Freshmen on first day of classes

Visit NIU and DeKalb

The DeKalb Community

Most NIU students make their homes in the city of DeKalb and surrounding communities in DeKalb County. The area is a unique blend of peaceful suburbs, rich farmland and big-city resources.

Much of DeKalb County is rural, full of cornfields lined with two-lane roads dotted with stop signs. But DeKalb (population 43,849) and nearby Sycamore (population 17,600) are the sites of bustling commercial and residential growth. The highway that connects them, Route 23, is also the site of many new retailers and restaurants, providing options for a variety of tastes. The county's health care corridor also lies along Route 23.

DeKalb's and Sycamore's downtown areas feature charming shops, one-of-a-kind eateries and vibrant cultural venues. Each town also hosts a fall festival. At the end of August, the DeKalb Corn Fest attracts more than 50,000 visitors, while the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival offers Halloween fun to the community in late October.

Just one hour west of Chicago!

Local Resources

Living in DeKalb

Explore a sampling of area dining, shopping and more. See campus restaurants and local restaurants that accept Huskie Bucks.

Religion and Spirituality

We're a diverse community and we support your spiritual journey. See a list of our campus religious organizations.

Maps and Directions

Learn about navigating around NIU. Take an interactive virtual campus tour. See transportation options in the DeKalb community and beyond.

Campus Visit

Plan a Campus Visit

Learn more about our admissions process, the NIU student experience and our academic colleges. Then take a walking tour led by a current NIU student to explore our beautiful campus.

Can't Make it to Campus Yet?

Visit Us Virtually

Visit the NIU campus from the comfort of your own home. Join a virtual info sessions, set up a personalized appointment or take a virtual interactive tour.

If you're interested in graduate programs, check out our Graduate School visit page.

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