Northern Illinois University

Northern View Community

Frequently Asked Questions

   1. Can I have guests stay with me?

   2. What public schools will children who live in Northern View Community attend?

   3. How do I pay my rent?

   4. Can I sublet my apartment?

   5. What if I want to change aparments?

   6. Do I have to move out if I am no longer an NIU student?

   7. Can I cancel my contract early?

   8. Will I be held responsible for paying additional costs if my unit is not full?

   9. Can I use portable storage such as PODS and SAM?

   10. Do kitchen appliances come with the apartment?

   11. Where do I receive my mail?

   12. Is there Internet access?

   13. Am I required to have a meal plan?

   14. Does the University cover my belongings if they are damaged or stolen?

   15. Does NIU Public Safety patrol Northern View Community?

   16. Is parking available?

   17. Are there storage spaces?

   18. Is there a service available for cleaning my unit?

   19. Can I use a halogen lamp?

   20. Can I smoke in my unit?

   21. Can I have alcoholic beverages in my unit?

   22. Can I have pets?

   23. Can I burn candles in my apartment?

   24. Can I grill outside?

   25. Do I need to bring furniture?

   26. Where can I find the answers to other questions I may have?

1. Can I have guests stay with me?

Yes, you can have guests stay with you. Guests are permitted to stay with you for a limited period; extensions can be obtained by submitting a written request to the Northern View Community Director. Hosts are responsible at all times for the conduct of their visitors.

2. What public schools will children who live in Northern View Community attend?

Students in Elementary School will attend: Malta Elementary School
507 North Third St., Malta, IL - (815) 825-2081, fax (815) 825-2082

Students in Middle School will attend:Clinton Rosette Middle School
650 North First St., De Kalb, IL - (815) 754-2226, fax (815) 758-1097

Students in High School will attend: DeKalb High School
1515 S. Fourth St., De Kalb, IL - (815) 754-2100, fax (815) 754-2156
For more information please visit www.dist428.org.

3. How do I pay my rent?

You will receive a bill for the semester on your student account through the Office of the Bursar.

4. Can I sublet my apartment?

No, you cannot sublet or allow anyone to live in your apartment that is not listed on your contract.  If you need to make changes to your living arrangements, please see the Northern View Community Director.

5. What if I want to change aparments?

Students are required to stay in the apartment for which they signed their contract.  At the end of each contract period, we allow changes in apartment units according to availability.

6. Do I have to move out if I am no longer an NIU student?

Northern View Community is for NIU students and their dependents only.  One person in the unit must be a student at NIU, and the NIU student must be the primary contract holder.

7. Can I cancel my contract early?

No, all Northern View Community contracts are binding for the entire 9 or 12 month period. 

8. Will I be held responsible for paying additional costs if my unit is not full?

Yes, the building is rented per apartment unit; and as a contract holder, you are responsible for the monthly rent. 

9. Can I use portable storage such as PODS or SAM?

No. We do allow moving companies and/or moving vehicles such as UHAUL and PENSKE.

10. Do kitchen appliances come with the apartment?

Yes, all apartment kitchens are equipped with a stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator.  Apartments also include a washer and dryer.  

11. Where do I receive mail?

Your mail will be delivered to your box, which will be located in the Northern View Community Center.

12. Is there Internet access?

Yes, high-speed Internet access is available in all units and in the computer lab in the Community Center.

13. Am I required to have a meal plan?

No, meal plans are not required for Northern View Community residents.  However, Huskie Bucks can be purchased and used at any of our residential dining units as well as many off-campus facilities.

14. Does the University cover my belongings if they are damaged or stolen?

No, the University encourages all residents to acquire a renter’s insurance policy to cover personal belongings.

15. Does NIU Public Safety patrol Northern View Community?

Yes, Northern View Community is part of the NIU campus and is patrolled regularly by Public Safety officers.

16. Is parking available?

Yes, a parking lot will be located at Northern View Community.  Orange parking permits will be required. For more information visit Campus Parking Services at www.finfacil.niu.edu/parking.

17. Are there storage spaces?

No, unfortunately we cannot provide storage space. However, there are various storage companies near the NIU campus.

18. Is there a service available for cleaning my unit?

No, the common areas and grounds will be cleaned and maintained regularly; however, apartment residents are responsible for keeping their unit in a clean and safe condition.

19. Can I use a halogen lamp?

No, due to safety concerns, halogen lamps may not be used, possessed, or stored in Northern View Community.  

20. Can I smoke in my unit?

No, smoking is not permitted in any building on campus.  No smoking is permitted directly in front of or next to door entrances.

21. Can I have alcoholic beverages in my unit?

Yes, if you are age 21 or older, you may possess alcoholic beverages in your apartment. However, the door to your unit must be closed while alcoholic beverages are being consumed.

22. Can I have pets?

No pets, except small fish, are allowed in your apartment.

23. Can I burn candles in my apartment?

No candles, incense, or oil lamps, etc., are to be burned in your apartment.  No devices with open flames or exposed heating elements are permitted.

24. Can I grill outside?

Yes, grilling may be done outside of the apartment units.  All grilling must be done at at an appropriate distance from any building.

25. Do I need to bring furniture?

Yes, you are responsible for furnishing your apartment. All apartments are unfurnished.

26. Where can I find the answers to other questions I may have?

If you have a question we did not answer, you can find more information by visiting the Northern View Community web site www.niu.edu/NorthernView/ or by calling 1-815-752-VIEW.