Housing and Residential Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Housing Application & Fees
How do I pay for housing?
You may apply and pay for Housing after you have been accepted to the University. The Housing Application fee is non-refundable. The application is available in the Housing Portal.
Can I pay the housing application fee over the phone?
No, You may pay by the following methods:
- Online via the Housing portal
- In person to the University Cashier. The Cashier does not accept cash. The forms of payment accepted are credit card, check and money order.
- Send check or money order via mail (Campus Box 939)
How much is the housing application fee?
The Housing Application Fee is $150 and nonrefundable.
What is the cost of living on campus?
Room rates are listed here: Residence Halls (ecsu.edu)
Housing Dates, Breaks & Scheduling
When are residence halls closing this academic year?
All students are required to vacate the residence halls on or before the following scheduled closing dates:
- Thanksgiving Holiday 2025– Halls will close on Wednesday, November 26th at 10:00am and will reopen on Sunday, November 30th at 9:00am. The Transportation request deadline is November 18, 2025.
- Winter Break 2025– We ask that you vacate the halls shortly after your final exam. The halls will close on Friday, December 12th at 6:00pm. For those participating in commencement, the halls will close on Saturday, December 13th at 2:00pm. The Transportation request deadline is December 2, 2025.
- Spring 2026 Semester Opening– Halls will reopen on Sunday, January 11th at 9:00am.
- Spring Break 2026– We ask that you vacate the halls shortly after your last exam. The halls will close on Saturday, March 14th at 10:00am. The halls will reopen on Sunday, March 22nd at 9:00am. The Transportation request deadline is March 3, 2026.
- Spring 2025 Semester Closing– We ask that you vacate the halls shortly after your last exam. Halls will close on Friday, May 8th at 6:00pm. For those participating in commencement, the halls will close on Saturday, May 9th at 2:00pm. The Transportation request deadline is April 28th, 2026.
Do not wait! Secure your bookings here Student Transportation Request.
- Contact us should you have questions or need assistance at ecsuhousing@ecsu.edu or 252-335-3761.
- Please share these important dates with your parents/guardians/families.
When are we required to leave the residence halls?
Students are required to leave the residence halls during:
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break
- Spring Break
- The end of the spring semester
- The end of summer sessions
Am I required to take everything home during winter break?
If a student does not plan on returning for the spring semester, they must take everything home with them over the winter break. Returning students are not required to take all their personal belongings home with them. We do recommend that students take all valuables. The University is not responsible for the lost, theft, and or damage to personal belongings.
Is there housing available for summer school?
Housing arrangements for Summer 2026 (including session dates, eligibility, check-in/check-out, residence hall assignments, rates, and meal plan requirements) have not yet been determined. Final details will be announced once confirmed.
For questions or to express interest in Summer Housing, please contact Ms. Kellogg at srwilliams3@ecsu.edu
Transportation & Travel
How do I make travel requests?
Travel Requests:
Please use the following link to secure travel requests for transportation to the Norfolk Airport, Norfolk Train Station, and Elizabeth City Bus Station. Travel requests can be made now, or by the designated deadlines.
Please follow the specific instructions on the form. Student Transportation Request
Please be advised that drivers will not transport students before 6:00 am or after 2:00 pm for spring closing; therefore, make your reservations accordingly.
Should you encounter issues with traveling requests, contact the Housing Office at 252-335-3761 or email ecsuhousing@ecsu.edu
Secure your transportation immediately and make your families aware of the closing dates.
Room Assignments & Changes
Will I have a roommate?
If assigned to a double room, you may be assigned a roommate at any time during the semester.
When can I change my room?
Housing will make students aware of when or if they may change rooms. If moving to a higher priced room, students must be able to afford the upcharge. It is the responsibility of the student to check with Student Accounts and/or Financial Aid to see if they can afford the cost. If a room change is made after refunds have been processed, the student must be able to pay the cost up front.
Will I be able to keep my same room for the spring semester?
Students will be assigned to the same room for the fall and spring semesters. Students may request a room change during the designated room change period that takes place at the beginning of each semester.
What if I did not get the roommate that I requested?
Assignments are made based on date of payment. If your request is not granted it could be due to non-payment of the requested student. (It is best that you both pay at the same time). Also, your requested roommate must also request to be your roommate.
Are classifications assigned to different residence halls?
Bias Hall: First in Flight & Honors Program LLCs
New Residence Hall: New Freshmen
University Towers: Seniors, Juniors, & Sophomores
Viking Tower: Sophomores & Freshmen
Viking Village: Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
Please be mindful that this information could change without notice.
Dining & Meal Plans
Do I have to have a meal plan?
Yes, all boarding students are required to have a meal plan. All Freshmen are required to have the 19-meal plan. All other students may select from a 10, 15, 19 meal plans or a 120 or 160 block meal plan. For more information, please visit Dining & Meal Plans (ecsu.edu)
Housing Policies & Requirements
Do I have to stay on campus?
No, currently we do not have an on-campus requirement.
Can I drop my Housing after I move in my room?
Yes, you may drop Housing at any time; however, charges will apply based on the date you move out of your room.
Housing Cancellation Fees: Please refer to Policy 500.2.10.
- Students who cancel housing prior to the beginning of the semester will be charged a $100.00 cancellation charge, and the $150.00 application charge is non-refundable.
- Students who cancel housing on or before the end of the first week of classes will be charged 20% of the housing cost, a $100.00 cancellation charge, and the $150.00 application charge is non-refundable.
- Students who cancel housing after the first week of classes will be charged 50% of the housing cost for the next four weeks of the semester.
- Students who cancel housing after the first four weeks of classes will receive No refund.
- Students that are evicted from on campus housing will be responsible for payment of the entire semester.
- In the event of a student’s sudden death, Policy Number 500.4.2 in the University Policy Manual will take precedence.
Are pets allowed on campus?
Pets are NOT allowed in the residence halls. However, we do provide accommodations to students with documentation.
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS
Students interested in housing accommodations based on a medical, psychological, physical, or other disability-related impairment may submit their request to the Office of Student Accessibility & Testing or contact Karen Hinton, Director of Student Accessibility & Testing @ 252-335-3642 for more information.
Documentation Guidelines
To determine if a particular housing accommodation is necessary, the documentation provided should include the following:
- Description of disability or impairment.
- Information about the current functional impact of the condition or disability as it relates to the housing modification or accommodation requested.
- Recommendation from the professional explaining the need for the accommodation as it relates to a disability/impairment.
- If requesting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), information about how the ESA is necessary to alleviate the impact of a disability or reduce the impact of a specific set of symptoms.
Facilities, Maintenance & Amenities
What size are the beds?
The beds in Bias Hall, the New Residence Hall, University Towers and Viking Tower are regular twin-sized beds. Beds in Viking Village singles are full sized. Beds in Viking Village doubles are regular twin-size beds.
For your convenience, we have partnered with Dormify to provide an easy, affordable way to purchase Twin XL bedding, dorm storage solutions, and everything else you’ll need (and want) for your new home away from home. Please visit ecsu.dormroom.com to get move-in day ready and create your dream dorm!
Does Housing provide microwaves and refrigerators?
No, Housing does not provide microwaves or refrigerators. Students may supply their own microwave (1000 watts or less) and refrigerator (up to 5 cubic feet).
What if my room needs repairs?
Log into your student protal and select “Fix My Room” to submit a repair request. You may also notify your residence hall staff (Community Director, Community Coordinator, RA, or RSO) if you need assistance submitting the request.
What do I do if my furniture is damaged and/or missing?
See the Community Director of your residence hall.
Mail & Logistics
What is my mailing address and how do I receive mail?
All mail and packages must be addressed using the following format:
Student’s First and Last NameECSU residence hall Name
1704 WEEKSVILLE ROAD
ELIZABETH CITY, NC 27909
Items not properly addressed may cause a delay in processing or be returned to the sender.
Safety, Security & Emergencies
What type of security is provided in the residence halls?
Our residence halls are staffed by the following:
- Community Directors
- Community Coordinators
- Desk Assistants
- Resident Assistants
- Residential Security Officers
- Security Officers
What if my property is lost, stolen, and/or damaged?
Please take the time to review the information in the links provided below, as well as share this with parents and or guardians. Also, please be mindful the University is not responsible for the loss of your personal belongings, for any reason. Please refer to section #10 on your Housing Contract:
10. Loss/Damage to Personal Property (a) The university shall not under any circumstances assume responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of personal property belonging to a Student. (b) Student may obtain personal property insurance to safeguard against loss or damage to his/her personal property. Personal property insurance applications are available through the Office of Housing & Residence Life (see the links below).
E-brochure Link: https://nssi.com/portal/elizabethcity
About NSSI Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnWK5kybQlc
How do I contact someone after hours and or for emergencies?
Contact the Housing on-call number at 252-340-0233. You may also call University Police at 252-335-3266.
Campus Life & Staffing
Where can I find information and/or apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)?
The hiring process for Resident Assistants’ begins during the spring semester. There will be mandatory interest meetings. Be on the lookout for information via email and social media. Please express your interest to your Community Director.
Are residence halls co-ed?
Yes, all of our residence halls are co-ed.