New International Student Orientation

The New International Student Orientation (NISO) is a series of pre-arrival modules and webinars (online), and post-arrival orientation/welcome events and workshops (in-person). All are designed to prepare new international students for life on NIU's campus and to orient them to the range of available student support resources.

Please review the information below, make note of the dates and required items, and continue to check back as the start of the spring semester approaches.

Before You Arrive

F-1 Pre-arrival Module (Required)

• What: A series of short videos to introduce the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office, provide you with vital information about maintaining immigration status in the U.S., and next steps.
• When: Before you arrive, no later than the first day of classes.
• How: Log into the ISSS System. Go to the Control Center. Click the F-1 Pre-arrival Module icon to watch the videos and submit your Confirmation of Completion.

RSVP

Keep us updated on the status of your US visa issuance, your planned US arrival date and RSVP for In-person International Student Orientation to be held on January 6 (see below). You will find the RSVP icon in your Control Center in the ISSS System, next to the F-1 Pre-arrival Module. You can resubmit the form anytime if you have changes to your plans.

Are You Prepared for Life at NIU? Webinar

This webinar supplements the F-1 Pre-arrival Module and answers frequently asked questions from new students. It’s a great opportunity to meet International Admissions and ISSS staff, and to interact with future classmates. Use the links below to navigate to the appropriate registration page for details.

• November 11: International Graduate Students: Are You Prepared?
• November 13: International Undergraduate Students: Are You Prepared?

After You Arrive

Check-In (Required)

• What: Verify your arrival and submit copies of your immigration documents to the ISSS office.
• When: Must be completed by the end of the first week of classes.
• How: Use the Check-in Form icon in the ISSS System. It will be available starting December 6.

In-person International Student Orientation and Resource Fair

Please join us for a warm welcome to the US, to DeKalb, and to the NIU campus. Our goal is to make sure you have all the resources you need to get started in your first semester. The agenda will cover themes of academic success, wellness, daily life in the US, the immigration system and employment.

• Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Carl Sandburg Auditorium, Holmes Student Center
• RSVP: Use the icon in the ISSS System, mentioned above
• Parking: If you plan to drive, please review the Parking Services website for information about visitor parking.