Advice for Students by Year

First-Year Students

  • Prior to orientation, set up an appointment with testing services to take any required placement tests.
  • Attend orientation to meet with a college advisor and register for classes.
  • Consider registering for UNIV 101, a 1-credit hour course to help students adjust to life at NIU.
  • Attend the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Welcome Days event.
  • Review a four-year plan for your intended major.
  • Beginning the first week of October, meet with a college advisor to plan your spring schedule.
  • Beginning the first week of March, meet with a college advisor to plan your summer and/or fall schedule.
  • Register for courses on your enrollment date (found in MyNIU Student Center each semester).

Second-Year Students

  • Beginning the first week of October, meet with a college advisor to plan your spring schedule.
  • Beginning the first week of March, meet with a college advisor to plan your summer and/or fall schedule.
  • Register for courses on your enrollment date (found in MyNIU Student Center each semester).

Third-Year Students


Fourth-Year Students

  • Apply for graduation via MyNIU
    • September 1 (for December graduates and August graduates who wish to attend the May ceremony)
    • February 1 (for May graduates).
    • June 15 (if you do not wish to attend the May ceremony)
  • Meet with your advisor for a graduation check before the semester you intend to graduate.
  • RSVP for your graduation ceremony.
  • If you plan on taking courses at another institution as a senior, you must fill out a senior transfer request form in the college advising office.
  • Attend a graduate school fair, an internship fair and/or a full-time job fair.