New or Transfer Students beginning in the Fall semester:


Step 1:  Apply for housing in the Residence Halls or Greek Court by completing the housing application and paying the $50 non-refundable application fee to establish a priority date for the assignment process. 

Students do not have to be accepted to the university to start this process, but they must have submitted their EIU Admissions Application.  All room assignments are first-come-first-serve and based on availability.  This step can be done any time for any semester. Once this payment is made, it will stay on file permanently.

Step 2: A Room and Board Contract and Housing Preference Sheet will be mailed to students in March if the application has been received and must be returned in order for the room assignment to be made.

The online version of the contract is for reference only and will not be accepted.  Students must sign the room and board contract that is mailed to them after they have applied for housing.

For students who apply for housing after this March date, a room and board contract and housing preference sheet will be mailed upon receipt of the housing application and $50 fee and must be returned in order for the room assignment to be made.

Step 3:  Housing Assignment Letters are mailed in late May to all students who have submitted a room and board contract

Students who apply for housing or return the room and board contract and preference sheet after the first mailing of assignments in May will receive their Housing Assignment Letter in July.

Step 4: The Housing Down Payment of $250 is due June 12 regardless of financial aid status.  If the housing down payment of $250 is not received by June 12, the room assignment and contract will be cancelled.

Students who apply for housing or return the room and board contract and preference sheet after the first mailing of assignments in May will have a different $250 payment deadline that will be determined by the date the assignment is made.  Students may refer to their assignment letter for this information

The deadline to cancel the room and board contract if you are not going to be a student at EIU is June 12.

Students who apply for housing or return the room and board contract after the first mailing of assignments in May will have a different cancellation deadline that will be determined by the date the assignment is made.  Students may refer to their assignment letter for this information.

Students requiring special accommodations should contact University Housing and Dining Services and Disability services at their earliest convenience in order to discuss their particular needs before coming to campus.

  • Housing Information: (217) 581-5111
  • Dining Information: (217) 581-5733
  • Disability Services Information: (217) 581-6583