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Move-in

What is the housing policy for Fall 2025?

The residency requirement is in effect for the 2025-2026 academic year.  

When do the residence halls open for the 2025-2026 academic year?

New students can move in by appointment starting at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Returning students can return beginning on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. 

When will I be able to sign up for my move-in appointment?

  • Returning students do not need to sign up for move-in appointments.  
  • New students will be sent a link in early August (after room assignments are completed) that will allow them to sign up for move-in appointments. If you have trouble with your move-in appointment sign up, please contact housing@northwestern.edu.  

Where can I find information about Wildcat Welcome?

More information regarding Wildcat Welcome can be found on the Student Transition Experiences website.

What is the schedule like outside of my move-in time?

Students and families are encouraged to spend time together until separate tracks of activities begin at 4:00 p.m. For families, there is a separate track of programming. More information will be provided in the summer. 

Can I move in early?

Information about early arrival can be found on the Early Arrival Policy page.

Can I cancel my contract?

Learn more about contract cancellation policies for incoming students here and for returning students here. 

If I am an undergraduate student, do I have to move my items home for Winter Break? Will Winter Break housing be available?

Undergraduate residence halls and residential colleges will close at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Students can leave their belongings in their rooms over the Winter Break period. 

Students who sign up for continuous housing can remain in their undergraduate residence hall during Winter Break. Students living in other buildings who are seeking Winter Break housing should contact housing@northwestern.edu. 

What happens if I show up early without any prior permission?

We recognize that on occasion some students will arrive before their approved check-in date and time. If a student arrives without any previous approval, staff will attempt to assign them to their fall room if possible. If not, staff will attempt to assign them to a temporary space. The cost to stay on campus is 2x the published early arrival rate. For example if the published rate for early arrival is $50/night, the rate for a student who does not have prior permission would be $100/night ($50/night x 2) for as many nights before the posted regular arrival dates (September 9, 2025, for new students and September 12, 2025, for returning students).

Can I loft my bed?

Visit our lofting page for more details. 

What are the dimensions of the furniture?

Learn more about the furnishing provided in each room here. Please note that all furniture must remain in the room.

What if I arrive after 4:00 p.m. on September 9, 2025?

Please use the self-check in form (located in an email you will receive that morning or available through QR codes posted at buildings entrances) to activate your building access. Go to your Area Desk if you need assistance.

What size mini-fridge should I get? Are there other items that are prohibited?

  • Mini-fridge sizes are limited to 3.1 cubic feet.
  • Prohibited items include:
    • Heating or cooking appliances (hot pots, toaster ovens, coffee makers - other than Keurig or similar coffee machines that automatically shut off, etc.)  
    • Decorations including, but not limited to, temporary wallpaper, blankets, tapestries, flags, rugs, fishnets, etc. that are hung on a wall and cover more than 50% of the wall 
    • Knives with blades longer than 3 inches 
    • Candles, incense, and candle warmers (unless  for a religious or other accommodation) 
    • Fireworks, explosives, incendiaries, firearms, and other similar items 
    • Air conditioning units and/or space heaters
    • Waterbeds 
    • Lofts or loft-like risers, cinder blocks, wooden platforms, and any other sort of “bed riser” (many of our beds are adjustable)  
    • Pets (other than  service or emotional support animals)  
    • All personal electronic mobility devices, including but not limited to electric bicycles, hoverboards, mopeds, and scooters 

 

What events are held for new students on September 9?

Residential colleges will host welcome events at 4:00 p.m. followed by dinner with Resident Assistants. In the evening, First Night Â鶹´«Ã½ events will be spread throughout campus.