Northwest College

Housing & Dining

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live on campus?

All students under the age of 21 who are enrolled in 9 or more credit hours are required to live on campus for their first two semesters at Northwest College. The residency requirement may be waived if you are over 21, married, have children or dependants, are living with your parents in Park County, or have lived on campus for a year at another college or university. Waiver forms are available at the Residence Life Office and must be approved by the Director of Residence and Campus Life.

What services/amenities are included in my housing fees?
  • Free Parking
  • Computer Labs with printers (you must provide your own paper) in each hall. Macs are available in Lewis and Clark Hall
  • Laundry Facilities
  • High-Speed Internet (Ethernet ports are available in each residence hall room, Wireless Internet access is also available)
  • Study Lounges and Game Rooms in each hall
  • Community kitchens are available in each hall with sink, stove, and microwave
What are the advantages of living on campus?

Living on campus can be an amazing experience. Studies have shown a higher retention rate and better academic performance for students living on campus compared to those who don’t. Additionally, when you live in the residence halls, you begin to make life decisions that create your future and shape the person you want to be. You have the opportunity to live with a dynamic group of students and staff while living in the halls. Being on campus also allows close access to classes and activities and keeps you in “the loop.” Living on campus you will find more to do, more to learn, more memories to make, and more life experiences to acquire.

Do I need to be a full time student to live on campus?

Housing priority is given to students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours; however, students enrolled in less than 9 credit hours are welcome to live on campus on a space-available basis and provided that disciplinary problems do not occur.

Am I required to have a meal plan?

Yes, Northwest College requires that all students living on campus to have a Meal Plan. Students may change from one meal plan to another during the first five class days ONLY. Flex Bucks, which may be used in the Dining Hall and The Market are non-refundable and must be used within the semester purchased.

Do I have to have a roommate?

Yes, in order to ensure that everyone who applies to Northwest College Housing has a place to stay we do require that all freshmen have a roommate. Students needing a single room for ADA-approved purposes must contact the Housing Office and provide appropriate documentation.

What are the Meal Plan Options & Costs?

There are a variety of meal plan options with different costs.

How do you pick my roommate?

When you complete your online application you will be answering questions about your living preferences using the Roomeez Profile and Roommate Group, you can choose your roommate! Either search through people with similar preferences or you can request specific people.

Once the halls are open, our staff is available to help mediate conflict or make adjustments as needed.

What hall/community is best for me?

All of the halls have individually unique communities. The way to becoming involved in these communities is by making yourself visible. Every successful community is built on active involvement. Your college experience will be much more enjoyable the more you become involved in your college community.

How safe is Northwest College?

Northwest College strives to maintain a safe environment for our students. Security measures are in place for the residence halls (24 hour locked entry, staff, desk hours, hall policies, etc). NWC’s campus provides both a Campus Resource Officer and Night Security. Campus Security can provide walks to and from various locations around campus as well as making sure that the campus is locked and secure during the evening.

How much does it cost to live on campus?

There are different costs based on what you want your Northwest College housing experience to look like. The easiest way answer this is to visit our cost breakdown page.

How do I apply for housing?
  • Begin your online application at NWC's Applying for Housing page, and follow the instructions to start personalizing your experience
  • A $150 deposit must be paid with the completion of your online housing application or call the Business Office at 307-754-6048. To find current Housing prices please see Costs page.
  • There is no specific deadline for submitting your contract; however, the sooner you apply for housing, the more likely it is you will receive the room you want. Students who have completed their application/profile and paid their deposit will take priority.
How many people will I have to share a bathroom with?

That depends on the hall or apartment you choose. In Simpson Hall, you may share your bathroom with fewer people than you do at home. In Lewis & Clark halls, expect more traffic in the bathrooms. But the great thing about living in any hall is that you don't have to clean the bathrooms — ever!

How hard will it be to meet new friends? Will I fit in?

It's easy to find friends if you think about who you are, what you like to do, and who you enjoy spending time with, then look for opportunities. Students tell us the best thing about Kick-Off Weekend is all the friends they made and still hang out with the rest of the year. Number one proven way to make friends: joining a student club or organization, or participating in student activities.

Can I bring alcohol on campus?

No. Northwest College is a “dry campus,” meaning that alcohol is prohibited in the residence halls, academic buildings, parking lots, or any other area of college property, regardless of your age.

What should I pack? How much space will I have?

You'll be wearing summer clothes when you arrive for fall semester and when you leave at the end of spring semester, but be prepared for cold weather in between. If you'll be bringing all your clothes with you instead of having them shipped as the seasons change, be sure to pack some winter wear, especially if you want to enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities. Definitely plan on bringing all your electronic gear, but before buying a refrigerator, microwave or other appliances for your room, check with your roommate. He or she may already have them.

See our What to Bring and What to Leave Home page for specifics.

What if I don't like my roommate?

If you and your roommate don't hit if off, your resident director will help you both learn to anticipate problems and develop strategies for coping with them. If that doesn't work, your director will mediate for you. If you're still not happy, a room change is possible, depending on room availability.

What kind of students go to Northwest?

Every kind — gamers, geeks, jocks, valedictorians, wise guys, outdoorsmen, city slickers, cowgirls, lost souls, average Joes, dreamers, wallflowers, artists, welders, truth seekers, heroes, down-and-outers, divas, doubters, shy ones, world changers, macho men, scaredy cats, C+ students, hotties, plain Janes, awesome Andrews, funny Fellers, lucky Lidseys, those who hated high school and those who loved it and everyone in between.