Next Steps for Transfer Huskies
Congratulations on being admitted to NIU. From the day you're admitted to your first day of classes, use the steps below to guide you. Each phase builds on the one before it, and completing earlier steps unlocks what comes next.
Track your progress in your Next Steps Portal. Log in at go.niu.edu/NIUNextSteps with your NIU email address (your Z-ID followed by @students.niu.edu) and password to view your personalized checklist.
Off campus or online? If you're admitted to an online or off-campus program, you have a streamlined set of next steps. Visit your online next steps.
Start Here
Take these steps as soon as possible. Once you pay your enrollment fee, you can register for orientation.
Confirm Your Intent to Enroll and Pay Your Enrollment Fee
Log in to your Next Steps Portal and select "Confirm Intent to Enroll" to pay your nonrefundable enrollment fee. Once you pay the fee in full, you can register for orientation.
We sent your Z-ID information to the personal email address you used when you applied. Learn how to activate your NIU Account ID so you can log in to your Next Steps Portal.
Check Your NIU Email Account Regularly
Your NIU student email address is your Z-ID followed by @students.niu.edu. Download the Microsoft Outlook app so you're notified when emails are sent to your NIU account.
NIU uses multifactor authentication (MFA) to keep your account secure. You'll need your password and a code texted to your phone to log in. Download the free Microsoft Authenticator app and have a phone number ready before you log in for the first time. Need help? Contact the DoIT Service Desk at 815-753-8100.
Review How Your Credits Transfer
A transfer credit evaluation will be available a few weeks after you're admitted. We'll email you at both your personal and NIU email addresses when it's ready. View your transfer credit report in MyNIU by going to your Student Center. Contact our Transfer Center at transfercenter@niu.edu with any questions about your evaluation.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. If you've already submitted it, confirm that NIU is on your list (school code 001737). If not, log back in to add us. After you file, check your NIU email and MyNIU to-do list regularly for any outstanding financial aid requirements.
Students from Illinois who are ineligible for federal aid should visit go.niu.edu/rise-act for information from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission about the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
Register for Orientation
Orientation is required for all admitted students, and dates fill up quickly. Register through your Next Steps Portal. If you're considering changing your major, do that before you register.
After Registering for Orientation
Once you have an orientation date, you can complete your orientation preparation and explore your options. After you complete Part 1 of your Orientation Preparation (Academic Prep), your advisor will email you to schedule your academic advising appointment.
Complete Part 1 of Your Orientation Preparation (Academic Prep)
Your Orientation Preparation is a guided, two-part series you'll find in your Next Steps Portal. Part 1, Academic Prep, takes about eight minutes. The short videos walk you through what to expect at your advising appointment, the academic policies you'll need to know and how to find and sign up for classes. A brief quiz at the end confirms what you learned.
Since testing is determined by both your major and transfer credits, some transfer students may not need to test. Review our placement exams to see if your major is listed. If so, consult with your advisor to determine if you need to test. We encourage you to complete any required testing early, well in advance of your advising and orientation date.
Schedule Your Academic Advising Appointment
Once you've completed Part 1 of your Orientation Preparation (Academic Prep), your college advisor will email you with instructions to schedule your advising appointment. Appointment slots and open course sections fill quickly, so schedule as soon as you receive your advisor's message. During your appointment, your advisor will review your degree requirements, discuss your transfer credit and prior coursework and register you for your first-semester classes.
Learn About On-Campus Housing Options
You're not required to live in our residence halls as a transfer student, but living on campus can be a great way to connect with other Huskies. We offer on-campus apartments and housing for families and upper-division students. The earlier you submit your housing contract, the earlier you can make your room selection.
Complete Part 2 of Your Orientation Preparation (POP)
Part 2 of your Orientation Preparation is your Pre-Orientation Program (POP), about 15 minutes total. POP gets you ready for your orientation day and your first semester. The short videos cover housing, financial planning, tech tools, support services and a final checklist for your orientation date. You can find POP in your Next Steps Portal.
Upload Your Photo for Your OneCard ID
Your OneCard is your official NIU ID. It gives you access to your residence hall, meal plans, the Recreation Center, the Huskie Line bus and more. After registering for orientation, the OneCard office will email you instructions for submitting your photo.
Before Your First Day of Classes
Almost there. Complete these final steps and get ready to celebrate Week of Welcome.
Submit Your Immunization Records
If you enroll in on-campus classes, the Illinois College Student Immunization Act requires proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus and diphtheria (Td/Tdap) and meningitis.
Manage Your Student Health Insurance
If you enroll in nine or more on-campus credit hours, NIU automatically bills you for student health insurance unless you're fully online. If you have other coverage and want to opt out, you can waive or cancel coverage during the waiver period. Email studentinsurance@niu.edu with questions.
Submit Your Official Transcripts from All Colleges Attended
You must provide official transcripts from each institution you attended. Transcripts must be printed within one year of your application date and must include all completed coursework at each institution. Deadlines for final documents are posted on our document deadlines page. Review your MyNIU to-do list for any other outstanding items needed to complete your admission file.
Join Us for Week of Welcome
Week of Welcome (WOW) kicks off your first semester at NIU with events, tours and activities to help you find your community before classes begin. WOW is part of your full orientation experience. Download the NIU Guidebook app to personalize your WOW schedule as the semester approaches.