<p>I am an NU parent. During the March break, dorms shut and lock out all the students. If you live close to school, no hassle; if you live overseas or in much distant states, it costs a lot. Plus, in case you are an int'l student, you have to arrange accommodation and transportation for this break during the WINTER quarter when it is coldest and dreariest while studying for endless tests. Quite tough.. I had inquired about this of NU but they replied that they are firm about keeping the dorms locked for blahblah reasons. </p>
<p>I am certain it is for the convenience of school, but NOT for students. I mean, they keep the dorms open during the Thanksgiving, so why not for this 8 day break? Where does NU expect its foreign students to go? Stay at friend's house for EIGHT nights? My S hopped around two friends' houses last year, which was not exactly a picnic. He thought of taking a trip this year w friends, but most of his friends tend to go home for much needed rest. He himself was too tired from the studying etc and wanted to relax. Since he was not permitted to stay at a hotel- under 20 - I flew to Chicago and stayed with him. I hated "his" flying 13 hours to home and suffering double-jetlags right beofre the start of the new quarter. Even though I enjoyed the time with him, it was very very costly in many ways and would rather not do it again. </p>
<p>I seriously dread upcoming March breaks and make sure to warn other potential parents of it.</p>
<p>Anyone hear me? Is there anything that can be done about it?</p>
<p>Many students have apartments, especially beginning junior year. He may ask to stay at an apartment of a friend who is away for the break, or even try to sublet from someone who is away. Or he may get an apartment for next year with some friends rather then stay in a dorm, though I understand pickings may be slim because it’s rather late to start looking.</p>
<p>This is Spring Break we’re talking about. I would expect a lot of people to go on a trip, so they could do that. Or, like CCMom2U said, try to stay in an apartment of someone on break. Plus, I don’t see what would be wrong with staying with a friend for a week. There are a lot of hospitable people, and parents would understand the struggle of getting home.</p>
<p>We WANTED our kids to come home for spring break, but D celebrated spring break in Ireland, in Germany, with Club Sport, CA with Alternative Break cleaning up beaches, everywhere but home… Son spent past break in TX with his club sport and oldest rebuilt New Orleans after the flood.</p>
<p>There should be plenty to do. But that said, I do think NU could open at least one dorm for Internationals. Maybe a sleep over at Morty’s?</p>
<p>That’s pretty easy actually. There are many empty apartments during that time; if your S puts out a flyer saying he would pay $400 or so, which is probably about half the monthly rent for many, I am sure his mailbox will be flooded within a day. </p>
<p>Another option is to contact international house. They may have a list of American families that may be willing to host.</p>
<p>Break housing for international students is an ongoing issue. According to this – [The</a> Daily Northwestern : Some Community Assistants upset with ResLife policy changes](<a href=“http://dailynorthwestern.com/2013/03/08/campus/some-community-assistants-upset-with-reslife-policy-changes/]The”>http://dailynorthwestern.com/2013/03/08/campus/some-community-assistants-upset-with-reslife-policy-changes/) – something is being done about it. This is relatively new. When did you ask?</p>
<p>^Awesome!! I had asked early February…</p>
<p>Thank you so much, everyone! (I will def ask my S to ask Morty for a sleep-over XD)</p>