Common Questions

How many students live on campus?
Student Housing currently provides 542 bedrooms in a combination of one and two bedroom apartments. There are three apartment buildings that have 80 apartments in each building on the North On Campus.  There are seven buildings with 342 bedrooms on the South Campus (Woodlands).

Who receives a Student Housing contract?
Student Housing Contracts are a binding agreement between the student and the university.

• The Student Housing Priority Registration List will be available from October through the end of February. Students interested in living in Student Housing should join the Priority Registration List as soon as possible.
• Students on the Priority Registration List will receive priority access to the Student Housing Application on March first. The Student Housing Application will be made available to all students in mid March.
• Students will be granted contracts based on the availability of apartments and in the order that the Student Housing Applications are received.

Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee. Interested students simply have to complete an application to be considered for on campus housing. However, a completed application for Student Housing does not secure a space for students in campus housing. Only when a student returns a Student Housing Contract with the required $300 non-refundable prepayment and that contract is accepted by the Student Housing Manager will a student be assured a space. Contract acceptance will be indicated in writing, along with a confirmed assignment and move-in information at a later date.

When will I receive my apartment assignment?
Student Housing will distribute assignment information 2-3 weeks before the actual move in date.

When can I move in?
New residents will be able to move in the week before Orientation. Students will receive specific move-in instructions 2-3 weeks before the actual move-in date.

Can I decorate my apartment?
Of course you can, we want you to be comfortable. However, there are limits to what you can do to the apartment. Students cannot make any permanent alterations to their apartment (painting, wallpapering, etc). You are welcome to personalize your apartment by hanging pictures, posters, etc. Please refrain from using nails to hang items on the walls. If you have specific questions regarding decorating your apartment please contact the Office of Student Housing to inquire. Please note the apartments are unfurnished.

Can I bring a pet?
With the exception of fish or guide/assisted living dogs, Student Housing doesn’t allow pets in the North On Campus apartment buildings at this time.  Pets are allowed on South Campus (Woodlands).  An additional non-refundable fee of $500 per pet is required and pets are limited to building 3507 which contains Ash, Pine, and Sycamore floor plans. Students who request to live with a pet will need to rent either a one bedroom apartment, or both bedrooms in a two bedroom apartment and will not be assigned a student roommate. 

Do I need certain computer software in order to connect to the university’s network from my apartment?
Student Housing does offer wireless service. You are also able to use the internet ports located in each apartment. You don’t need any special software on your individual computer but will need to supply your own Ethernet cord to receive service. If you need additional information regarding the university’s internet policy or offerings, please feel free to visit their webpage for additional information.

Can I smoke in the building?
Student Housing facilities are smoke free. However, there is a smoking shelter behind Building 301 on the North side of Campus.

If I decide to not live in Student Housing and I’ve already submitted my signed Student Housing contract and $300 non-refundable prepayment-what should I do?
If students wish to cancel their Student Housing contract before actually moving in, you should submit a written notice to the Office of Student Housing. Students will forfeit the $300 non-refundable pre-payment.

Where can I do laundry?
Washers and dryers are located in every North On Campus apartment and provide free and unlimited use.  South Campus (Woodlands) Sycamore style apartments have a washer/dryer in the apartment.  All other South Campus (Woodlands) apartments use a laundry room that is located in each building.  The machines in the laundry rooms are card activated and charge per load.

I’m not bringing a car to campus, what about the transportation options in the area?
Getting around Lake County isn’t impossible; it just requires some ingenuity and patience on your part. Remember, North Chicago isn’t like the major city of Chicago-with tons of transportation options that run around the clock.
You have a couple of options:

• Make a nice friend on campus and carpool
• Call a taxi or ride share service to get around the area
• Hop on the Pace Bus. There are a couple of routes around that will take you to your destination (or close to it). You should visit their website at https://www.pacebus.com/.

How many months is the Contract?
Standard Housing Contracts are 10 or 12 months in length and begin between August 1 - August 6 of each academic year, or mid-May for students beginning their program in Summer Quarter. However, leases will be available to begin at any time and always have designated end dates of May 31.

How are roommates assigned?
If you would like to share an apartment with another RFUMS student, you have two options. First, you can provide the name of a student you wish to be placed with on your application. Roommates who list each other as preferred roommates will be placed together as long as they also have chosen the same #1 preference for apartment. Secondly, if you do not know of a student you wish to share an apartment with, we can assign you a roommate. Roommate information will be given during the month prior to move in. If you have a roommate, you will each be responsible for the rent associated with your Bedroom assignment. Should your roommate move out mid year, you will only be responsible for the rent of your bedroom, but you could be assigned another roommate anytime.

What if my academic status or location has changed and I no longer need to live in On Campus Housing?
We understand students may encounter circumstances during their academic career that require them to live somewhere outside of the North Chicago area. Students who graduate, have an academic status change, begin clerkships or rotations, experience a personal or family illness, withdraw or take a leave of absence from the University, or experience a serious emergency can request a release from their Housing contract through the RFUMS Office of Student Housing at least 30 days prior to the requested vacate date. If your request is verified and approved by RFUMS Student Housing for release from your contract you will be responsible for a $300 fee and prorated charges of apartment type rent to the effective date of termination.

Are there elevators?
There are not elevators in the South Campus (Woodlands) buildings. The buildings are three stories and students will need to consider this when they make plans to move in and out of their apartment.  There are two elevators in each of the three North On Campus buildings.

Do the apartments come furnished?
No, neither the North On Campus nor the South Campus (Woodlands) apartments are offered as furnished.

Can I store my items in my apartment during the Summer?
Yes students are able to renew their lease with a June 1 start date and keep their items in the apartment over the Summer. Students are not required to stay in the apartment all Summer, but they are required to pay full rent and, if applicable, utilities each month.