Spring 2021 Testing and Move-In Information

We're looking forward to welcoming you back to campus for spring. If you are new to the residence halls, then we are equally excited about your arrival.

As a reminder we are following our planning to prioritize your health and safety, including:

  • Single rooms for all students.
  • Face coverings required in common areas.
  • Hand sanitizer stations in public locations
  • An emphasis on cleaning and disinfecting of common areas.

As a part of our planning all residence hall students will again be asked to complete a gateway COVID-19 test prior to moving into your space. For January we will be providing these tests as a part of your move in reservation time.

There are four steps to this process:

  • Step 1: Make your move-in reservation online. You will then receive a confirmation email from Housing and Residential Services with your appointment information. 
  • Step 2: On or around Dec. 23, you will receive a separate email from SHIELD Illinois in the where you will be required to register with the SHIELD Illinois testing system. That email will contain an activation link and code for you to use. Sign in as a new user and enter your information.
  • Step 3: On your scheduled move-in day, please follow the pre-test instructions regarding food, drink and oral hygiene, and arrive at the Holmes Student Center at your scheduled move in time to take the test. Free parking will be available in the Visitor’s Lot and Campus Life Building lot.
  • Step 4: After the test is complete, conclude the check in process with the Housing and Residential Life staff in the Holmes Student Center for key access.

If you have any questions, contact us at housing@niu.edu or check our spring 2021 frequently asked questions.

Schedule for Making your Testing and Move-In Reservation

Students who have positive test results will not be permitted to move-in to their campus residence until they have been released from their isolation period by their primary care provider and/or local health authority. Housing and Residential Services will assist the student in re-scheduling their move-in date and time.

Preparing to Move In

To ensure the well-being of our community, we advise you to follow CDC guidelines in the weeks before you return/arrive on campus. This includes:

  • Not traveling outside your current hometown during the 14 days before you arrive.
  • Not attending large gatherings or other events that could expose you to COVID-19.
  • Practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently.

Move-In Days

You can reserve your testing and move in appointment on the following dates:

  • Thursday, January 7, 2021
    • 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, January 8, 2021
    • 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, January 9, 2021
    • 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

For your move-in, you are permitted to bring only two additional family members to assist. Everyone in your party must wear a face mask at all times. If you or anyone in your party feels ill the morning of your move-in appointment, that person should stay home. We can reschedule your move-in date for another time. Please note that only students will be allowed in the Holmes Student Center testing site and guests should remain in their vehicle(s).

Cost and Accommodations

As a refresher, students in traditional double rooms in the residence halls will pay that rate but will have a single room for the spring semester. New Residence Hall and Northern View Apartment students are already in single room accommodations, and there are no rate differentials. Compare room rates.

Contact Us

Housing and Residential Services
Neptune East 101
housing@niu.edu
815-753-1525

Additional Contact Info


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