Updated March 28, 2023

Masks and Social Distancing

Do I have to wear a mask?
Masking is not required on any of Northeastern’s global campuses, unless mandated by a local public health authority. Those who choose to wear masks are welcome to do so. (Masks will continue to be required at University Health and Counseling Services on the Boston campus.)

Do I have to socially distance?
Consistent with the latest public health guidance, social distancing is no longer required on any Northeastern campus.

What about events? Are there any restrictions on attendance?
All events, including athletic events, will take place without restrictions. No social distancing or masking will be required. The only restriction is based on appropriate room capacity and fire codes—same as before the pandemic.

Vaccination

Is vaccination mandatory? Are boosters required?
Vaccination remains essential to successfully manage the spread of COVID-19, similar to other communicable diseases like Measles or Meningitis. In the United States, following CDC guidelines, we require anyone who studies at a Northeastern campus to be fully vaccinated, which means a full course of either a one- or two-dose vaccine (see “Which vaccines does Northeastern accept?”) and at least one booster shot. You can submit proof of immunization through the Vaccine Verification form.

The Toronto and Vancouver campuses follow their Provincial Health Officers’ recommendations regarding vaccination. The university does not require proof of vaccination in order to be on campus.

In England, Northeastern does not require proof of vaccination.

Do I need a second booster shot?
No, the university does not require proof of a second booster shot.

Who does the vaccination requirement apply to?
The vaccination requirement applies to all students who live or study on a Northeastern campus in the United States and Canada.

What vaccines does Northeastern accept?
Northeastern follows CDC Guidance and World Health Organization (WHO) Advice for acceptable vaccines, including for individuals vaccinated outside of the United States.Additionally, students on our Canadian campuses should refer to vaccines approved by the Government of Canada.

How do I submit proof of my vaccination?
For students based in the United States and Canada, please use the Vaccine Verification form to submit your proof of vaccination.

Where can I get a vaccine?
Northeastern will be holding vaccine clinics throughout the Fall 2022 semester. Click here for more information.

The CDC’s Vaccines.gov website is a great resource to find and schedule your COVID-19 vaccination or booster in the United States. In addition, COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shot locations can be found locally across Northeastern’s global network:

Many pharmacies across the United States also carry and administer vaccinations and boosters.

I’ve received a COVID-19 vaccination that isn’t on the CDC’s approved list, what should I do?
Northeastern will require students to be revaccinated if they received a vaccine that is not approved according to CDC guidance or the WHO. Students who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine that is not authorized per CDC/WHO guidance should use the Vaccine Verification form to upload documentation for the vaccine they received. The Vaccine Verification form will help you determine if you’ve received/completed an approved vaccination.

Is vaccination required for guests and visitors to Northeastern’s campuses?
Guests and visitors to all of our campus locations, including for Admissions tours, are expected to be fully vaccinated but are not required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Testing

Is COVID-19 testing available to the Northeastern community?
University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) will make home-use rapid antigen tests available for faculty, students, and staff upon request and free of charge on all of our global campuses, beginning in the Fall 2022 semester.

Where can I pick up a test?
On the Boston campus, tests can be picked up at 70 Forsyth Street on the 1st floor. Faculty, staff, and students may obtain one test per week. There is no pre-registration or appointment required. Tests can be picked up Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9am – 5pm, or Tuesday and Thursday from 9am – 8pm.

We will continue to update this page with information on where to pick up a test at each of our global campuses.

Move-in

Do I need a negative test to move into my residence hall?
No, negative tests are not needed to move into residence halls.

Can my parents help me move into my room?
Parents are welcome to help students move into their rooms.

Can I have guests in my room?
Yes, you may have guests in your room. You can find the full guest policy in the Guide to Residence Hall Living.

Close Contacts and Exposure

Do I need to take any action if I have been a close contact?
Consistent with the latest CDC guidance, you are no longer required to quarantine following exposure to COVID-19. We encourage you to take an antigen test. Please refer to CDC Guidance for the most up-to-date close contact guidelines.

What do I do if my roommate tests positive?
Fully vaccinated students living in university housing who have a roommate that tested positive for COVID-19 can stay in the room. They should continue their daily activities by being mindful of these steps:

  • Increase testing frequency to every 2-3 days
  • Maintain as much distance as possible from your roommate
  • Regardless of symptoms, wear a well-fitting mask.

Are isolation/quarantine rooms available at all?
The university is prepared to accommodate students in rare instances.

Symptoms

What should I do if I exhibit symptoms of COVID-19?
If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, you should take a COVID-19 test. Beginning in the fall semester, tests are available through UHCS in Boston. We will update this page as tests become available at all of our global campuses. (See “Testing.”)

Additionally, you may consult with your personal physician, a local urgent care facility, or students may consult with University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) in Boston and the Student Health Center on the Oakland campus for appropriate health support and testing options. Please consult a healthcare provider if you need further guidance regarding medical care and isolation, if your symptoms do not improve significantly following your initial isolation period, or if you are immunocompromised.

How should I isolate if I live on campus and test positive for COVID-19?
Our vaccination and booster requirements allow fully vaccinated students living in university housing to isolate in their rooms, either on or off campus. Students may leave isolation for a limited time wearing a well-fitted mask to attend medical appointments, use bathroom facilities, pick up food, or dispose of trash. For information on grab-n-go food options or additional food information, please go to www.nudining.com. Students in isolation should not have guests, linger in common spaces (laundry room, hallway, etc.), or attend class. Students may isolate at the home of a family member or friend if all parties are fully vaccinated. Everyone should wear a mask at all times when in the same room with a student in isolation.

What happens if I test positive and can’t attend class or work? 
All classes have been fully in person since the fall of 2021. The university will extend flexibility for anyone with any illness that prevents them from being able to attend classes. Students should work with their professors to come up with the appropriate alternative plan. Faculty and staff should work with their supervisors to do the same as needed.

Students who are having difficulty in making these arrangements should contact their academic advisor or We Care (wecare@northeastern.edu). Additionally, for students living off campus, Off-Campus Housing and Support Services (offcampus@northeastern.edu) is available for consultation and support.

Am I required to report if I test positive? 
No, you do not need to report positive test results.

I have more questions.

Students with questions or concerns can contact University Health & Counseling Services at
617-373-2772, or by email at uhcs@northeastern.edu.

For additional questions or concerns regarding vaccination, additional boosters, infection, vaccination following infection, treatment options, or other health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.

If experiencing a medical emergency, contact NUPD at 617-373-3333 or call 911.

Residential Life Building Staff can provide additional support.

For mental health assistance from a licensed counselor, contact FIND@Northeastern at 877-233-9477 (in the U.S.), 855-229-8797 (Canada), or +1-781-457-7777 (International).