After they are officially admitted to the university, new students will automatically be sent a Residence Hall Application/Contract form. If you do not receive a copy, check your enrollment status with Northern Illinois University's office of Registrations & Records. If you need another copy, you may call our office at (815) 753-1525 or housing-dining@niu.edu.
If you have any questions please browse our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us. There are sections on the form for both Living Options and Dining Options. If you have a specific roommate in mind, then both students must indicate each other on their forms. Roommate requests will only be considered for the fall semester if housing applications are received by May 1st.
Once finished, return the completed application with a check or money order for $150 (payable to Northern Illinois University) to Housing & Dining, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. $125 of this payment is applicable to your room and board charges. The remaining $25 is an administrative processing charge which is nonrefundable, except in an instance where the University is unable to offer a room assignment.
As space becomes available, a letter guaranteeing a space in a University residence hall will be sent to residence hall applicants in the order of the date of receipt of their application and $150 payment. You should receive such a notification between April 15 and midsummer, following the returning student sign-up period.
Specific room and roommate information will be forwarded to all residents approximately two to three weeks prior to the start of the semester. The information will contain your specific residence hall room assignment and telephone number for that room as well as your roommate’s name and home address. At that time, you may contact your new roommate to introduce yourself. Because space is limited, it is a good idea to discuss what each roommate plans to bring, so you both do not bring televisions, stereos, etc. Roommate information for the spring semester is included with the housing assignment.