Getting Around NIU The resources in this section can help you when you are on the go around NIU.
Customer Service On the GOAdd us to your buddy list!
We raised our customer service to a whole new level! Commuting students can contact us through AIM while being on the go through their cellphone or laptop. We will be happy to help answer your questions and give you the information you need.
Our AIM Screen Name is NIUCommNonTrad.
Our AIM Service Hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to 5pm, and Fridays from 9am to 4pm.
Questions? IM us!
It is the same story on any campus you go to: convenient parking is a valuable commodity that is often hard to come by. However, by following a few helpful hints, you too can successfully park on campus and get to your class on time.
Our office has compiled a informative list of parking tips for your benefit. Check them out - Parking Tips
Did you know that you can rent a bike from Parking Services through the "Borrow A Bike" Program? Find out how HERE
Do you have parking tips worth sharing? Send them to us at CommNonTrad@niu.edu.
NIU issues a variety of parking permit types, depending on the specific needs category a student falls into. The greatest attempt possible is made to ensure every student is using the correct parking passes to allow ease in parking. This particularly applies to Yellow and Brown permits, which on-campus students desire because of the nearness to class buildings. Students using improper colored passes will be cited, and can be arrested, per regulations posted on the Department's Web site. If you are having difficulty finding a parking spot and/or are finding you are repeatedly late to class, please try some of the following tips:
Off-Campus & Non-Traditional Student Services at Northern Illinois University offers this free carpool service to students, faculty, and staff. Visit Commuter Carpool Connections
The Huskie Bus is a free service to all active NIU students with a valid NIU OneCard. It serves the main campus, including classroom buildings, parking lots, offices, and residence halls as well as routes heading off campus to local apartments, shopping centers, and food establishments. One route serves the Sycamore shopping areas as well.
Huskie Buses run beginning between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. and run until 1:00-2:00 a.m. These times vary depending on the route and season. However, this is the regular schedule for class days. During late night hours, NIU also offers a late night ride service.
The two main routes that serve the main campus are Circle Right and Circle Left. The only difference between these routes is that they progress around the main campus route in reverse directions. Circle Left leaves the Holmes Student Center turning left onto Lucinda, headed towards the residence halls, via the DuSable Classroom area bus stop. Circle Right leaves HSC turning right onto Lucinda and proceeds toward Barsema Hall, Engineering, Music, and Art buildings, then out to Lincoln Highway. Both buses begin and end their circular routes at the HSC.
Circle Right and Circle Left service each bus stop every 10 minutes from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on class days, with less frequent 15-30 minute intervals outside that range.
There are also several routes that service local apartments and areas within DeKalb. In addition, there is a single route to Sycamore for shopping and restaurants.
For information about other routes, holiday, weekend, special runs, route maps, and other information, please visit the Huskie Bus Web site.
The late night ride service will pick up any student with no questions asked. The Late Night Ride Service is operated out of the NIU Police Department. The system is set up where you can call for a ride and the first available vehicle is dispatched to pick you up. If you call at 1:00 am (bar closing), you may have to wait 1 hour or more. The wait the rest of the time is between 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Generally, people are not allowed to call ahead as it is a first come first served service. However, you can call 30 minutes ahead during a busy time. The Late Night Ride Service provides service within the city of DeKalb. The service runs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 am, and the busiest time for Late Night Ride Service is Midnight to 2:00 am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. The Huskie Student Patrol also provides a "Walk Safe" service to those who do not wish to walk alone between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Call 815-753-9658 to arrange a "Walk Safe" escort.
The Elburn Shuttle bus is run through the Huskie Bus service and charges a student rate for all current NIU students who carry an NIU OneCard. Currently, the shuttles run only Friday and Sunday in the afternoon and early evening.
Visit the Elburn Shuttle information page for current rates and contact information.
Route 7 of the Huskie Bus Line services the Sycamore shopping areas. This route is free to students and runs once per hour, leaving from the bus shelter just across from the bus turnaround at the Holmes Student Center. For information, visit www.huskieline.com.
Want to skip the train and get a ride directly into Chicago? Family Transportation Services is providing a safe and reliable alternative to bus transportation using 15-passenger vans. Departures are typical on Fridays at 6:00 pm from the Holmes Student Center with arrivals back at the Holmes Student Center at 7:00 pm on Sundays. Tickets are $15 each way with your student ID. The van also makes several stops on the way to and from Chicago. For more infomation, call 773-445-0367.