Housing Cancellation

Students may petition to be released from a completed housing contract due to unforeseen changes in financial status or a medical or psychological accommodation that is not able to be supported on campus. Students must complete a Housing Contract Cancellation Application to be considered.

All appropriate documentation and completed form must be emailed to reslife@lakeforest.edu. No exceptions will be made for forms that have been turned in with incomplete information. Requests are reviewed staff and decisions are rendered within 10 business days. Please note that cancellation fees may apply.

If a student has been released from their contract or is departing campus for another reason, the student will have 48 hours to vacate their room and return their key. They will need to schedule a checkout time with their Resident Director or Resident Assistant. When a check-out date has been set, the student is required to follow the check-out procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. The student is responsible for any and all room condition and check out charges (if applicable) which will be charged to the student’s Lake Forest College student account.  

Refunds Due to Contract Cancellation/ Withdrawals from the College

Room and board charges are refunded on a per diem basis up to the date that the room is emptied and the key is returned. No refunds will be issued for room or board once 60% of the semester has been completed (October 7th for Fall 2023). 

Off-campus study programs

Approved off-campus program for Spring

If you have been approved and intend to participate in an off-campus study abroad program for Spring, you must complete a Housing Contract Cancellation Application before December 1 to avoid any penalty charges.

Approved off-campus program for Fall

If you have been approved and intend to participate in an off-campus study abroad program for Fall, you are not eligible to select a room during room selection. You will receive information at your pre-departure meeting before leaving for your program about housing for the semester of your return to campus. 

Housing Contract Cancellation for Fall

Please note that all housing contracts are for the full academic year and begin in the fall semester. Students who are graduating in December or are participating in an off-campus program Spring semester may be released from their contract without penalty. 

Cancellation Fees

Cancellations received prior to July 1 incur no penalty.

Cancellations received between July 1 and the contract start date (date student checks in or the first day of classes, whichever comes first) will result in a $750 cancellation fee.

Cancellations received after the contract start date will result in a $750 cancellation fee plus room and board charges in line with the College’s published refund schedule.