Northwestern University Housing Options: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing where to live is a big part of settling into college life at Northwestern University. Feeling at home on campus is essential for adapting to university life. Northwestern offers a variety of housing options designed to meet the diverse needs and preferences of its students. This guide provides an overview of these options, including residence halls, residential colleges, and off-campus living, to help students make informed decisions about their housing.

On-Campus Living: An Overview

Northwestern University has a residency requirement for all incoming first- and second-year undergraduate students and all incoming undergraduate transfer students. This initiative aims to support social and academic integration. All incoming first-year students are required to live on campus for their first two years. All incoming transfer students are required to live on campus for their first year. Students who participate in University-sponsored programs (such as internships and Study Abroad), or who request a leave of absence, will be required to fulfill the two- year residency requirement upon their return to campus.

Living in a residence hall or residential college is a significant transition, and communication is key when it comes to roommates - from chatting about your day to setting clear boundaries. It is important to be considerate of others and of shared spaces. Students should take advantage of residence hall resources, like Resident Assistants, for academic and other support.

There are two main housing models: residence halls and residential colleges. The primary difference between them is the degree of faculty involvement. Residence halls have all of the programs and support a student needs for a meaningful residential experience. Residential colleges offer more opportunities for faculty engagement and programming as well as continuity of community that comes with a culture of returning residents and longstanding faculty affiliations.

Residence Halls

The traditional residence halls on campus range from residences with as few as 25 students to larger residences with more than 500. Each building has its own character, spirit, and unique advantages. The residence halls are a great place to live and meet people from all over the world.

Residential Colleges

The residential colleges range from 40 to 250 students. Some have a single unifying theme such as international studies while others are multi-thematic. Each college is headed by a faculty member who serves as the Faculty Chair. Chairs and student officers recruit faculty and staff members for the fellows program, which supports faculty presence through meals in the college, informal presentations known as firesides, and outings around campus and Chicago.

Special Interest Housing

Special interest housing is for students who choose to live with others who share a special academic or personal interest.

Housing Areas and Specific Residences

There are four housing areas: South, Southwest, Northeast, and North. Each area offers a unique living experience with different amenities and communities.

North Area

Located to the north of Tech, Sargent Hall has its own dining hall. The nearby newly repurposed fraternity houses 2307 Sheridan, 2313 Sheridan, 2347 Sheridan, 2349 Sheridan are located in the fraternity quad. Also in the fraternity quad, 2303 Sheridan is home to two special interest housing options. The GREEN House is centered around sustainability and hosts environmental discussions, and the Residential College of Cultural and Community Studies features activities related to cultural and social issues. Across the sidewalk, Bobb-McCulloch Hall has a reputation as the loud, mainly-freshman social residence hall. While the rooms are average-sized, bathrooms and lounges are relatively old and outdated. The building’s northern neighbor, Slivka Residential College of Science and Engineering, hosts suite-style rooms and Lisa’s Cafe. On the north end of campus, Schapiro Hall (formerly known as 560 Lincoln) is among the newest dorms, with suites and lounges with full kitchens.

Sargent Hall

Sargent Hall, located to the north of the Technological Institute (Tech), features its own dining hall, making it a convenient option for students.

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Fraternity Quad Residences

The fraternity quad includes several newly repurposed fraternity houses such as 2307 Sheridan, 2313 Sheridan, 2347 Sheridan, and 2349 Sheridan. Additionally, 2303 Sheridan houses two special interest options: The GREEN House, which focuses on sustainability and hosts environmental discussions, and the Residential College of Cultural and Community Studies, which features activities related to cultural and social issues.

Bobb-McCulloch Hall

Bobb-McCulloch Hall is known as a social hub, particularly for freshmen. While the rooms are average-sized, the bathrooms and lounges are relatively old and outdated.

Slivka Residential College of Science and Engineering

Slivka Residential College of Science and Engineering offers suite-style rooms and Lisa’s Cafe. It is located near Bobb-McCulloch Hall. Slivka Hall was built in 2002 as Northwestern's residential college devoted to science and engineering. It was named after Ben Slivka, a Northwestern graduate of 1982 who headed Microsoft's Internet Explorer team up to version 3.0. Slivka is located on the northern part of campus in the Northeast Area and lies between CCI and the fraternities. While predominantly made up of engineers and scientists, the Slivka community has included students from all six of the Northwestern University schools. It is organized into suites by gender and has an unusually high retention rate of upperclassmen in comparison to its sister residential colleges. Slivka frequently invites professors and other Northwestern faculty, such as Sir Fraser Stoddart, to speak on subjects ranging from nanotechnology to the economics of the internet to social scandals in Elizabethan England. Slivka also hosts peer-to-peer (P2P) lunches twice a week, where Slivka fellows are invited to join the residents for lunch at Sargent Hall, and quarterly student-fellow receptions in which the fellows join the residents for a catered meal. Slivka has four floors and a basement. The basement houses the Discovery Room (a room containing computers, printers, and other assorted technology), a bike room, a music room, and a laundry room. The first floor connects to a store called Lisa's Cafe. The second floor has a recreation lounge, which contains a foosball table, a pool table, a table tennis table, two televisions, and other furniture.

Schapiro Hall

Schapiro Hall (formerly known as 560 Lincoln) is one of the newest dorms on the north end of campus, featuring suites and lounges with full kitchens. 560 Lincoln St.

Southwest Area

The newly renovated sorority houses - 710 Emerson, 636 Emerson and 640 Emerson - are smaller housing options that underwent renovations last summer. The nearby North and South Mid-Quads are home to the Public Affairs Residential College, which hosts activities like political discussions, and Shepard Residential College, which is multi-thematic. They have amenities like kitchens and seminar rooms. The Women’s Residential College is located in Hobart House and hosts programming like fellows lunches. Nearby, Chapin Hall is home to the Humanities Residential College. It has relatively large rooms and is the oldest residence hall.

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Sorority Houses

The newly renovated sorority houses at 710 Emerson, 636 Emerson, and 640 Emerson offer smaller housing options that were renovated recently. 650 Emerson Ave.

North and South Mid-Quads

The North and South Mid-Quads are home to the Public Affairs Residential College, which hosts activities like political discussions, and Shepard Residential College, which is multi-thematic. These residences include amenities like kitchens and seminar rooms. The Public Affairs Residential College is a politics and social policy-themed residential college at Northwestern University. It is located in the North Mid-Quads (NMQ) building at 650 Emerson Street in the southern half of campus. In Fall 2015, PARC relocated from 1838 Chicago Avenue as part of the university's Housing Master Plan. Shepard Residential College is one of the two multi-thematic residential colleges at Northwestern University. It is home to 72 students, making it a mid-sized residential college. Shepard Hall was constructed as part of Northwestern's Centennial celebration and was dedicated in November 1952 as an addition to the women's quadrangles. The original building was made possible by a donation from Mrs. Margaret Bowen Shepard to honor her husband and sister (who was the dean of women at Northwestern). Shepard began as a women's residence hall, but became a multi-thematic, coeducational residential college in 1972. Shepard Residential College offers a classroom, TV lounge, study lounge, and a meeting room. The TV Lounge is equipped with a big-screen television, gaming consoles, a ping-pong table. The Residential College holds a number of events for its residents. These include fireside chats, where faculty and students give presentations about topics that they're passionate about.

Hobart House

The Women’s Residential College is located in Hobart House and hosts programming like fellows lunches. Hobart House is the Women's Residential College, and is home to 50 undergraduate women. It was designed by the architect James Gamble Rogers, using Indiana limestone. Hobart House opened as an all-women's residence hall within the East Sorority Quad in fall 1928. In 1981, the all-women's Allison Residential College, which had been founded five years earlier, moved to Hobart House and changed its name to the Women's Studies Residential College (WSRC).

Chapin Hall

Chapin Hall is home to the Humanities Residential College. It has relatively large rooms and is the oldest residence hall. Originally built in 1901, Julia A. Chapin Hall became a women's dorm for Northwestern University in 1967. Chapin Hall has been renovated but maintained its patterned ceilings, wooden floors, and large stairways.

South Area

Across the street from The Arch, 1838 Chicago Ave. has a communal kitchen, the South Area fitness room and easy access to Allison Dining Hall. Allison Hall has a two-story dining hall, large rooms and clean bathrooms, but does not host many events. Jones was opened in the fall of 1982 as part of the residential college system. The building cost almost $2.5 million to develop, most of the funds coming from Wayne V. and Elizabeth R. Jones, to whom the building was dedicated. The Joneses were alumni of Northwestern from the graduating class of 1923.

1838 Chicago Ave.

Located across the street from The Arch, 1838 Chicago Ave. features a communal kitchen, the South Area fitness room, and easy access to Allison Dining Hall. In Fall 2015, PARC relocated from 1838 Chicago Avenue as part of the university's Housing Master Plan.

Allison Hall

Allison Hall includes a two-story dining hall, large rooms, and clean bathrooms, but it does not host many events.

Mid-Campus

Known by many students as “Plex,” Foster-Walker Complex is the only mid-campus dorm, and the only one with a package center, convenience store and two dining halls.

Foster-Walker Complex

Known as "Plex," Foster-Walker Complex is the only mid-campus dorm and the only one with a package center, convenience store, and two dining halls.

East and West Fairchild

Next to Kresge, East and West Fairchild are home to the Communications Residential College, where faculty often have meals or “firesides” with students, and the International Studies Residential College, which features events like international food cooking nights. Facilities have not been updated in a while. East Fairchild's focus is mass media, attracting students interested in film, television, radio and journalism. CRC was built in 1981 as part of a $23 million South Campus project, which included the construction of 1861 Sheridan, 1835 Hinman and other residence halls. A $2 million gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation helped provide equipment and finance other expenses for the residential college.

Off-Campus Living

Ask any Northwestern University student about Evanston, and they’ll tell you it’s the full package. Given its impressive resume, it’s no surprise Evanston boasts a competitive rental market. Here, you’ll find various off-campus rentals, from apartments to single-family homes, all generating high demand among Northwestern students. No, you cannot live off-campus as a freshman at Northwestern University. Northwestern requires that all students live on campus during their first two years of enrollment. This same requirement applies to transfer students during their first year. Students can request to be exempt from the on-campus living requirement under special circumstances related to health, finances, family, or age. However, these exceptions are not guaranteed and must be approved by the university.

Evanston Neighborhoods

Evanston has several neighborhoods that cater to the student lifestyle.

Northeast Evanston

Neighboring the Northwestern campus, Northeast Evanston is just steps away from academic buildings, athletic facilities, and, of course, the shores of Lake Michigan. This popular area is known for its student presence and quiet, suburban atmosphere.

Downtown Evanston

Downtown Evanston is where you’ll find all the action. Here, you’ll have access to upscale shopping, delectable cuisine, and popular cultural landmarks, all while still being just a short walk from campus! This area is particularly popular among students seeking to socialize and participate in local events. Many rentals here are large, upscale apartment communities like The Scholar Apartments or Albion Evanston.

Rogers Park

South of Evanston is Rogers Park, a popular Chicago neighborhood with a heavy student presence. Student renters like this area for its great waterfront access, outdoor recreation at Loyola Park, and diverse selection of dining options along N Clark Street.

Cost of Living in Evanston

The average rent in Evanston is $1,828 per month. Square footage and size significantly influence price in Evanston. So, if you want to live by yourself, be prepared to pay a bit more for less space. The average studio apartment in Evanston costs $1,5000 a month for just under 400 square feet, while the average one-bedroom costs $1,828 for 680 square feet. If you want more space, you might consider living with roommates and splitting expenses. On average, a two-bedroom apartment in Evanston costs $2,496 a month for 937 square feet. You can also look at three-bedroom options, which cost around $3,550 a month for 1,185 square feet. Along with rent, you should account for additional living expenses, including utilities and off-campus amenities. For example, some Evanston rentals might charge parking fees for residents or offer gym or laundry services at an additional cost. Utilities will be another expense to account for, which will cover your water, electricity, and internet. On average, expect to pay around $100-$200 per month for utilities.

Transportation

Like many college towns, Evanston is designed with pedestrians in mind. Boasting a walk score of 90, the city offers wide sidewalks, designated bike lanes, and convenient access to local businesses and campus facilities. It’s important to note that the areas closer to campus and downtown are the most walkable. For those without cars or a desire to walk, Evanston has various public transportation options for daily commutes. First is the Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA, which operates trains and buses throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Another option is the Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail service. With three Metra stations in Evanston, this is a great option for those living on the city outskirts or in Chicago. Additionally, students can use the Pace bus service, which travels through Evanston, Chicago, and the rest of Chicago’s six-county metropolitan area.

Important Information for Incoming Students

Residency Requirement

Northwestern University has a residency requirement for all incoming first- and second-year undergraduate students and all incoming undergraduate transfer students. This institution-wide initiative is designed to support social and academic transitions. All incoming first-year students are required to live on campus for their first two years. All incoming transfer students are required to live on campus for their first year. Students who participate in University-sponsored programs (such as internships and Study Abroad), or who request a leave of absence, will be required to fulfill the two- year residency requirement upon their return to campus.

Accommodation Requests

Yes. A committee comprised of various university offices will review any request for an accommodation under the residency requirement. Accommodations considered are typically for medical or psychological conditions, financial reasons, family, age, or other situations. The request process for residency requirement accommodations will be available April 1 - May 31. The goal of the accommodation request process is to allow a student to fully participate in the Northwestern residential experience. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, students with disabilities may be eligible for medical accommodation or exemption from the residency requirement. Additionally, students can request an accommodation or exemption based on religious identity, family situations, financial reasons, transfer policy, or other situations. Examples of accommodations could include a physical alteration to a room, a specific room type or location, an emotional support animal, or an adjustment to the meal plan. Housing accommodations may be based upon space availability at the time of the requested accommodations. All requests will be processed in the order they were received. The meal plan contract does not permit exceptions based on religious dictates, personal food choice or preferences (e.g. vegetarianism), or other non-medically-based, dietary requirements. If a request for a meal plan accommodation is received, the University’s dietitian will be consulted and recommend a final decision. In rare instances when the University cannot identify an appropriate accommodation, then there may be consideration of a request for an exception to the University’s two-year residency requirement and/or meal plan contract. Once your application and documentation are submitted, ANU will review it. Rising second-year, third-year, and fourth-year students are encouraged to submit accommodation requests for the new academic year by February 1. Complete the online Housing & Dining Accommodation request form on the Housing Portal. Rising second-year, third-year, and fourth-year students are encouraged to submit accommodation requests for the new academic year by February 1.

Twin Extra Long Bedding

All mattresses in undergraduate buildings are 36″ by 80″. They’re referred to as “twin extra-long” mattresses.

Shopping Green

We encourage you to make environmentally conscious choices when moving on campus. Mini-fridges, laptops, TVs, and other electronics: Look for Energy Star products or EPEAT certification products. Before you buy new, see if you can share with roommates. Printer: No need to buy a printer; you can print at the library when necessary. Lighting: Desk lighting is one of the most efficient ways to light your space when you’re working. Consider an LED or CFL bulb for your desk lights. Irons: You would be surprised how many irons and ironing boards we find in the move-out donation boxes at the end of the year! Bottled water: Why waste $1.50 each time you’re thirsty? Evanston has great tap water, so bring a reusable bottle or cup and fill from the tap or bring a water filter. Refrigerators with interiors larger than 3.1 cubic feet (Official Northwestern partner USS offers delivery of approved-size refrigerators to your room prior to move-in. Decorations including, but not limited to, temporary wallpaper, blankets, tapestries, flags, rugs, fishnets, etc.

Additional Housing Options

Summer Housing

Thank you for your interest in summer housing at Northwestern University. Please review the following information carefully before accessing and submitting your summer housing contract. The Summer Contract will be available on the Housing Portal on Monday May 4 until Friday, May 22. All students will be notified by Friday, May 29 of their summer housing assignment. Residents must be enrolled in courses at Northwestern during the summer quarter. Summer Housing Contract Accommodations Summer housing will be available in a building with singles and doubles; however, please note that singles are first made available to students with approved accommodations for a single room. Residents will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their individual sleeping rooms. Sleeping rooms are air-conditioned and include the following furnishings: a bed frame and mattress, a set of dresser drawers, and a closet with space to hang clothing. Linens, pillows, blankets, and towels are not provided. Residents must provide their own bed linens and towels. Full laundry facilities are located within the building. Summer housing begins at 8:00am on June 21 and ends at 12pm on August 29. If a Spring Quarter resident intends to stay on campus between June 14 at noon and June 22 at 8:00am, please indicate this during the contracting process. Checkouts occur every Saturday at 12:00pm. The rate is $50 per night or $350.00 per week. Maintenance University Personnel provides services for University-owned fixtures and equipment. If you require service for items such as non-working lights, clogged plumbing, heating/air conditioning, etc., please submit a Maintenance Request online through the Housing Portal. Residents should contact the Parking Office at 847-491-3319 for information regarding availability of parking permits in addition to rates and lots in which vehicles are permitted to park. Cancellation Summer housing students can request to cancel via the Housing Portal. Submitting a cancellation request is not an automatic release from your contract, nor does it guarantee a release.

Continuous Housing

Most undergraduate residence halls, residential colleges, and special interest communities close for Winter Break. Students must move out during this time but can leave their belongings if they are returning in January. Graduate Students - can cancel without penalty within 5 business days of receiving assignment offer. All residence halls, residential colleges, and special interest communities close (students must move out but can leave belongings if they are returning in January). Students who selected continuous housing may remain in their spaces.

Choosing the Right Dorm

Choosing the right dorm is a significant decision for any college student. It can affect your study habits, social life, and overall experience during your university years. Northwestern University offers a variety of dorm options that cater to different preferences and needs. Before diving into the specific dorms, it's essential to understand the general layout of Northwestern University's campus, which is divided mainly into North and South campuses. North Campus is known to be vibrant and social, housing the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (the largest gym on campus) and close proximity to the Technological Institute. Contrastingly, South Campus offers a quieter atmosphere, often preferred by students who prioritize a more relaxed environment. Each dorm on North Campus has its unique flair and resident community. Elder Hall: Known for its vibrant community and active social scene, Elder Hall is a go-to for freshmen seeking an immersive experience. Sargent Hall: Offering a dining hall within the building, Sargent Hall is perfect for those who appreciate convenience and a strong community vibe. South Campus dorms are known for their serene environment and closer proximity to arts and humanities academic buildings. Northwestern’s residential colleges offer themed living-learning communities that extend education beyond the classroom. Choosing a dorm at Northwestern University can significantly impact your college experience. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of North Campus or the quieter, arts-focused environment of South Campus, there is a place for everyone. Consider what is most important to you-proximity to specific academic buildings, the type of community, available amenities-and you’ll find a dorm that suits your needs and preferences perfectly. Wherever you decide to call home at Northwestern, you will undoubtedly build lasting friendships and memories. Please note that these dates are subject to change based on the university academic calendar and departmental operations. Please note that these dates are subject to change based on the university academic calendar and departmental operations.

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