Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Am I eligible to apply for student housing?
All students admitted to Northeastern Illinois University are eligible to apply. Undergraduate students enrolled with at least 12 credit hours and graduate students enrolled with at least 9 credit hours will be given preference.
How much does it cost to apply for student housing?
Applicants must pay a $50 non-refundable application fee and a $250 security deposit. The security deposit is refundable as long as there are no damages in the unit upon move-out and no unpaid balances are on the student’s account.
When can I apply for student housing?
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will be available soon via eRezLife. For more information, please visit our How to Apply page.
How much will student housing at The Nest cost?
See current floor plans and rates.
Are you planning to use financial aid to supplement the cost of living in The Nest?
Financial Aid recipients at NEIU need to complete a Financial Approval Worksheet with a representative from the Financial Aid Office prior to receiving a lease. Visit our FAQ page on financing your college experience while living in The Nest.
Do I need a guarantor to sign a lease agreement?
Yes. Regardless of age or classification, all residents of The Nest must provide a Guarantor (the person who will financially guarantee the lease) to co-sign the financial obligation noted in the Lease Agreement in the event that the resident fails to appropriately meet the contract requirements.
What is an individual lease?
An individual lease provides each resident with their own separate lease agreement and responsibility for his/her rental installments and applicable utility and parking charges. By signing an individual lease, you are only taking responsibility for your rental installments and lease terms and will not be held liable for any delinquent amounts owed by your roommate(s).
How can I make my rent payment?
For more information regarding how to make payments, please visit Student Payment Services.
What is an installment?
The NEST payment schedule follows the University payment schedule. For more information, please visit Student Payment Services. If you are interested in payment plan options, additional details can be found here.
When are the installments due?
The NEST payment schedule follows the University payment schedule. If you’re interested in payment plans, please click here for more information.
When is move-in day?
International students move in on Wednesday August 19, 2026. New First Year and Transfer students, including Living Learning Communities (LLCs) move in on Thursday August 20, 2026. Returning students move in on Saturday August 22-Sunday August 23, 2026.
Does The Nest close for holidays and breaks?
No, The Nest will not close. Residents will be able to occupy their space throughout the entire duration of their lease agreements.
Do I need to enroll in summer classes to live at the nest in summer?
No, residents do not need to enroll in summer classes to live at The Nest.
Can I see my room before I move in?
Residents will not be able to enter their designated unit prior to move-in.
Is The Nest co-ed?
The Nest units will be based on gender. Wings and floors are not gender-specific. Gender-neutral housing options are available. If you are interested in gender-neutral housing, please indicate this on your application or contact The NEST leasing office at studenthousing@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4663.
If I indicate a roommate preference, will that request be honored?
While we do our best to accommodate roommate preferences, we cannot guarantee all requests. Housing assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.
Are room changes possible?
Residents are encouraged to first work with their Resident Assistant (RA) and review their roommate agreement to address any concerns. If issues cannot be resolved, residents should contact The NEST Leasing Office for information regarding the room change process and availability.
How many people do I share a bathroom with?
Each unit has four residents who each share two bathrooms.
How many resident assistants will live in The Nest?
The NEST has six (6) live-in Resident Assistants dedicated to supporting residents and building community. Students interested in becoming a Resident Assistant are encouraged to apply during the annual RA selection process.
Is there live-in professional staff at The Nest?
Yes. The Nest has live-in professional staff who oversee daily operations, support student well-being, and provide on-call response for urgent concerns. These full-time staff members work closely with Resident Assistants to ensure a safe, supportive, and engaging residential experience.
What appliances are included in each unit?
All units include a full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave and dishwasher.
Are stoves gas or electric?
They are electric.
What furniture is included in each unit?
All units are furnished as follows:
- Living Room: Couch, end table, coffee table, television and entertainment stand
- Bedroom: Bed (full-size in full bedroom and XL twin in two-bedroom), desk, desk chair, mirrored closet and two dressers
- Kitchen: Refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, stove/oven and dining table with chairs
- Bathroom: Shower curtains are not provided
What utilities are included in the cost of housing?
The utilities included are: cable, internet, heat, air conditioning, trash and waste disposal, water, and electricity (up to a monthly cap).
What is the electricity cap?
The four-bedroom unit has an electricity cap of $80 per unit per month. The two-bedroom unit has an electricity cap of $60 per unit per month.
Are laundry facilities on site?
Yes. Laundry facilities are conveniently located within The Nest for resident use.
What size are the beds?
Beds are full-size in four-bedroom units and twin extra-long in two-bedroom units.
Is cable included?
Yes. Cable television service is provided for all residents. Each unit includes a 55” mounted flat-screen TV in the living room.
Is there ethernet access in each unit?
Yes. Each unit is equipped with an ethernet connection.
Are vacuums provided in The Nest?
No. Residents are responsible for bringing their own vacuum and cleaning supplies.
Who is responsible for maintaining the condition of my unit?
Residents are responsible for keeping their units in good condition. Resident Assistants conduct routine checks to support community standards. Residents should not attempt repairs. All maintenance requests must be submitted to The Nest maintenance team through the online work order system or at the front desk.
Can students remove furniture from their units?
No. All furniture must remain in the unit and be returned to its original placement at move-out.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets (permanent, temporary, or visiting) are not permitted at The Nest to maintain facility conditions. Approved assistance or therapy animals are permitted through the appropriate approval process in coordination with The Nest and Student Disability Services.
Can I receive mail and packages at The Nest?
Yes. Residents may receive mail and packages at The Nest. Standard parcels can be picked up in the mailroom, and oversized items are available at the front desk.
MAILING ADDRESS EXAMPLE
[STUDENT NAME]
3659 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. [Insert Unit #]
Chicago, IL 60659
Is there on-site professional management and maintenance staff?
We're always on duty. Our community is staffed 24/7 with an on-site professional staff. Our property's staff is experienced and skilled in addressing all of your needs. Our local general manager is supported by leasing, business, and maintenance personnel along with our student staff of community assistants.
Will my unit be inspected?
Yes. Units are periodically inspected to ensure community standards and proper upkeep are maintained.
Who is responsible for resident property?
Residents are responsible for their personal belongings and for the condition of The Nest property within their unit. The Nest is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
What is the guest policy?
Residents may host guests with appropriate permissions for up to two consecutive nights, up to four times per year per guest. Residents must obtain roommate approval and are responsible for their guest’s behavior at all times.
Note: Guest guidelines may be adjusted based on public health or safety considerations.
Can I request special accommodations?
Yes. Students seeking accommodations (ADA, gender-inclusive housing, etc.) should indicate their request on the lease application.
What type of activities are offered?
The Nest offers programs focused on community building, personal growth, life skills, and academic success. Resident Assistants provide engaging and enriching programming throughout the year.
How will The Nest staff communicate updates?
The Nest primarily communicates via your NEIU email, with occasional messaging via cell phone and mailings through the U.S. Postal Service. Residents are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date.
Is The Nest smoke-free?
Yes. In accordance with state law and university policy, all Northeastern Illinois University property is smoke-free.Please refer to the Smoke-Free University policy.
What fire safety precautions are in place?
All units are outfitted with smoke detectors and sprinklers. Fire extinguishers are centrally located in each hallway. Drills will be performed each semester to ensure residents understand all the fire safety procedures.
Do I need a vehicle if I live at The Nest?
Residents do not need a vehicle. As part of their student fees, full-time undergraduate students receive a U-Pass, granting unlimited use of CTA transportation, which is effective from the first day of class to the last day of finals each applicable semester. This pass allows residents to be mobile throughout Chicago.
Is parking included?
Parking is not included in your housing payment. Students seeking parking options should consult University Parking for assistance.
Are meal plans required?
No, meal plans are not required, but funds may be added to student IDs using the GET Funds app or website.
Is there a food court in the buildiing?
The Nest does not offer on-site dining services. However, dining options are available nearby, including the University Cafeteria in the Student Union and Café Descartes in the Library and Student Union.
The University Cafeteria hours are:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Closed on weekends.
Please note that hours may vary during break periods and summer sessions.
Students can manage their dining accounts through the GET app.
Where is the leasing office located?
The Leasing Office is located on the first floor of The Nest.
What is the noise policy?
Quiet hours are observed daily from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Residents are expected to be mindful of community standards at all times.
What is a limited liability lease?
A Limited Liability Lease means residents are financially responsible only for their individual lease agreement in The Nest, not for their roommates’ portions.
What about alcohol and drugs at The Nest?
Northeastern Illinois University prohibits underage possession, manufacture, consumption, or distribution of alcohol on university property. The University also prohibits the manufacture, delivery, sale, use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs. Residents are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct at all times.
Are there curfews at The Nest?
No. There is no curfew for residents at The Nest.
Where can I go if I get sick?
Residents who are ill may visit Student Health Services (E 051). For life-threatening emergencies, contact Northeastern Illinois University Police at (773) 442-5511.
Do I need to buy renter's insurance?
Renter’s insurance is strongly encouraged. Residents are responsible for their personal property.
How will I be billed for housing?
Housing charges for The Nest are billed through the student account.
What type of programming can I expect?
We provide a premier Residence Life program, which offers a variety of educational, recreational and social activities. Programs may include activities such as: Alcohol Awareness, Resume Building, Intramural Sports, community participation in campus-wide competitions and many more
I have more questions about housing; Who can I contact?
For additional information, please contact The Nest at studenthousing@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4663.