Students who desire university housing (residence halls or family student housing) may make on-campus housing arrangements by indicating this interest on the application, or by directly contacting the Department of Residence Life, North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 5481, Fargo, North Dakota, 58105-5481, USA. The university operates 12 on-campus residence halls for single students, and family housing with one and two bedroom units. Students should make university housing inquiries as early as possible, because housing is assigned in order of receipt of applications and deposits at the Department of Residence Life.

Unless students apply for and are officially assigned a university housing unit, they must secure off-campus housing upon arrival. Off-campus housing cannot be arranged in advance. Often students must stay in a local motel or hotel if on-campus housing cannot be obtained immediately.

The campus has three dining facilities: West Dining Center, Residence Dining Center and a cafeteria in the Student Union. A seven-day-a-week 20-meal plan, 15-meal plan, or a 12-meal plan are available. Students living in the high-rise residence halls must add $50 per year to their room and board cost. Students living in Burgum, Dinan, Stockbridge or Churchill halls are not required to purchase a food plan. Off-campus students may buy either the seven- or five-day food plans for the same rate as students living on campus.