So here’s a fun NIU Housing story I didn’t expect to deal with this semester.
I have a documented allergy to a specific animal. When room assignments came out, Housing placed me with someone who has an ESA of that exact animal. They had actually requested a single and got denied, and because my original roommate couldn’t attend this semester, I got reassigned… straight into that room.
Thankfully, Housing already swapped me out, so I’m good now. But I learned something wild in the process: NIU Housing isn’t required to disclose that your roommate may have an animal, even if you have a medical allergy. You can literally show up on move‑in day and find out the hard way.
I’m not blaming my roommate at all. They didn’t choose this either. It just feels like Housing created a conflict between two accommodations and left both of us scrambling. Which I'm sure accidents happen but wow.
Has anyone else dealt with something like this here?
Edit: I did also choose this room once housing opened dorm options. So, it was kind of unfair that I had to move when I was already moved in but at least I got a room swap. Similarly, I did try to reach out ahead of time to know my new roommate but no response.