New NIU Account ID Activation and Access for Applicants

Activating Your NIU AccountID

Once you submit your admission application to NIU, you need to activate the unique NIU Account ID (Z-ID) that we’ve created for you.

1. Go to NIU AccountIDs and Passwords Account Activation.
2. Provide your NIU Z-ID, the personal email address used when you applied, and your birthdate. If you do not know your Z-ID, use the "Find My AccountID (Z-ID)" option.
3. If a match is found, we’ll send an email to your personal email address with a link and token to set up your temporary password. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, please check your junk e-mail folder.
4. Set a temporary password for your account (you will be prompted to change this password the next time you sign in), then provide your phone number and personal email for Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) and Multifactor Authentication (MFA).
5. The next time you log in to an NIU system, select “Single Sign-On.” Sign in with your student email address (ZID@students.niu.edu) and the temporary password you set. Follow the prompts to set up a password for your account.
6. Once your account has been activated, you will use your student email address (Example: ZID@students.niu.edu) to sign in to NIU systems and services.

Questions?

Feel free to contact the NIU DoIT Service Desk at 815-753-8100.