Residents
ResidentsHow large are the rooms?Room sizes vary per floor and room location. f I want to bring an area rug, how do I know what size to get?We suggest that you wait until the day you move in to measure your individual dimensions before purchasing flooring. Also, many rooms have carpeting pre-installed. What is provided in my room?The Chapter and Landlord allow for great flexibility when residents move in. Many residents have designed and custom built their rooms to their liking. Moreover, most residents like to redesign their rooms to suit their particular taste. We do provide electrical outlets, power strips, wireless internet access, and a baseboard heater. All rooms offer closet space. Several rooms have been updated with new flooring, window treatments, or overhead lighting/ceiling fans. We suggest you bring a desk, chair, refrigerator/freezer, bed or futon, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets, towels, small vacuum, computer, printer paper, wastebasket, and other personal and hygiene items. Additional furniture is allowed, provided it does not block access to fire exits. When may I move into the chapter house and my room?There is no official move in day each year. Rental period for incoming members begins August 1 of each year. It is recommended, prior to move-in, you schedule a date and time with the Landlord to ensure room is clean, move-in ready, and that keys are available. It is also recommended that residents move in prior to the weekend before school begins. Those residents choosing to move in this week may be met with traffic, congestion and delays both at the chapter house and throughout the local community. What are move in days like?While again, there is no specific day or time considered official as a “move in” day, several students often chose to move in the first and last weekends of August. It is recommended that all residents plan ahead if they plan on repainting, reflooring, or otherwise remodeling their individual rooms. All such projects must be approved, in advance by the landlord. The process to remodel rooms is usually expected to be completed within 72 hours, to ensure building is restored to a more habitable state typical of daily living by the time classes begin at NIU. At NO time may any resident block any hallway or fire exit with personal belongings for any reason. How do I get my room key?It is highly recommended that all incoming residents schedule, in advance, a time and date to meet with the landlord to “Check-In” and get all keys to main doors and bedroom.What color is my room?Rooms vary in color based on what the previous residents chose. Prior to move in, many residents choose to paint their room to suit their individual tastes. Such painting is allowed, provided that design, paint schemes, and method of painting is approved by Landlord in advance. What kind of Internet access will I have?We provide secured High Speed Wireless internet access throughout the chapter house. This access is secured with a password which will be provided to resident by the chapter's Council. Do I need to bring or rent a refrigerator?No, a common refrigerator and freezer are provided in the kitchen area. However, many residents choose to install a personal refrigerator within their rooms. In double occupancy situations, we encourage each roommate to discuss this matter as space is limited. We ask that ALL refrigerators have a manufacture date after 2004 if larger to ensure energy star compliance. Do you provide phone service in the rooms?No, we do not provide phone service in the rooms. Most residents choose to use their personal mobile phone. Can I bring standard light bulbs to light my room?No, as part of the chapter's effort to go “green”, we only allow Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL) to be installed within all fixtures within the chapter house. Can I bring my bicycle?Yes, however we ask that you observe specific rules for storing and securing your bicycle on the property. Can I bring a television?Yes, however while most rooms are wired for cable television access, it will remain the residents responsibility to secure an account with the cable company Comcast. Can I bring my pet to the chapter house?No, no pets of any kind are allowed onto or within the chapter house without prior written consent from the landlord. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions. Am I required to live in the chapter house my freshman year?No, NIU requires that all single residents classified as freshmen (under 30 hours of college credit) who will not have reached their 21st birthday by September 1 (February 1 for Spring admissions), and are not residing with their parents or legal guardians, must live in University Resident Halls provided space is available. Am I required to live in the chapter house every year after my freshman year?No, However chapter bylaws require members to live within the chapter house for a minimum of 2 years. It is expected that members will live-in their sophomore and junior years, although it is common for members to remain residents throughout their senior year and beyond. Does the fraternity have quiet hours / floors?Yes, as per chapter bylaws, regimented quiet hours have been created to stress and encourage an environment that fosters academic success. In addition, those rooms situated on the 1st floor have been designated as Quiet Lifestyle. Can I move in or make alterations to my room prior to August 1?Generally No, however in rare cases this may be allowed with the permission of the Landlord. Can I have an air conditioner or space heater?As per DeKalb Fire Code, only floor standing air conditioners may be installed in single window bedrooms. Prior to installation, residents must complete a Utility Use Agreement to be filed with Landlord, and prepay all costs associated with air conditioner use. As per DeKalb Fire Code, no space heaters are allowed within rooms. I would like to take advantage of the Pre-Pay discount, what are the requirements?In order to be eligible to receive prepayment discount, residents must indicate their desire to do so prior to July 15 and/or November 15 of each year. Residents should contact the chapter Exchequer and Chapter Landlord Prior to these dates. Additionally, as per the leasing agreement, to be eligble to receive prepayment discount, member must submit payment for a MINIMUM of 1 semesters rent, via cash or check ONLY, prior to August 1 and/or January 2. Some arrangements MAY be made, at the Exchequers discretion, to accommodate those residents awaiting student loans. What bills do I need to pay before I move in?All residents must pay, at minimum, their security deposit and first months rent before they will be permitted to move in. Is there anything I can't have within my individual room?Yes, torch-style lamps, extension cords, Foreman grills, coffee makers, hot plates, hookahs, toasters, toaster ovens, halogen lights, microwaves, candles, fireworks, and firearms (this includes paintball guns, airsoft, etc.). In addition, no flammable items may be hung from/on ceilings (posters, afghans, sheets, paper, etc) and all electrical/lighting may only be hung from walls with approved plastic fasteners (no staples, nails, etc.) What if there is damage to my room when I move in?You should submit any and all damages, in writing, to the landlord within 48 hours of move in to ensure you are not responsible for any damages. Do I still have to pay if I don't stay over academic recesses?Yes, you will have access to your room for the entirety of your 12 month leasing period and monthly amounts are due regardless of days resident chooses to stay within the chapter house. |