Frequently Asked Questions (2024)

If I have an accommodation approved by the Office of Student Accessibility, will that be honored by Housing?

• Absolutely. Housing will make every effort to meet accommodations approved by the Office of Student Accessibility. Please submit all accommodation requests to the Office of Student Accessibility.

If I want to request an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), where do I start?

• Please contact the Office of Student Accessibility for more information on ESAs. You may NOT bring an ESA on-campus until it is approved by the Office of Student Accessibility. They will give you a date upon which you are approved to bring your ESA.
  

When/how will we be able to get our All Cards?

• New Students will receive their All Card during Orientation, right before the start of the Fall term. To get your All Card at a different time, please visit the All Card Office in the Student Union.
  

Is cable television available on campus?

• NKU does not have cable television in the residence halls. NKU has invested in high speed internet service and many students choose to use streaming TV services in their rooms through the provided internet connection.

Will laundry be available in the residential communities?

• Laundry is available for all residential students and is free to use, as long as you live on campus.

What are the public showers like?

• The public showers in Callahan Hall, Wings F/G/J have two shared shower rooms per hall. Each shower room has two private showers for use by students. We do not have large rooms with multiple shower heads and no privacy. That is only something you see in the movies.

Are there community kitchens in any of the facilities?

• There are community kitchens in all of the halls except for Norse Hall and Kentucky Hall. These community kitchens will be open and will be cleaned regularly to promote a sanitary environment. We encourage all students to do their part to help keep these areas clean.

Do Northern Terrace quads have showers for each quad, or for the floor?

• Each Northern Terrace quad has two full bathrooms in it for the three residents to share. Each bathroom includes a sink, shower, and toilet.

Do closets in Norse Hall have closet doors?

• Yes.

Do students need to bring their own kitchen materials to use in the community and apartment kitchens?

• Yes. We do not provide any utensils, pots/pans, towels, or other kitchen supplies.

Are students responsible for providing items like toilet paper in bathrooms in Norse Hall apartments, University Suites, and Callahan Hall?

• That is correct. Students are responsible for providing their own toilet paper and bringing a shower curtain. The only exception is students living on the F wing, G wing, and J wing in Callahan Hall have shower curtains provided for showers on the hall.
  

Does every floor have an RA?

• There will be an RA assigned to every floor, but an RA will not live on every floor. Each student will be contacted by an RA and given information on how to reach that RA throughout the year.

How many people will use the community baths? Are there community baths only for male and female?

• Community bathrooms in Kentucky, Commonwealth, Cumberland, and Callahan Halls will all be shared by no more than 22 total people. Community baths are restricted for use to the self-identified gender of each student. There are also single use restrooms for private use in Kentucky, Cumberland, and Callahan Halls. University Housing will provide toilet paper and shower curtains for common bathrooms.

How do students receive mail and care packages?

• Our mail rooms and package rooms will be open this year, staffed during posted hours. Please visit the housing website to determine the appropriate mailing address for your room.

It looks like some rooms like university suites have a shower door is that correct?

• Each suite in University Suites has two full bathrooms with a sink, toilet, and shower. All showers require a shower curtain.

Are microwaves and mini fridges allowed in dorms?

• Microwaves and mini fridges are allowed in dorms. All residential spaces come with a mini fridge already provided. For limitations and information, please review the Housing Policies, Rules, and Regulations.

How do I find out if you have my housing application and if it is complete?

• You can login to the Housing Portal to check the status of your application. If you have any questions, please email us at housing@nku.edu from your NKU email address (include your 9-digit Student ID Number) and we would be glad to look up your application and confirm that we have it.

When will students be informed of their room assignments?

• Until May 31, 2021, you are able to choose your own room for Fall 2021. After May 31, 2021, we will make assignments on a regular basis and you will be able to login to the Housing Portal to view your room assignment and roommate information. If you cannot view your assignment or no assignment is showing, please contact housing@nku.edu.

What would I do if I cannot see my assignment, even though I have been notified to see it?

• Please email us at housing@nku.edu and we will assist your personally.

How do I know which bed is “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D” in a quad or apartment?

• In an apartment, the “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D” refers to the specific bedroom you have been assigned and you must live in that specific room for safety reasons. In a quad or shared room (like a double room in Callahan), the “A” or “B” is only there for administrative purposes. We encourage roommates to have open communication before arriving to discuss how the different sides of the room will be selected.

How do I find out more about intramurals, clubs, and organizations to join?

• For more information on clubs and organizations, please visit the following link. For more information on intramurals, please visit the Campus Recreation website.

What hours is Campus Recreation open? Where do I find out about group fitness classes? When will the pool(s) be open?

• Please visit the Campus Recreation website for more information on available amenities and hours of operation.

When do students have to move-out after each semester?

• Students are not required to move-out at any point during the academic year. University Housing remains open through all University breaks, including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. Students are welcome to stay in their room for an additional fee.
  

Will I get charged if I cancel my Housing contract? How much will I be charged?

• Yes, please look at the cancellation information in the section above for the 2023-2024 academic school year

How do I cancel my housing contract?

• Students will need to submitHousing Cancellation Form. Emails to the housing@nku.edu account will not suffice as a form of cancellation
• Housing cancellations can only be reviewed for the semester in which they occur once the semester(s) has passed, Housing will no longer review the cancelaltion.
• Housing Contract Cancellations can only be filed under one of the cancellation categories.
  • Medical Hardship -The students medical condition/diagnosis would preclude the student from living on-campus with proper documentation. This includes physical or mental health related conditions/diagnosis with the proper level of documentation.
  • Financial Hardship -The students financial situation is so severe that living on-campus would present a financial burden and not allow the student to ultimately be successful. This would also require documentation of tax information and financial aid.
  • Significant Change in Life Circ*mstance -This warrants a situation where a student life has been drastically altered to a major change within life or family circ*mstances. Examples include but are not limited to divorce, major change in job status for one or more parent/legal guardian, etc. This would also require the necessary documentation to be submitted.
• As part of the cancellation process, students must submit the following documentation.
  • Personal Statement (1-2 Pages) - Outlines the reasoning for the housing contract cancellation.
  • Relevant Documentation - Depending on the cancellation category, students will need to submit all documentation to substantiate their claim the housing contract cancellation.

Who reviews Housing Contract Cancellation?

Housing contract cancellations are reviewed by committee of members within University Housing and across campus. In order to review the housing contract cancellation, the student will need to submit their Personal Statement and All Relevant Documentation in order for the committee to properly review their materials.

Specific questions regarding Housing Contract cancelations can be send to Dr. Tim Leyson (timothy.leyson@nku.edu).

What is the cost for housing this year?

• For current housing costs, please visit the rate section of the housing website.

When will the bill come for housing?

• Your housing and meal plan cost will ben posted to your student bill. To view your student bill, please login at myNKU, select the ‘Student Self-Service’ tab, and look for the "Biller Direct Tuition Payment & Statement" to view your bill.

When should our balance of tuition, housing, etc. be paid?

• Your student bill needs to be paid by the first day of classes. Please visit the Student Account Services website for more information.

Are the payments for housing due in August for the Fall or for the full year?

• The amount posted on student accounts is for the Fall term only. This amount will be due again for the Spring.

What should we expect as students for what a social life or what a “college feel” would be like?

• Our housing staff works hard each year to get to know each student and help them connect to campus resources. Staff will take time to get to know you and your interests so that we can ensure everyone has an opportunity to be included in event planning efforts.

Can you expand on what social opportunities may be available?

• Housing staff will be engaging all students in our Residential Curriculum, which will include numerous opportunities for all students to gather with their friends and neighbors. We also encourage students to find clubs and organizations with which to engage. Please visit Student Engagement to learn more.
  

If the room assignment is for a room with no roommate, will 2 beds remain in the room?

• University Housing will be unable to remove or store any furniture, so all furniture must stay in its assigned room. Students are expected to keep all furniture in the room to which it is assigned and may not remove or store the furniture.

What furniture is included in the residence halls and is there a layout of the residential spaces on the housing website?

• There is information about furniture and layouts on the housing website, found on our Living Optionspage.

If I purchased a loft bed, will I still receive that when I arrive?

• University Housing partners with bedloft.com to provide lofts in our residence halls. Please visit their website for more information.

How tall are the beds from the floor?

• Most of the beds in University Housing are adjustable in height and can be anywhere from 10” to 36” above the ground. If you would like the height of your bed adjusted, please submit a work request after you arrive.

If you have purchased a loft rental, does Housing remove the other bed?

• All original furniture must remain in its assigned room, including if you have a loft installed. It will be your responsibility to keep the bed frame in your room while you have the loft.

Are freshmen required to get a meal plan? We prefer not to since our student has a food allergy.

• All students who live on campus are required to have a meal plan. Students with dietary needs can contact dining services for more information about how Dining can meet your needs.

Why will breakfast not be offered on Saturday and Sunday?

• Dining Services is conscientious of the needs of students and when they choose to eat. Students have not traditionally come to a breakfast time on the weekends. Thus, Dining Services offers a longer brunch period when they know students want to come to the dining halls.

What dining facilities will be open this year?

• Please visit the Dining Services website for hours of operation and locations.
  

Can I change my meal plan?

• There will be an opportunity for all students to modify their meal plan during the first two weeks of each semester. We will send students an email to their NKU email address with more information at that time.

Will the student’s meal plan be open once they check in?

• Meal plans typically start on the Sunday before classes and end on the last Friday of Final Exams. For more information, please visit the Dining Services website.
  

Can you describe each of the different meal plans?

• Please view our Housing and Dining rates for descriptions of each of the meal plans.

How do I view my meal plan?

• You can view your selected meal plan by logging into the Housing Portal.

What dates are orientation this year? Is there a separate orientation for transfer students?

• For more information about Orientation, please visit the Orientation website.

Do we still have to pay for orientation even if it is online?

• Orientation fees have been reduced for this year. Please visit the Orientation page for more information.

Are freshmen allowed to have vehicles on campus?

• Yes! Please make sure they register their vehicle and get a parking permit from Parking Services. Parking permits will be required. Prices for this year should be listed on the Parking Services website.

Will the student’s parking pass be available upon move-in?

• Please work with Parking Services to determine how you will receive your parking pass.

I have had a lot of issues signing up online for the parking pass, can I call and order one too?

• Parking passes must be ordered online. If you need assistance, please contact Parking Services.

Is there specific parking for residential students?

• There is not specific parking for residential students. However, there is ample parking near the residence halls and NKU has lots of parking available, so it is not usually an issue.
  

How do we know if we have a roommate? Where can we view this information?

• Please login to the Housing Portal in order to view your assignment, your roommates, and contact information for your roommates.

If my original roommate canceled their housing contract how do I find out if I will be receiving a new roommate or if I will be in a dorm by myself?

• Please login to the Housing Portal in order to view your assignment, your roommates, and contact information for your roommates.

Are there any single rooms available?

• Single rooms are one of our most popular requests. These typically fill up quickly in January and there is limited availability throughout the year. Please visit the Housing Portal to review availability of different rooms.
  

If there is an open spot in the specific room you want to change to, would we still need to wait the full 3 weeks to change rooms?

• All room changes must wait for the full three weeks each semester before they can be requested.
  

If my roommate cancelled their contract, do I no longer have a roommate?

• Not necessarily. We are continuing to receive applications and requests for housing and we continue to assign students off of our waitlist into available rooms.

Are students able to hang things on their walls? Do they need to find alternatives to tacks and pins?

• Students are welcome to hang things on their walls, as long as they don’t damage the walls or create a fire hazard. Please review Housing Policies, Rules, and Regulations for more information.
  

What size are the windows in the rooms if I want to get curtains? Are there blinds on the windows?

• Each residence hall has different sized windows. We encourage you to wait until you arrive to measure your window to select curtains. There are already blinds on all the windows in University Housing.

Is there a list of approved items for dorms? (microwave, air fryer, mini fridge) Where is the list available?

• You can find a list of approved and not approved items in the Housing Policies, Rules and Regulations. Students can bring fridges that are up to 2 cubic feet large. There is already a mini-fridge in all residential rooms, apartments, and suites.
  

Can I have an air fryer/George Foreman grill/toaster in my room?

• Unfortunately, appliances with open heating elements are not allowed in the residential facilities. Please review the Housing Policies, Rules, and Regulations for a list of what can, and cannot, be brought to the residence halls.

Are tasers/stun guns allowed in the residence halls?

• Unfortunately, all items that could be construed as weapons (including tasers, stun guns, mace, etc.) are not permitted in the residence halls or on campus at NKU. NKU is one of the safest campus in the country and our University Police do an excellent job keeping our students safe.

What if my roommate is not being responsible? How would you recommend I handle that situation?

• It can be challenging to have these difficult conversations with a roommate. We encourage students to open up the relationship with a frank conversation so that both residents can work together to protect each others’ health. If a conversation is not working, our residence life staff, including Resident Assistants and Residence Life Coordinators, will be available to help mediate and guide the conversation. If there is still disagreement, we have additional resources to help protect our students and help them feel comfortable.

Could you provide more information about the shuttle bus from East Village to the main campus? How often will it run?

• The shuttle will run every 30 minutes, providing plenty of capacity to move students about campus. You can find more information on our shuttle page.
  

If a student does not get housing, how will financial aid be arranged if they have to get an apartment?

• Students should contact Student Financial Aid for more information about their scholarships and financial aid.

What can you share about work study opportunities?

• Please visit the Student Financial Aid page to see more information about Work Study.

Is it possible to rent apartments close to campus if on-campus housing is not an option?

• There are a number of apartment complexes close to the NKU campus who are rent space to NKU Students. Students are encouraged to search for apartments using search engines, online maps, and apartment aggregator websites if they are interested in living off campus. First-year, full-time students are required to live on-campus according to the First-Year Residency Requirement.
  

Can you tell me where to find the Fall semester academic calendar?

- You can find the Fall Academic Calendar on the NKU main webpage at the top under “Quick Links.” It is also linked here.