The residence hall agreement is a legally binding contract in effect for the full academic year, similar to any other standard landlord/tenant agreement. Students who experience significant and unpredictable changes in their life that occur after they have signed a housing agreement may request to be released from their current residence hall contract. Students are typically not released from their contracts to move in with friends/relatives, because they found another living space that they think better meets their needs or because they prefer a different living environment.
Residents who have a contract but choose to live elsewhere are still responsible for their full room and board charges for the academic year. Housing and Residential Services are notified by Registration and Records of students whose documentation indicates they may fall within the first year residency requirement and should be living in university housing.
Special fall 2024 note: due to the delays in the FAFSA process, we have extended our cancellation deadline for fall 2024 contracts and full refund of pre-payments to June 1.
To apply to be released from your contract, complete the Contract Release Request Form.
Alternatively, complete the paper release request form (PDF) and mail or return it in person to Housing and Residential Services, 101 East Neptune Hall, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, or fax it to 815-753-9669.
For releases requested for reasons related to commuting, you may also need to complete the Residence Hall Commute Supplement Request.
To appeal the denial of a Residence Hall Contract Release Request or submit a Billing Appeal, complete the Housing Appeal Request Form / Billing Appeal Form (PDF).
If you are graduating in December, you are granted an automatic release upon request.
Residents who officially withdraw from the university, or cancel their enrollment before the start of fall term, and properly check out from their residence hall are entitled to a reduction in charges as specified in the addendum.
Learn more about university withdrawals.
If you seek to be released from your contract because of an unforeseen financial hardship, please contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office and request that a Financial Aid Confirmation Form be completed on your behalf. Staff members at the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office will complete that form to document the financial aid offered to you and they will forward it to us.
Releases from residence hall contracts are not usually granted except for reasons of marriage or graduation. However, a student may apply for a release based on exceptional cause.
You must be able to document (independent verification beyond personal assertion) that some highly compelling reason for a release exists such as:
In the event that a student is granted a release from their contract the refund policy is as follows.
Release request submission date | Charge or refund |
---|---|
For fall 2024 only! On or before June 1 |
If your release is granted:
|
June 2 – July 1 |
If your release is granted:
|
After July 1 |
If your release is granted:
|
After August 10 |
If your release is granted:
|
After the semester begins | If your release is granted: After the semester begins, students will be billed the greater amount of the prorated room and board charges or the charges described above in addition to the $100 contract severance charge (if room and board charges are lower than forfeitures/fines, we may also assess forfeitures/fines to match the above-mentioned amounts). No room and board charge adjustments will be issued after the last date to drop a full semester class. |
Release request submission date | Charge or refund |
---|---|
On or before December 1 | If your release is granted: No charge |
December 2 – December 15 | If your release is granted: $50 charge |
After December 15 | If your release is granted: $125 charge |
After January 5 | If your release is granted: Additional $100 Contract Severance Charge is assessed |
After the semester begins | If your release is granted: After the semester begins, students will be billed the greater amount of the prorated room and board charges or the charges described above in addition to the $100 contract severance charge (if room and board charges are lower than forfeitures/fines, we may also assess forfeitures/fines to match the above-mentioned amounts). No room and board charge adjustments will be issued after the last date to drop a full semester class. |
Release request submission date | Charge or refund |
---|---|
On or before December 1 | If your release is granted: New students receive a $125 refund |
December 2 – December 15 | If your release is granted: New students receive a $75 refund |
After December 15 | If your release is granted: New students receive no refund |
After January 5 | If your release is granted: Additional $100 Contract Severance Charge is assessed |
After the semester begins | If your release is granted: After the semester begins, students will be billed the greater amount of the prorated room and board charges or the charges described above in addition to the $100 contract severance charge (if room and board charges are lower than forfeitures/fines, we may also assess forfeitures/fines to match the above-mentioned amounts). No room and board charge adjustments will be issued after the last date to drop a full semester class. |