GRADUATE STUDENT GUIDE TO
LOCATION AND HOUSING
EXPERIENCE ALL NORTH CENTRAL HAS TO OFFER
of the best ways to experience all that North Central College has to offer is by enjoying the independence of living in our residence halls and immersing yourself in the Cardinal community. Whether you are looking to stay connected to your learning community, cut down on commuting time, expand your career potential with Naperville connections or fully immerse yourself in North Central’s culture, living on campus is a great option for graduate students!
One
With a reduced commute, you will have more time to: • Study and prepare for exams • Grow your professional network • Utilize campus resources: x Oesterle Library & Learning Commons x Writing Center x Center for Career and Professional Development • Enhance your graduate experience by: x Attending events and performances x Supporting our Cardinal Athletics teams x Exploring Downtown Naperville Ranked 3rd in “Best Cities to Live in America” (Niche 2022) Ranked 11th in “Best Cities for Young Professionals in Illinois” (Niche 2022) Located within walking distance of campus: • 150+ restaurants, shops and cafes • Highly-ranked Edward Hospital • 30-minute train ride to Chicago • 2 miles of scenic Naperville Riverwalk GET TO KNOW OUR HOMETOWN OF NAPERVILLE:
Naperville Riverwalk
INVEST
Graduate school is an investment in yourself and your future. While you may be utilizing loans to cover your education, campus housing offers an affordable option for students to stay connected to campus and student resources, while keeping living costs lower.
COMPARISON
Most students find that living on campus provides an overall cost-savings and allows them to reduce significant expenses related to:
Utilities
Wi-Fi
Laundry
Gas or Transit Passes
Groceries
The chart below outlines an estimated comparison of expenses related to living on campus (Residential) and commuting to campus (Commuter). Costs shown below are reflective of annual averages.
IN YOU COST
Expense Residential Commuter Housing $9,000-$11,000 $18,000 Utilities Included $3,300 Wi-Fi Included $480 Meal Plan $25-$2,000 $25-$500 Parking Pass $420 $120 •
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IDEAL CAMPUS
RESIDENCE HALL FEATURES & AMENITIES Room Features: • Lounge furnished with seating and television • Kitchenette furnished with refrigerator, stove and sink • Bedroom furnished with twin bed, desk, chair and closet • Private bathroom(s) Building Features: • Free Wi-Fi • Laundry Room • Multipurpose Room • Vending Machines • Outdoor Patio NEW HALL RESIDENCE HALL PRIMARY GRADUATE HOUSING OPTION Occupancy Options: Single, Double, Quadruple
LOCATION • Behind the Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering ( on map) • Steps from Downtown Naperville • Next to dedicated resident parking spaces ( P on map) CARDINALS SARDINALC NO RA OLLCENTRAL CO DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE P Watch a virtual tour BedBed Desk Desk Bedroom 1 Bedroom 1 Common Area Kitchenette Closet Closet Bathroom Couch Chair TV Side Table Main Door
LIFE ON AND BEYOND CAMPUS
As you continue your search for graduate schools, you’ll realize just how important location is. Our 68-acre campus is only the beginning.
Campus Amenities:
• Fitness center and weight room and access to indoor upstairs walking/running track in Residence Hall/Recreation Center
• Free physical and mental health resources through our Dyson Wellness Center
• Meal plan with five on-campus dining options
• Sporting events, concerts, art shows and theater productions at on-campus venues with discounted or free tickets for students
• 24/7 access to computer labs and printing
• Cardinal Red Bike program providing free bike rental to students
Location Amenities:
• Student discount at select Downtown Naperville stores, restaurants and hotels
• Access to Naperville Public Library
• Free campus shuttle transportation to stores outside Downtown Naperville
• Events & activities all within walking distance of campus, including:
x Centennial Beach, paddleboating, paddleboarding and kayaking
x Sand volleyball courts & ice-skating rink
x Neighborhood festivals and live music
x Forest preserves, walking/running/biking path and trails, and Naperville Riverwalk
x Naperville farmer’s market
STUDENT MEAL PLAN OPTIONS
As a resident student you will have access to on-campus dining and meal plans. North Central offers several meal plan options to fit your preferences and budget. Due to their unique schedules, graduate students are given the option of choosing a resident meal plan or purchasing a commuter meal plan. More details regarding your meal plan options can be found at dineoncampus.com/ncc.
1. ALL ACCESS DINING PLAN: Unlimited meal swipes per semester $100 Bonus Bucks 8 guest passes
2. 17 MEALS WEEKLY PLAN: 17 meal swipes per week $250 Bonus Bucks 8 guest passes
3. 12 MEALS WEEKLY PLAN: 12 meal swipes per week $300 Bonus Bucks 8 guest passes
4. 100 BLOCK PLAN: 100 meal swipes per semester $700 Bonus Bucks 4 guest passes
COMMUTER: Customize your meal swipes (0, 10, 25, 45) and Flex Dollars ($0, $25, $55, $110, $165, $220)
5.
WHAT ARE “MEALS”?
Meals, also called swipes, can be used at Kaufman Dining Hall. Your meals are added to your North Central College Cardinal Card (Student ID) at the beginning of each semester. Throughout the semester, when you use a meal, it is subtracted from your meal plan.
WHAT ARE “BONUS BUCKS”?
Bonus Bucks are part of your meal plan and work like a pre-paid debit card. When you purchase items using your Bonus Bucks, the register will deduct the amount from the balance on your card. Bonus Bucks roll over from semester to semester, but not from one academic year to the next. Bonus Bucks can be used at the following campus dining locations: Au Bon Pain, Boilerhouse Café, The Cage, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Papa John’s.
WHAT ARE “FLEX DOLLARS”?
Flex Dollars also act like a pre-paid debit card; however, Flex Dollars are not a part of the North Central College meal plan. Flex Dollars can be used to purchase a wide variety of items including food, books, North Central apparel, school supplies and items from vending machines located on campus. Flex Dollars roll over from one academic year to the next.
WHAT ARE “GUEST PASSES”?
Guest passes are meal swipes that can be used for a guest, or person who is not the student card holder. Only one guest pass may be used per meal.
MEAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are ill or otherwise unable to make it to the dining hall for meals, you are encouraged to use the sack lunch or sick tray services available through Kaufman Dining Hall.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS?
Contact us to discuss housing and dining options! The Office of Residence Life reslife@noctrl.edu 630-637-5858 northcentralcollege.edu/housing