection to meet the two-year residency requirement. Students planning to live in a fraternity, sorority, or Evans Scholars house only need to complete Phase One – Contracting. Please note that students with approved accommodations for the current academic year do not have to resubmit their accommodation request for 2026-2027. We will be tracking contracts and working with these students directly ahead of room selection in April. 

Current residential college residents and non-resident members will receive additional details about room selection to supplement the information and deadlines provided here. 

Phase One Dates

  • March 2 – Contract Available for Returning (Current) Students at 9am CT 
  • March 15 – Priority Deadline for All Contract Submissions for Returning Students
    • Rising second year students who submit after this date will not participate in room selection and will be assigned to an available room at the conclusion of RSRS.

Phase Two Timeline 

  • Early April 2025 – Room Selection Time Slots Issued 
  • Mid/Late-April 2025 – Room Selection for all Returning Students including Residential College Room Selection  

If you have any questions about the 2026-2027 Returning Student Room Selection process, please contact Residential Services at housing@northwestern.edu or by calling (847) 467-4663 (HOME).
 

Sincerely,

Residential Services

2026-2027 Returning Student Room Selection Information for Rising 3rd and 4th Year Students, February 11, 2026

Information about Returning Student Room Selection for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available on the Residential Services website. As a rising 3rd or 4th year student, you are invited to continue living on campus though your residency requirement is considered fulfilled at the conclusion of your second year. A limited number of rooms in each building are available for 3rd and 4th year students. 

Should you decide to live on campus, you will participate in two distinct phases during Returning Student Room Selection – Application and Room Selection. During the Contracting phase you will formally submit your application for the next year and respond to questions about your preferred room type, building, continuous housing, all gender housing, and more. During Room Selection, you will be able to choose from a variety of living spaces across campus. 

FSL Housing Note: All students planning to live in a fraternity, sorority, or Evans Scholars house only need to complete Phase One – Contracting. 

As you weigh your options for next year, it is important to note that 3rd and 4th year students can cancel upon request and without penalty through March 15, 2026. Starting on March 16, 2026, cancellation requests will be reviewed for eligibility and, only if eligible and approved, are subject to the $300 cancellation fee. More information about cancellation requests is available on our website.

Phase One Dates 

  • March 2 – Application Available for Returning Students at 9am CT 
  • March 15 – Priority submission deadline & Last Day for Rising 3rd and 4th Year Students to Cancel 2026-2027 Applications 
    • Rising 3rd & 4th year students who submit after this date will be added to the housing wait list and will not receive priority numbers or participate in room selection 

Phase Two Timeline

  • Early April 2026 – Room Selection Priority Numbers Issued 
  • Mid/Late-April 2026 – Room Selection for All Returning Students  

If you have any questions about the 2026-2027 Returning Student Room Selection process, please contact Residential Services at housing@northwestern.edu or by calling (847) 467-4663 (HOME).

 

Sincerely,

Residential Services

Housing Cancellation Process, February 2, 2026

We hope you are doing well! This is your first friendly reminder that students who will not be in Evanston for Spring Quarter 2026 need to submit a housing cancellation request. Students eligible to cancel their housing contract (one of the reasons listed below) can request to do so via the Housing Portal under Forms & Requests. 

  • Study Abroad  
  • Off-site Medill Programs  
  • McCormick Co-Op Program  
  • Off-site Internship (including CFS)
  • Leave of Absence  
  • Transferring Schools/Withdrawing  
  • Graduation
  • Approved Housing Accommodation or Housing Exemption

Submitting a cancellation request is not an automatic release from your contract, nor does it guarantee a release.  

Students whose cancellation is approved will need to fully move out of their room no later than Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 12pm (noon) and complete the online self-checkout on the Housing Portal, which will turn off access at that time.

The cancellation priority deadline is February 15, 2026. Please be sure to submit the form and appropriate documentation (if applicable) prior to that date or as soon as you know that you will not be on campus for Spring Quarter.

If you have any questions, please email our office at housing@northwestern.edu.

Sincerely,

Residential Services

Important Information: Housing & Dining Accommodations for AY 26-27, January 6, 2026

Good morning, undergraduate residents!

We hope you had a great first day of Winter Quarter. We’re reaching out to share important information regarding housing and dining accommodations for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please carefully review the details below to ensure you understand the accommodations process.

Students with Approved Disability/Medical Accommodations

  • If you already have approved an approved accommodation, no further action is required for the 2026-2027 academic year.
  • If you are seeking a change to your approved medical/disability accommodation, please submit your updated request, including medical documentation from your healthcare provider, on the AccessibleNU website by Monday, February 2, 2026. This deadline ensures we have sufficient time to review and process your request.

Students Without Approved Disability/Medical Accommodations

  • If you do not have an approved accommodation for the current academic year, but you would like to request one for the 2026-2027 academic year, please do so on the AccessibleNU website by Monday, February 2, 2026. The request needs to include supporting medical documentation from your healthcare provider.

Non-Disabilty/Medical Accommodations

  • If you already have an approved non-disability/medical accommodation, no further action is required for the 2026-2027 academic year.
  • If you do not have an approved non-medical/disability accommodation for the current academic year, but you would like to request one for the 2026-2027 academic year, please also submit your request in the Housing Portal under Forms & Requests.
    • All non-disability/medical accommodation requests for 26-27 will be reviewed after February 2 and decisions will be sent by the end of the month.

General information about the Returning Student Room Selection process is avaialble on our website. Students with approved accommodations for the upcoming academic year will receive specific instructions in late Winter Quarter regarding their room selection process.

Important Reminder: Students with approved accommodations can choose to waive their accommodation and instead participate in the general Returning Student Room Selection process. Specific instructions will be provided in late Winter Quarter.

Have a great day!
Residential Services

Are you prepared for Thanksgiving and Winter Break?, November 21, 2025

We hope that you are doing well. Thanksgiving Break begins at 6pm on Monday, November 24, and Winter Break will be here sooner than you think. Included below is important information that you need to know in order to have a smooth departure for your well-earned breaks. For complete information, please visit our Thanksgiving & Winter Break Closing page.

  • Undergraduate housing closes for Winter Break for all students not on a Continuous Housing contract. Students must complete a closing checklist, check out online, and depart by 12:00 p.m. on December 13, 2025, and can move back in starting at 8:00 a.m. on January 3, 2026.  

Full Details 

All undergraduate residential facilities will be open for the duration of the Thanksgiving Break (November 24-November 30, 2025). Dining options will be open for limited hours during the Thanksgiving Break. Please visit the Northwestern Dining website for more information.

Winter Break   

Quiet Hours   
As a reminder, in order to create an atmosphere conducive to studying, 24-hour quiet hours are enforced from 5PM on Friday, December 5 until 5PM on Friday, December 12, 2025.   
 
All Undergraduate Residence Halls, Residential Colleges, and Special Interest Communities Close at 12PM (noon) on Saturday, December 13, 2025 (with the exception of students contracted for Continuous Housing).

All residents not contracted for Continuous Housing must vacate their building/room and submit a Self-Check-Out form by 12PM on December 13, which will deactivate access. Anyone remaining in their building/room after 12PM may be charged a late departure fee of $50.00. Please do not submit the self-check-out form until you leave the building. Students contracted for Continuous Housing will receive a separate email with additional information closer to Winter Break.

Your RA will post a closing checklist on your door. You are responsible for completing all tasks on the checklist before you leave for Winter Break and submitting your online. Self-Check-Out form. Failure to complete the checklist items may result in a $50 improper checkout fee.    
 
Dispose of Perishable Items   
If you have a mini fridge in your room, please dispose of any perishable items (fruit, meat, dairy, etc.) prior to leaving for break.   
 
Fire Safety & Policy Compliance Inspections   
Resident Assistants will check all student rooms to verify compliance with University policies, completion of Winter Break Checklist items, and to ensure that halls are prepared for closing. The City of Evanston will also perform inspections in all sleeping rooms during break. Any and all policy violations will be documented and referred to the Community Standards process.   
 
Prohibited Items   
Any prohibited items discovered during the course of inspections may be confiscated. Any alcohol or empty alcohol containers found in rooms where all occupants are under 21 years of age will be disposed of. A list of commonly found prohibited items can be found on our closing website and a full list of prohibited items can be found in the Northwestern Student Handbook.   
 
City of Evanston Code   
The Evanston housing code prohibits storage and/or use of cooking appliances in all sleeping rooms and suite lounges. Appliances may only be stored in kitchen areas. The only exception is coffee makers with self-contained heating elements and automatic shutoff, which are permitted in sleeping rooms.  
 
All Undergraduate Residence Halls, Residential Colleges, and Special Interest Communities Open at 8AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026. You may not return to the building prior to 8AM. Returning residents will be able to reactivate access to their building/room by submitting an online Self-Check-In form beginning at 8AM. Additional details regarding the Self Check In process will be provided by email.   
 
Not returning in January   
If you do not plan to return to your room for Winter Quarter and you have not already done so, please review our cancellation policy and submit a cancellation request in the Housing Portal. After your request has been approved, please complete the Move Out Checklist and submit your Self-Check-Out form no later than 12PM (noon) on Saturday, December 13, 2025.   

Please contact your Resident Assistant, Assistant Resident Director, Resident Director, or our office if you have any questions.   

Mailbox Location Guidance, November 4, 2025

We’ve noticed that some mailboxes are filling up, which may mean some residents aren’t sure where to pick up their mail. If you're unsure of your mailroom location, you can find that information in your Housing Portal or by visiting the MPC Website and click on 'Mailbox Location'.

If you have any questions or need help, we’re always happy to assist—feel free to email us or stop by the MPC.

Wishing you a great day!

Best regards,
The MPC Team

Visit our website for more information.

Housing Cancellation Process (Undergraduate Students), November 3, 2025

We hope you are doing well! This is your first friendly reminder that students who will not be in Evanston for Winter Quarter 2026 need to submit a housing cancellation request. Students eligible to cancel their housing contract (one of the reasons listed below) can request to do so via the Housing Portal under Forms & Requests. 

  • Study Abroad  
  • Off-site Medill Programs  
  • McCormick Co-Op Program  
  • Off-site Internship (including CFS)
  • Leave of Absence  
  • Transferring Schools/Withdrawing  
  • Graduation
  • Approved Housing Accommodation or Housing Exemption

Submitting a cancellation request is not an automatic release from your contract, nor does it guarantee a release.  

Students whose cancellation is approved will need to fully move out of their room no later than Saturday, December 13 at 12pm (noon) and complete the online self-checkout on the Housing Portal, which will turn off access at that time.

The cancellation priority deadline is November 15, 2025. Please be sure to submit the form and appropriate documentation (if applicable) prior to that date or as soon as you know that you will not be on campus for Winter Quarter.

If you have any questions, please email our office at housing@northwestern.edu.

Sincerely,

Residential Services

Graduate Students

Housing Cancellation Process, February 2, 2026

We hope you are doing well! This is your first friendly reminder that students who will not be in Evanston for Spring Quarter 2026 need to submit a housing cancellation request. If you are completing your coursework (i.e., graduating at the end of Winter Quarter) you will not be eligible to remain on campus, and you must submit a cancellation. Students eligible to cancel their housing contract (one of the reasons listed below) can request to do so via the Housing Portal under Forms and Requests. 

  • Study Abroad 
  • Off-site Medill Programs 
  • McCormick Co-Op Program 
  • Off-site Internship (including CFS)
  • Leave of Absence 
  • Transferring Schools/Withdrawing
  • Graduation
  • Approved Housing Accommodation

Submitting a cancellation request is not an automatic release from your contract, nor does it guarantee a release. 

Students whose cancellation is approved will need to fully move out of their apartment no later than Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 12pm (noon). You will need to return your key and/or access cards to your building's front desk and complete a check-out. Garrett Place residents will return keys to the Engelhart Front Desk.

The cancellation priority deadline is February 15, 2026. Please be sure to submit the form and appropriate documentation (if applicable) prior to that date. 

If you have any questions, please email our office at housing@northwestern.edu.

Sincerely,

Residential Services

Engelhart Desk Operating Hours - Thanksgiving 2025, November 24, 2025

We hope that you are doing well. We are writing to inform you that the Engelhart Desk will have adjusted operating hours next week due to Thanksgiving (US) holiday. Please see hours below.

  • Friday, November 21: 11AM-8PM
  • Tuesday, November 25: 9AM-11AM, 1PM-8PM
  • Wednesday, November 26: 9AM-4PM
  • Thursday, November 27: CLOSED
  • Friday, November 28: 9AM-11AM, 1PM-8PM
  • Saturday, November 29: 8AM-8PM
  • Sunday, November 30: 8AM-8PM

If you require assistance for a lockout or move-in while the desk is closed before 8:00 PM, please contact NUPD at (847) 491-3456. 

After 8:00 PM, GRAs can be reached at (847) 815-2441, and will be available Monday-Friday from 8PM-8AM, 24 hours on the weekend. 


We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and flexibility.

McManus Desk Operating Hours - Thanksgiving 2025, November 24, 2025

We hope that you are doing well. We are writing to inform you that the McManus Desk will have adjusted operating hours next week due to Thanksgiving (US) holiday. Please see hours below.

  • Monday, November 24: 8AM-8PM
  • Tuesday, November 25: 8AM-8PM
  • Wednesday, November 26: 8AM-4PM
  • Thursday, November 27: Closed
  • Friday, November 28: 1PM-8PM
  • Saturday, November 29: 10AM-2PM
  • Sunday, November 30: 10AM-2PM

If you require assistance for a lockout or move-in while the desk is closed before 8:00 PM, please contact NUPD at (847) 491-3456. 

After 8:00 PM, GRAs can be reached at (847) 815-2484, and will be available Monday-Friday from 8PM-8AM, 24 hours on the weekend.  

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and flexibility.

Housing Cancellation Process - Graduate Housing, November 3, 2025

We hope you are doing well! This is your first friendly reminder that students who will not be in Evanston for Winter Quarter 2026 need to submit a housing cancellation request. If you are completing your coursework (i.e., graduating at the end of Fall Quarter) you will not be eligible to remain on campus, and you must submit a cancellation. Students eligible to cancel their housing contract (one of the reasons listed below) can request to do so via the Housing Portal under Forms and Requests. 

  • Study Abroad 
  • Off-site Medill Programs 
  • McCormick Co-Op Program 
  • Off-site Internship (including CFS)
  • Leave of Absence 
  • Transferring Schools/Withdrawing
  • Graduation
  • Approved Housing Accommodation

Submitting a cancellation request is not an automatic release from your contract, nor does it guarantee a release. 

Students whose cancellation is approved will need to fully move out of their apartment no later than Saturday, December 13 at 12pm (noon). You will need to return your key and/or access cards to your building's front desk and complete a check-out. Garrett Place residents will return keys to the Engelhart Front Desk.

The cancellation priority deadline is November 15, 2025. Please be sure to submit the form and appropriate documentation (if applicable) prior to that date. 

If you have any questions, please email our office at housing@northwestern.edu.

Sincerely,

Residential Services

Future Undergraduate Students

Early Decision – Housing Contract Information, March 2, 2026

We are excited to welcome you to campus in September! Today we are writing to share that the 2026-2027 housing contract is now live on the Housing Portal. Please be sure to click on "Apply & Contract" from the home page. Between March 2 and June 1, you can go into the Portal to submit your contract with your housing preferences. You can go into your contract and make changes through June 1.

If you have any questions, please email our office at housing@northwestern.edu. 

Sincerely,

Residential Services