Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print the application?

Applications
Contract Release
Request for Medical Information
Loft Guidelines

What is the Housing Requirement?

The housing requirement is described in the housing guidelines.

How do I request an exemption to it?

Any student may apply for an exemption to the housing requirement due to critical financial circumstances, serious medical reasons, or other extenuating circumstances which may prevent him or her from complying with the housing requirement. The application for an exception to the University's housing requirement must be submited to the Housing and Residence Life Office.

How do I apply for a residence hall room?

If you are a new student to NMU, you may apply for a residence hall room by completing the on-line application that is part of the Welcome Packet you will receive upon admittance to Northern Michigan University.  This packet includes your NMU IN (Northern Michigan University identification number) that will permit you to log on and register for Orientation and apply for housing. 

You may also choose to complete a residence hall application and send it and the $125 advance payment to the Student Service Center (2201 Hedgcock, Marquette, MI  49855).  The Residence Hall Application is also available on-line.  On-line Residence Hall Application

Will financial aid cover my housing?

This varies depending on how much financial aid you receive.  Since financial aid is not available before the first room and board payment is due, each student must pay the $125 advance payment and his or her first room and board payment each semester with personal funds.  Financial aid will be applied first against tuition and fees. Any excess will then be applied to the unpaid balance of room and board and any other financial obligations.  Financial aid in excess of financial obligations will be returned to the student. 

Do I have to pay the $125 advance payment even though I am getting financial aid?

Yes.  The $125 advance payment is intended to ensure the Housing and Residence Life Office that students applying for or reserving rooms are serious about doing so and intend to live in the residence halls.  The $125 is part of the room and board charges.  It is not an additional fee. 

Since financial aid is not available before the first room and board payment is due, each student must pay the $125 advance payment and his or her first room and board payment each semester with personal funds.  Financial aid will be applied first against tuition and fees. Any excess will then be applied to the unpaid balance of room and board and any other financial obligations.  Financial aid in excess of financial obligations will be returned to the student.

How big are the rooms?

The rooms are 12 feet x 12 feet except in Spooner Hall.  Spooner Hall single rooms are 11' x 14'. 
Try the virtual room arrangement - a simulation that let's you rearrange your room on your computer screen.

Residence Hall Room Dimensions

The following measurements are representative of the residence hall room dimensions. These dimensions vary slightly from building to building and should only be used as a guide.

• Ceiling height - 1st and 2nd floors - 8'; 3rd floor  7' 9"
• Size of room 12' x 12'
• Length of closet 6'
• Height of closet (to shelf) 5' 9"
• Length of hallway 7'
• Length of inside wall (corner to hallway) 6' 9"
• Length of outside wall (corner to window) 5' 6"
• Window dimensions 4' W x 4' 7" H
• Floor to window ledge 2' 2"
• Width of window ledge 6"
• Width of fin-tube (heater) cover 4" - (located on outside wall)

When will I get my housing assignment?

Hall assignments and roommate information (name, address, and telephone number) will be mailed to each student near the beginning of August. See details of the hall and room assignment procedures. 

When does the housing contract begin?  Can I move in early?

The fall semester housing contract for residence halls begins at 8 a.m. on the Thursday prior to the beginning of classes.  That is the earliest a student may move into the residence halls without incurring an extra charge. For those arriving early, the daily room charge is approximately $16 per night for a double room or $19 per night for a single room up until the day the contract begins.  (Rates are subject to change.)  If a student needs to move in early, he or she must contact the Housing and Residence Life Office.

Can I room with my friend?

You and your friend will each need to request each other on your residence hall application and provide the correct spelling of names, NMU IN and agreed upon hall preferences.  We will do our best to accommodate specific requests and make assignments according to the preference information we receive.

We do not match suitemates.

Can I have a single room?

Probably not, except to students assigned to single rooms in Spooner Hall, our designated upperclassman hall.  A very limited number of single rooms may be available for the school year.  If space is available, new transfer and re-entry students who request a single room will be assigned on the basis of total cumulative credit hours earned (highest first).  There is an extra charge for a single room.

What is included in a residence hall room?

• Two standard twin beds: 36 inches x 76 inches  Note:  There are a limited number of 7 foot beds available for students who are 6' 3" or above.  The beds in Gant, Hunt, Magers, Meyland, Payne, Spooner, and Van Antwerp are all 7' beds.
• Two study desks and two chairs (desks are 44" long/22" wide/29" high)
• One six-drawer dresser
• Blinds for window
• Shower curtain
• Trash can
• Phone service is provided, but students need to supply their own phone 

What should I bring to campus?

For your convenience, here is a list of things to bring  for your room if you choose. 

What is not allowed in the residence halls?

Prohibited Items

Do I have to be on a meal plan?

All students living on campus are required to be on a meal plan.  The options available to each student depend on his or her hall assignment and his or her class standing. 

1. Freshman students are required to be on a Constant Meal Pass. 
2. All other students who have achieved at least sophomore status (28 credit hours) may choose from the following options: Constant Pass, Any 14-Meal Pass, or Any-5 Meal Pass.
3. Students assigned to Spooner Hall may choose from any of the above or a Spooner Meal Plan.

Please refer to the Residence Hall Room Application or visit the Dining Services Web site for details on meal plans.

Can I build a loft?

Lofts can be constructed in some of the residence halls. The halls that do not permit students to bring their own lofts are Gant, Hunt, Magers, Meyland Van Antwerp, Payne, and Spooner Halls and also the Woodland Park apartments. Please refer to Loft Construction Guidelines for restrictions and suggestions for the other residence halls. Specific loft kits are available on a limited basis for residents of Gant, Hunt, Magers, Meyland, Van Antwerp, Payne, and Spooner Halls at a cost of $35 per semester. The kits may be requested by clicking here once residents receive their room assignments.  A kit may also be requested at the front desk upon arrival.

When do the residence halls close?  Can I stay in my room over the breaks?

Residence halls are closed for the Thanksgiving Break (Wednesday until Sunday) and for the Spring Break (typically the first week of March), but students may make arrangements with their resident adviser to stay in their rooms during both breaks. 

Residence halls close at noon on Sunday after the last final exam of the fall semester and noon on Sunday after the last final exam of the winter semester.  No one is permitted to stay in the residence halls during this period, except those students assigned to Spooner Hall who pay the additional daily charge. 

The residence hall contract ends and the residence halls close on the Sunday after the last final exam of the winter semester.

Where do I get my mail? And what is my address?

Mail (U.S. and campus) addressed to residence hall tenants, as well as other material/announcements directly related to official university matters and programs will be placed in residence hall student mailboxes Monday through Saturday during the regular school year.  Oversized mail and packages will be held at your hall's lobby reception desk and may be picked up during normal desk hours by presenting the desk receptionist with the package notice slip you will receive and a pictured ID.

While you are living on campus, your incoming mail should be addressed as follows:

Student Name
123 Your Hall
Marquette, MI 49855

Please note that "Northern Michigan University," "NMU" and/or "1401 Presque Isle" does not appear anywhere in the address.