- Housing
- Residence Halls
- Communities
Communities
Each floor on campus promotes academic success and offers programming tied to transition students as they move through their years at college. Our residential communities go one step further in strengthening connections between you, faculty and other Huskies.
Living-Learning Communities
Connect to faculty and engage in hands-on learning experiences through field trips and career-related activities. Each community requires you to be fully committed to participating in programming and learning opportunities throughout the year.

ACES House: Academic and Career Exploratory Scholars
Understand how your courses connect your major and future career

Business Careers House
Experience unique opportunities to connect with business faculty and other business students

Fine Arts House
Live with other students from the Schools of Art and Design, Music and Theatre and Dance

Health Professions House
Enjoy professional development opportunities, social activities, and more with others interested in health and service related careers

Honors House
Participate in intellectual, cultural, social activities, and community service projects with Honors students
Special Interest Communities
Get to know other NIU students with common interests in these Special Interest Communities.

Esports Community
Discover the possibilities of esports at academic and career events on- and off-campus

Foreign Language Residence Program
Practice your language skills outside the classroom in a relaxed residential environment

LGBTQA Community
Connect with others who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or as an ally

ROTC House
Live with other students who are part of NIU’s ROTC program and have a similar schedule

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Careers House
Gain a valuable edge in the competitive technical fields of General Science, Computer Science, and Engineering and Engineering Technology

Sport, Recreation and Wellness Community
Participate in intramural leagues, weekend trips, monthly workshops, and a special section of UNIV 101

Why join a community?
- Formal and informal out-of-class interaction with professors in your academic field.
- Increased opportunity for career information, internships, and professional networking.
- Access to special facilities and equipment in a supportive learning environment.
- Educational programs that will enhance your classroom learning.
- Social and cultural activities with students and faculty.
How to Join
Joining a Living-Learning Community or Special Interest Community is easy. After being admitted to NIU and signing your housing contract, you'll have a chance to choose a room in one of these communities during online room sign up. When you sign up to live in one of these communities, a $50 program fee is added to your room rate per semester.