Next Steps for First-year 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 and password to view your personalized checklist.
After You're Admitted
Start here. Completing Step 1 unlocks the next phase.
Confirm your intent to enroll and pay your enrollment fee
Log in to MyNIU using your NIU Z-ID, choose the Admissions tile and select "Confirm Intent to Enroll." Pay your nonrefundable enrollment fee ($155). You can spread out your payments if needed. 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 and access MyNIU.
Check your NIU email account regularly
Your NIU student email address is your Z-ID followed by @students.niu.edu. Access it at go.niu.edu/outlook. Download the Microsoft Outlook app so you'll be notified of important messages. Learn more about accessing your NIU email.
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.
Apply for financial aid and submit your FAFSA
FAFSA priority deadline: April 25. A federal system update on April 26 will delay processing of FAFSA records submitted on or after that date. If you miss this deadline, you may not receive a financial aid offer until July. Learn more about the financial aid process.
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.
Illinois residents who are undocumented and ineligible for federal aid can still apply for state assistance. Check your NIU email and MyNIU To Do List regularly for any outstanding requirements after filing.
After Paying Your Enrollment Fee
Once your enrollment fee is paid in full, you can register for Orientation. Completing this step unlocks the next phase.
Register for Orientation
Orientation is required for all admitted students and dates fill up quickly. Register as soon as you receive your eligibility email. If you're considering changing your major, do that before you register.
After Registering for Orientation
Once you have an Orientation date, you can schedule your advising appointment, sign your housing contract and complete the remaining preparation steps.
Schedule your academic advising appointment
Log in to your Next Steps Portal and select Advising Appointment to schedule. Appointment slots and open course sections fill quickly, so schedule as soon as you're able. In this virtual, one-on-one, 45-minute session, your advisor will review your degree requirements, discuss placement results and prior credits, and register you for your first-semester classes. Learn more about preparing for your advising appointment.
Submit your housing contract and prepayment ($150)
As a first-year student, you're required to live on campus or request a residency requirement exemption. Submit your housing contract after registering for Orientation. The earlier you submit, the earlier you can make your room selection.
Take your required placement tests
You may need to complete online placement tests to determine which NIU courses are right for you. Review the Testing Services website to find out which tests apply, then register and complete them before your advising appointment date.
Complete your Pre-orientation Program (POP)
POP is a required self-guided online module that introduces topics you'll explore during Orientation. Find it in your Next Steps Portal. We'll send an email to your NIU account when it's time to complete it.
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 before Week of Welcome.
Submit your vaccination records
If you enroll for on-campus classes, you're required by the Illinois College Student Immunization Act to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus and diphtheria (Td/Tdap) and meningitis.
Submit your final high school transcript
Your official final high school transcript must include your final grades and graduation date. Check with your high school about sending your official transcript to NIU. Review your MyNIU To Do List for any other outstanding items.
Complete POP 2.0
POP 2.0 is your post-orientation program. Complete it online at your own pace after Orientation and before the semester begins. Find it in your Next Steps Portal. We'll email you a link after you attend Orientation.
Resources
Tech Help
Need help? Contact the DoIT Service Desk at ServiceDesk@niu.edu or 815-753-8100.
FAQ
- Tuition, fees and payment plans
- FAFSA, financial aid and scholarships
- Registering and preparing for Orientation
Questions? Contact us at admissions@niu.edu or 815-753-0446. You can also use Mission, your personal helper bot, anytime. Look for the chat icon in the lower right corner of this page.