Housing Policies and Procedures
Housing Policies and Procedures
Housing Policies & Procedures
What is a Residential Community and Its Responsibilities? What is Living on campus?
New Jersey City University reserves the right to update and/or change policies throughout the year. Any questions concerning policies and procedures should be directed to the Housing and Residence Life team located in GSUB 111.
Priority for housing is given to students who maintain full-time matriculation status. This housing contract is for the full 2024-2025 academic year (August 28, 2024 – May 19, 2025; fall and spring semesters). You are financially obligated for both semesters unless you:
- Submit a housing cancellation form to the Office of Housing & Residence Life prior to August 28, 2024, that you will not require housing for the 2024-2025 academic school year.
- Officially, graduate after the fall semester and complete the housing cancellation form by November 8, 2024. Students must check out no later than December 23, 2024.
- A new housing applicant who is applying mid-way through the academic year for spring 2025 occupancy only.
- Participate in an NJCU sponsored and/or approved study abroad program for the spring semester and complete the housing cancellation form by November 8, 2024. Students must check out no later than December 23, 2024.
- A student who officially withdraws from the University for the Spring 2025 semester and completes the housing cancellation form by November 8, 2024. Students must check out no later than December 23, 2024.
- Students who are academically dismissed from the university following the Fall 2024 semester must complete and turn in the Housing Cancellation form to the Office of Housing & Residence Life no later than January 16, 2025. Students must check out no later than 48 hours (about 2 days) after cancellation is approved.
- Residents released from their Spring 2025 housing contract will be charged up to $250 cancellation fee billed to the student’s account
- NJCU residential students are financially obligated for both semesters when placed in housing. If a residential student were to cancel their housing assignment, these are dates and percentages of a refund they will be granted if cancellation was received/approved. Any student who has moved in will have 48 hours (about 2 days) from when their cancellation is approved to vacate their residential space.
Note: No-shows will be administratively dropped at 25% housing charge
Fall and Spring Terms | |
Time of Withdrawal/Cancellation | % of Housing Refund |
By August 28,2024 | 100% |
August 29,2024-September 10,2024 | 75% |
September 11,2024 – October 1,2024 | 50% |
October 2,2024 – May 19,2025 | 0% |
New Spring 2025 Students Only *(Does not apply for students that lived on campus during the fall semester) | |
Time of Withdrawal/Cancellation | % of Housing Refund |
By January 15,2025 | 100% |
January 16, 2025 – January 28,2025 | 75% |
January 29, 2025 – February 19, 2025 | 50% |
February 20, 2025 – May 19, 2025 | 0% |
b) If you receive financial aid, please note that awards may not be posted until after the full housing payment deadline. However, you are still responsible for meeting the payment deadline. Students must pay the housing costs and fees according to the schedule outlined by NJCU Office of Student Accounts regardless of any pending financial aid awards.
c) Financial aid applicants are encouraged to file their paperwork well in advance to avoid potential problems or delays. Financial Aid cannot be utilized to pay the initial $150 housing deposit required to live at the residence hall. Please contact the NJCU Office of Student Financial Aid should you have questions regarding your financial aid package.
The dining services meal plan is mandatory for all residential students. Meals are served seven days a week, except on major holidays when the University is closed (ex. Thanksgiving, Spring Break, Winter Break etc.). The meal plan options are G1 and G5. Please see meal plan rates above. There will be no meal plan during times when the university is closed. Students are responsible for their own meals.
- G1 is swipes only meal plan.
- G5 consists of declining dollars to use at dining facilities on campus. G5 is specifically for juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Students must email Housing and Residence Life prior to add/drop date to obtain this meal plan.
Note: Meal plans are non-refundable. If you decide to cancel housing and you have already used a portion of your meal plan, you will still be held responsible for the entire meal plan cost.
- Each semester is limited to the following dates:
Fall 2024 | August 28, 2024 - December 23, 2024 |
Winter 2024-2025 | December 24, 2024 - January 15, 2025 *see note below |
Spring 2025 | January 16, 2025 - May 19, 2025 |
Fall 2024: August 28, 2024, is the earliest move-in date for the fall semester. Check-in prior to this date will not be permitted. Students canceling housing (see cancellations conditions above) at the end of the fall semester can request to extend their housing with a daily fee up until January 6, 2025. Housing extensions will not be granted after January 6, 2025.
Spring 2025: January 16, 2025, is the earliest move-in date for the spring semester. Check-in prior to this date will not be permitted. Students must move out 24 hours after their last final unless they are signing up for summer housing. Housing extensions after May 19, 2025, may be granted with a daily/weekly fee. Only residents with assignments for both the Spring and Summer semesters and those in good financial and disciplinary standing with the University can stay in their room between Spring and Summer break.
*Note: Students must move out of the residence halls for winter break. If a student wants to stay on campus for the winter break, they must submit a Winter Break/Spring Intention form no later than November 8, 2024, to be considered. During the winter break, the cafeteria is closed, and campus services are limited. Therefore, there will be no meal funds available for the winter break. Students are responsible for their own meals during the winter break.
Housing Deposit: The $150 housing deposit is non-refundable. The housing deposit is required to be considered for a room in housing and residence life. Students can request a waiver for the deposit by contacting the Office of Housing and Residence Life at reslife@njcu.edu
Room Condition report (RCR): Residents will inspect and complete an RCR which will be sent to their emails in the first two weeks of the semester or 48 hours of assuming occupancy. It is the resident’s benefit to add in the comments section of the form if anything is not correct. By signing the form and submitting the RCR, residents are protecting themselves from being held accountable for existing issues. Failure to submit the form will result in the condition of the room matching the form and the form will be held until you move out.
Room Damages: Any damage to the walls, floors, and/or furnishings caused by the resident(s), or any guests of the resident(s) will be charged to the resident(s) of the room. Common area damages will be apportioned to each resident assigned to the room, unless the Office of Housing & Residence Life receives written notification from an occupant of a room being charged for damage stating acceptance of the financial liability.
Physical Keys: NJCU Office of Housing and Residence Life hopes to provide a safe and welcoming environment for residential students. All students in West Campus Village will receive a physical key for their room. Please note that there is one (1) key given per student. If the key gets lost and needs to be replaced, there will be a $35 mandatory fine placed on the student’s account for a replacement key, with the possibly of an added charge of $150 if the lock needs to be changed due to the loss of the key. If a student gives their key to another resident or a non-residential student/person- the resident will be put through the conduct process, with the possibility of being removed from housing.
Lock outs: Individuals who become locked out of their room should call the RA on duty. The first three lockouts are free. Any lockouts after the first three, the student will be charged $25.00 per lockout and will be charged on students' accounts.
Laundry Facilities: There are laundry rooms with washers and dryers in each residence hall. Housing and Residence Life provides all residents with free use of these machines. These machines may only be used by residents. Please be mindful of the machines' time and set up reminders so that other residents can use them. If residents do not remove their clothes in a timely manner. Please note that the Housing and Residence Life is not responsible for lost items.
Microwaves & Fridges: There are community microwaves and fridges throughout the residence halls. Students should not remove microwaves or fridges from their designated locations. These appliances are for community usage.
Garbage/Trash rooms: There are trash rooms and garbage bins on each floor. Students are expected to utilize the trash rooms and garbage bins located throughout the building. The garbage bins should not be removed from their designated locations.
Vending Machines: There are a variety of snacks and beverages available in the vending machines in each residence hall. Purchases may be made by card, cash, and/or using the Gothic ID card. If you have an issue with the vending machines refunds may be obtained at the Campus Card Services or by emailing Gothic Card at GothicCard@njcu.edu
NJCU makes every effort to provide room assignments in accordance with the housing application's lifestyle preferences. Room assignments are made without regard to ancestry, race, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
No other person may use your room or any other bed in your room. You may not sublet or assign the rights to your room.
You must not occupy or intrude upon the other areas of the room in a way that deters your roommate(s)/suitemate(s) or future roommate(s)/suitemate(s) from occupying that space or interferes with your roommate(s)/suitemate(s) use of the room. If you do not comply with this provision, you will be charged for use of the additional space.
You must reside in your assigned room. You may not switch rooms or roommates or permit any part of the room to be shared by people not assigned by NJCU. No changes in room assignments may be made without the prior written approval of the NJCU Office of Housing and Residence Life.
NJCU reserves the right to assign a new occupant to fill a vacancy, to make changes to room assignments, and to reassign any student from the residence hall.
- Empty space checks will be done to ensure the area within an unoccupied space is both clear and clean. These checks will be monthly, typically by a Resident Assistant (RA). Any unoccupied space has the potential for a student to be assigned to. This can include but is not limited to showing a potential student the space. The current resident in the space is required to keep their personal items on their side of the room. Residents may not deny a new roommate a space in the unoccupied part(s) of the room. Residence Life will try to inform residents at least 24 hours in advance of an empty space check and give the date/time range in which the RA will be coming, unless in the case of emergencies where advanced notice is not plausible.
- If a resident is being assigned, re-assigned, or relocated, they will receive email confirmation from the Office of Housing and Residence Life and will be given a deadline to complete their move in/move out process, respectively.
- There are no room changes within the first two weeks after each semester begins. Room changes may only be made after receiving written approval from NJCU Office of Housing and Residence Life. NJCU reserves the right to reassign a resident within its discretion. Consolidation may be necessary and may result in NJCU moving residents who are paying for a single/double occupancy room but are in a room/suite by themselves. If a student refuses to move when requested, they will be charged for multiple bed spaces.
*Guest policies are subject to change*
Guests (daytime and overnight) are not permitted in the residence halls for the first two weeks of the semester. The guest policy will be sent to resident students after September 16, 2024, for the fall semester, and after February 3, 2025, for the spring semester. No guest will be allowed before that.
- All guests are expected to abide by all NJCU policies, procedures, regulations, and standards. The resident host is responsible for the actions of his/her guests at all times. Any guest who violates any NJCU policies while in a student’s room or any other areas of the building/campus will be asked to leave the residence hall and will be subject to all applicable legal sanctions. All guests must register at the security desk with the resident host. Both the guest and host must supply a current, valid photo ID. The resident host must escort guests inside the building and is responsible for the guest signing in and out. Guests without proper identification are not permitted. Any violation of the guest policy may result in loss of guest privileges and/or removal from housing. If your guest is removed for causing a disruption resulting in a judicial meeting needing to take place, you may also be removed pending your judicial meeting and outcomes.
- Minors who are between the ages of 13 and 17 years are not authorized visitors and are not permitted to sign into the residence halls unless the parent or guardian of the minor submits a letter to Housing and Residence Life acknowledging that the resident (host) will assume responsibility for the minor. Any visitors younger than 12 years of age are not allowed to the residence halls without a parent/guardian present.
There will be no guests allowed during the first two weeks of classes nor in the last two weeks.
Housekeeping and Maintenance: Personnel may be in the residence halls every day at any hour to perform their duties.
- All maintenance concerns should be reported immediately through the website The Office of Housing & Residence Life or Public Safety should be contacted for emergency maintenance requests.
- Any damage to the walls, floors or furnishings caused by residents or their guests will be charged to the residents as a damage fee.
- Each room is provided with a specific set of furnishings. Residents may not add furniture and furniture may not be taken out of the room. Room fixtures, such as lamps or window blinds, may not be changed or removed. Residents may not remove or trade furniture with other rooms/residents. If the room has sustained damage beyond usual wear and tear, as determined solely by NJCU residents will be charged the cost of repairs. Students may not remove any furnishings from the building’s lounge spaces. Those found in violation of this provision will be subject to disciplinary action by NJCU.
As a resident, you are expected to abide by all the standards of responsibility and behavior outlined in your housing agreement.
- NJCU is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is not permitted inside or around the Residence Halls. The use of vaporizers and e-cigarettes is also prohibited. According to New Jersey State Law, effective October 21, 2005, smoking of any tobacco-containing products is not permitted in any college operated facility serving as a student residence. Violators will face disciplinary sanctions and financial responsibility for the violations.
- The possession or use of drugs not prescribed by your own physician, as well as illegal drugs and substances, is strictly prohibited. Students found to be in possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia are subject to disciplinary action by NJCU and referral to law enforcement authorities. If these items are found in the room, they will be confiscated and disposed of.
- Alcohol, including beer, is not permitted on the premises, regardless of your age. Students found to be in possession of alcohol, alcohol paraphernalia and/or in an intoxicated state are subject to disciplinary action by NJCU and referral to law enforcement authorities. If these items are found in the room, they will be confiscated and disposed of.
- Noxious substances, incendiary materials, explosives of any kind are strictly prohibited. Candles, incense, flammable decorations such as Christmas lights etc., fireworks, smoke laden materials/vapors, items containing any type of ashes, fog machines and/or such instruments are also prohibited. If these items are found in the room, they will be confiscated and disposed of.
- Weapons and ammunition are potential safety hazards. Possession, use, or display of weapons or ammunition is not appropriate in an academic community for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to firearms, bows, rockets, bb guns, knives, paint-ball guns and/or slingshots. Any residents found in violation will be subject to disciplinary action by NJCU and referral to law enforcement authorities.
- Tampering with fire alarm systems, alarm pull stations, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and all safety equipment is prohibited. Discharging or tampering with safety equipment will result in a fine and/or are subject to disciplinary action by NJCU and referral to law enforcement authorities.
- All residents are expected to evacuate facilities during emergency alarms and comply with the requests of NJCU staff. Residents will be fined for noncompliance and/or are subject to disciplinary action by NJCU and referral to law enforcement authorities.
- Personal belongings must not be placed in halls, stairwells, building vestibules, or on fire escapes. Items are also prohibited from being placed behind the doors of rooms. The obstruction of the pathway out of a room will delay the evacuation of the building.
- Residents of this building shall not engage in objectionable conduct. Objectionable conduct is behavior that makes or may make the building or spaces within the building less fit to live in for you or other residents, and also includes, but is not limited to, anything that interferes with the rights of others to properly and peacefully enjoy their rooms, or causes conditions that are dangerous, hazardous, unsanitary, inappropriate, and/or detrimental to other residents, employees, or guests in the building.
- Window screens should not be unlatched or removed. Violators will be responsible for replacement charges. Students found throwing items out of any window in the resident halls are subject to disciplinary action by NJCU.
- If objectionable conduct is found, the resident may be removed from housing pending their judicial meeting, with the understanding that housing removal may become permanent pending outcomes from meeting.
- NJCU does not vouch for the behavior of any of the residents or their guests.
- Residents are kindly reminded to uphold the standards of community living. Non-compliance with these standards may result in the reconsideration of suitability for continued residence within community housing. Factors contributing to reconsideration may encompass, but are not confined to, disruptive conduct, disregards for personal boundaries, substance use, recurrent violations of community standards, code of conduct, Housing and Residence Life contract, difficulty in conflict resolution, involvement in criminal activities, and failure to adhere to housing regulations, among others that disrupts the community.
- No written materials, such as printed handbills, solicitations, or posters, may be placed on the door of residents’ rooms. Bulletin boards are available for appropriate postings, which must have prior approval from the NJCU Office of Housing and Residence Life.
- Students may not run businesses from the Residence Halls or on residential property. This includes services such as nails, hair, lashes, eyebrows, tattoos, etc. Students who are found doing so will be put through the judicial process and may be removed from the residence halls.
- The use or possession of specified electrical equipment in residents’ rooms or common kitchen appliances are not permitted. This includes electric cooking appliances, heating and toasting appliances and halogen lighting equipment. If these items are found in the room, they will be confiscated. Please review the housing check list located at /student-life/housing-and-residence-life/housing-checklist.
- Confiscated items will be kept by Housing and Residence Life and must be collected by students only if they are going home. If confiscated items are found back in the room. They will be confiscated and will be returned to students at the end of the semester. Confiscated items not picked up at the end of the academic year will be discarded.
- Quiet hours are Monday - Friday from 10:00pm to 10:00 a.m. Courteous behavior regarding noise levels is expected at all times. Noise must be reduced so that nothing can be heard from within rooms when the doors are shut. A 24-hour quiet period goes into effect one week prior to final examinations.
- Residents must swipe their Gothic ID card each time they enter the building. No resident may use their Gothic ID card to allow another individual into the building. Residents must show their Gothic ID card if requested.
- Residents are responsible for keeping their rooms clean. This includes keeping food in appropriate storage containers, regularly cleaning the bedroom and bathroom, cleaning eating utensils, promptly disposing of trash in the designated chutes on each floor, and keeping laundry clean, to help keep the room clean and free of pests. The staff conducts health and safety inspections of the residence hall rooms at least twice a semester. During the inspection, the staff will check for compliance with health codes, fire safety regulations, maintenance problems, and potential physical hazards. If a policy violation is observed during a health and safety inspection, the residents of the room will be subject to disciplinary action. Efforts will be made to notify residents of these inspections at least 24 hours in advance, but residents may not be notified of the exact time of inspection. If it is found that a resident’s room is not up to health and safety standards (i.e., cleanliness, hazardous wiring, etc.) the resident will be given 24 hours to correct thesituation. If, upon reinspection, the room still does not pass, the resident will be charged a fee and will face disciplinary actions.
- Students are expected to attend class regularly. In alignment with NJCU attendance policy, students who are not actively attending classes and/or who have collectively missed 40% or more of their classes, will forfeit their space in housing. No refunds will be administered for students who forfeit their space due to lack of class attendance.
- Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher to remain in the residence halls. Students whose GPA falls below 2.0 may be subject to removal from housing.
- No pets are permitted in the residence hall at any time. Assistance Animals and Service animals must be approved by NJCU Office of Specialized Services. If a non-approved animal is brought into the residence halls at any time, the student will have 24 hours to remove the animal and will be put through the judicial process.
NJCU is not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen from residents’ rooms.
The Office of Housing & Residence Life encourages residents to purchase renter’s insurance. Renters Insurance is recommended for students to protect their property in their rooms. The University is not responsible for loss or damage to the personal property of residents. It is recommended that each resident check their parent or guardian’s homeowner’s policy to see if it covers property in the residence hall. If a student’s personal belongings brought on campus are not covered under a homeowner’s or tenant’s policy, Renters Insurance should be purchased. Many companies provide insurance at a nominal cost
- Residential students must be in compliance with all vaccination requirements including meningitis vaccinations.
- NJCU does not provide isolation rooms for students. Students are responsible for securing off campus isolation accommodations.
NJCU reserves the right to make changes to room assignments, and to remove any student from the residence hall who is not compliant with the Student Code of Conduct and Housing and Residence Life contract.
Students may lose eligibility to apply for or maintain occupancy in university housing due to disciplinary action or non-payment of charges to the University.
Students may be temporarily or fully removed from housing due to conduct violations, non-compliance with immunization, financial and University holds, safety concern to self or others, GPA less than 2.0 and/or no longer being a fulltime student at NCJU. These conditions are at the discretion of the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
If a resident is being removed from the residence hall, they will receive email confirmation of this from the Office of Housing and Residence Life and will be given a deadline to complete their move in/move out process, respectively.
Residents removed from the residence halls will need approval from the Dean of student's office before returning to housing.
In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1998, NJCU reserves the right to contact the parent(s) or guardians(s) of residents involved in dangerous and/or inappropriate behaviors that may be threatening to the resident or others. This includes situations relating to alcohol, drugs and mental health concerns. The determination whether to make such contact remains within the sole discretion of NJCU.
Work Orders, Handbooks, Other Essential Links
Below are links to forms, policies and handbooks you'll need from time to time as a resident and student at NJCU.
For information that may not be listed below or for questions regarding anything not covered here, reach out to your Resident Assistant on duty. If he or she is not available, contact us via email at reslife@njcu.edu.