In order to live in University Housing, a student must be registered at the University and must be at least 17 years of age at the time of commencement of their residence hall occupancy. Requests for exceptions to the minimum age requirement may be submitted to University Housing Services for review by the director. Admission and/or enrollment to the University does not guarantee eligibility for on-campus housing. If you have any questions, please contact University Housing Services at (309) 438-8611.
More to explore
Housing Requests
Students may apply for an Exemption to the On-Campus Housing Policy which states students must live in University Housing for their first two years out of high school. Students that have been out of high school for two or more years that wish to live in University Housing may submit a Request to Live in On-Campus Housing. All of these processes are in the Housing and Dining Portal. Admission to the University does not guarantee a space in on-campus housing.
Steps for Submitting Contract
- Visit the Housing & Dining Portal.
- Once you have logged into the portal, select Manage Your Housing at the top of the portal homepage to begin.
- Follow the first steps to complete your housing contract, as well as make your initial payment. You will need a credit or debit card to make your initial payment. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover cards. A payment confirmation can be printed after submitting your initial payment.
- You have the opportunity to tell us about yourself by creating your personal profile.
Note: These steps are for the Academic Year process.
5. Students who met the priority filing date of May 1 were eligible to select a room in late-June.
6. You can begin roommate matching immediately if you have a preferred roommate who has submitted their housing contract.
Important Dates
Spring 2026 New Students
October 7
- New Students may submit Spring Contracts through the Housing and Dining Portal.
- New Students required to live on-campus may submit an Exemption Request in the Housing and Dining Portal.
- Students not required to live on-campus in the spring semester may submit a Request to Live On-Campus through the Housing and Dining Portal .
Mid-December
- New Students with completed contracts are sent communication for their spring housing assignment.
December 19
- University Housing Services will be closed for Winter Break. University re-opens on Friday, January 2 at 8:00 a.m.
January 23
- Spring 2026 Housing Application closes in the Housing and Dining Portal at 4:30 p.m.
Fall 2025 Current Students
November 7
- Spring Roommate Preference Process Opens: this process can be completed in the Housing and Dining Portal or in person by visiting the Office of Residential Life.
November 22
- Residence Halls Close at 2:00 p.m.
- Residence Halls reopen starting 2:00 p.m. November 30.
December 1
- Spring 2026 Cancellation Deadline for students withdrawing or transferring from the university.
December 5
- Spring Roommate Preference Process ends.
December 13
- Residence Halls Close at 2:00 p.m.
- Students not returning for the spring semester must move-out and return keys to their area front desks by 2:00 p.m.
January 9
- Returning students for the spring semester may return to campus or check-in to their Spring Assignment starting at 8:00 a.m.