Campus Living: Northeastern University's Student Housing Policy

Northeastern University offers a variety of housing options for its students, including university-owned, leased, and off-campus housing. While the requirements for on-campus living vary across Northeastern's campuses, first-year students are generally required to live in university housing. For instance, all Boston students must live in university housing for their first two years, while Northeastern University Oakland guarantees on-campus housing for the first two years and up to four years if specific requirements are met. Northeastern University's Housing and Residential Life system aims to foster a safe and inclusive community, providing intentional experiences, programs, and activities to support students' personal development and academic success.

Northeastern University's Housing & Residential Life system

In Boston, all Northeastern students are required to live in university housing for their first two years. First-year students typically share a room with one or two other students in co-ed residence halls, some of which offer dining halls and common study areas. These residence halls are known as Learning Communities (LLCs) and are themed to connect students with similar academic and personal interests.

For its Oakland campus, Northeastern University guarantees university housing for the first two years and up to four years, provided students meet application and deposit deadlines. The Oakland campus offers traditional, suite, and apartment-style residence halls within a 135-acre gated campus.

Northeastern University also offers housing for its various global programs, including London Scholars, Global Scholars, N.U.in Program, and NYC Scholars. During these programs, students live in university housing or recommended partner properties, depending on the location and cohort.

After the first two years, university housing for upperclass students becomes limited and is available on a space-available basis. Many upperclassmen choose to live off-campus or participate in co-op, study abroad, or other learning opportunities outside of Boston.

The university provides resources to support students in finding off-campus housing, including advice on tenant rights, lease expectations, and referrals to area realtors.

On-campus vs off-campus housing

Northeastern University offers a variety of housing options for its students, including on-campus and off-campus accommodations. While the university prioritises on-campus living for first-year students, there are several factors to consider when deciding between on-campus and off-campus housing.

On-Campus Housing

Northeastern University's on-campus housing is designed to foster a safe and close-knit community among students. First-year students are typically required to live in university housing, with options such as Learning Communities (LLCs) that connect individuals with similar academic and personal interests. On-campus housing provides easy access to dining, common study areas, and other amenities. It also offers a convenient and secure living environment, with residence halls located on the university's gated campus.

Off-Campus Housing

Northeastern University also provides support for students seeking off-campus housing. The Off-Campus Engagement and Support website offers resources and guidance for finding safe and secure apartments that fit students' needs and budgets. Additionally, websites like uhomes.com provide hundreds of apartment listings near the university, including private flats, studios, and shared rooms. Off-campus housing offers students more independence and a wider range of accommodation options.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between on-campus and off-campus housing, students should consider factors such as cost, convenience, and personal preferences. On-campus housing typically includes various amenities and resources, which can provide a more inclusive living experience. However, off-campus housing offers more independence and flexibility, allowing students to choose accommodations that align with their budgets and lifestyle choices. Additionally, the availability of on-campus housing for upperclass students may be limited, influencing their decision to explore off-campus options.

In conclusion, the choice between on-campus and off-campus housing at Northeastern University depends on individual preferences, requirements, and the benefits each option offers. While on-campus housing promotes community and convenience, off-campus housing provides independence and a broader range of accommodation choices. Students can refer to the university's resources and external websites to make an informed decision that aligns with their specific needs and circumstances.

Housing for students with disabilities

Northeastern University is dedicated to creating inclusive living environments that support the personal development and academic success of its students. The university offers a variety of housing options, including student housing owned or leased by the university.

Housing & Residential Life Teams are committed to fostering a safe and close-knit community for all students, regardless of their campus or program. They work with students to build inclusive living environments and design intentional experiences, programs, and activities to build a strong community environment.

Housing Accommodation Requests

Northeastern University provides disability-related accommodations for students who qualify. Students with disabilities can discuss any reasonable housing accommodation with their assigned Disability Access Services (DAS) Specialist. If DAS recommends the accommodation to Housing & Residential Life, and the student has met the appropriate deadlines for application and deposit, the student will be accommodated.

Students with health-related conditions that do not meet the definition of a disability may still complete the Housing Accommodation Request Form if they believe the condition significantly limits their ability to live in an assigned residence hall. This process is specifically for students requesting an air conditioner, carpet-free room, or personal furniture (mattress) due to health-related conditions. Northeastern University will make every reasonable effort to accommodate such requests but may not always be able to do so.

Disability Access Services (DAS)

DAS is committed to providing disability services that enable students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act to participate fully in university activities. To receive accommodations through DAS, students must provide appropriate documentation demonstrating a current significant limitation and the corresponding need for adjustments or services. DAS evaluates the information provided by students and their clinicians on a case-by-case basis and makes an individualized determination about requested adjustments.

Adjustments and services are available for students with a range of diagnoses, including:

• Learning disabilities and/or ADHD
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Chronic or degenerative disorders
• Mobility impairments
• Psychiatric disorders
• Traumatic or acquired brain injury

Housing for first-year students

Northeastern University offers a variety of housing options for first-year students. The university is committed to fostering a safe and close-knit community for students across all its campuses and programs.

Boston Campus

All first-year students on the Boston campus are required to live in university housing. They reside in Learning Communities (LLCs), which are themed housing environments that connect students with similar academic and personal interests. Most students will share a room with one or two other students in traditional, co-ed residence halls that can accommodate between 75 and 700 students. The larger halls offer dining halls and common study areas.

Oakland Campus

On the Oakland campus, all students are required to live in university housing for their first two years. The housing options include traditional, suite, and apartment-style residence halls located on the 135-acre gated campus.

London Campus

During the London Scholar experience, students live in university-recommended student accommodation that offers central locations, comfort, excellent facilities, and security. University staff live alongside students to provide support and guidance. From the second year onwards, students can choose to stay in student halls or rent private accommodation.

Global Scholars Program

During the Global Scholars program, students live in university housing in Oakland and London. When transitioning to Boston for the second year, they have guaranteed housing for their first year if they meet application and deposit deadlines.

N.U.in Program

For the N.U.in Program, students live alongside their cohort and on-site support staff near their partner institution during the fall semester. When they transition to Boston for the spring semester, they are required to live in university housing for the remainder of their first year and their entire second year.

New York City Scholars Program

For the New York City Scholars program, students live in university housing in New York City for their first year. When they transition to Boston for their second year, they have guaranteed housing for their first year in Boston if they meet application and deposit deadlines.

Housing Features and Amenities

Northeastern University's Housing and Residential Life system includes student housing that is either owned or leased by the university. Each room comes with a bed frame, mattress (twin XL), desk, desk chair, and dresser. The majority of the rooms are double or triple occupancy, with common community spaces in most halls for studying, group projects, or student activities. All first-year students are required to have a meal plan. Single rooms are available on a limited basis, as are All-Gender housing options.

Housing for upperclassmen

Northeastern University offers its students a variety of housing options, including student housing that is either owned or leased by the university. The Housing and Residential Life Teams are committed to building a safe and close-knit community for students across all campuses and programs.

Boston Campus

All Boston students are required to live in university housing for their first two years. After this, students are not required to live on campus and can choose from a mix of university and off-campus housing options in Boston, or even participate in co-op, study abroad, or learning opportunities outside of Boston.

Upperclass students in university housing in Boston live in a variety of suite and apartment-style accommodations.

Oakland Campus

Northeastern University Oakland guarantees students university housing for their first two years. Beyond this, all students are guaranteed university housing for four years, provided they meet the required application and deposit deadlines.

London Campus

During the London Scholar experience, students live in university housing in their first year. From the second year onwards, students can choose to remain in student halls or rent private accommodation with fellow students.

Global Scholars Program

During the Global Scholars experience, students live in university housing in Oakland and London. When students transition to Boston for their second year, they have access to university housing, with space guaranteed for their first year if they meet the required application and deposit deadlines.

New York City Scholars Program

During the NYC Scholars experience, students live in university housing in New York City. When students transition to Boston for their second year, they have access to university housing, with space guaranteed for their first year in Boston if they meet the required application and deposit deadlines.

Off-Campus Housing

Northeastern University's Off-Campus Engagement and Support provides information, resources, and materials regarding off-campus student living in Boston. The university also has an Off-Campus Housing Search website, which offers guidance on the apartment search process and helps students find safe and secure apartments that fit their needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions