First-year Student Orientation

Orientation is required for all admitted students. You'll meet other students, learn about campus offices and resources, and discover tips for being successful here. There are important tasks that you are required to complete prior to your Orientation date. Learn more about how to prepare for Orientation.

Register for Orientation

View Orientation Dates

 

Your Orientation Program

Your Orientation experience is comprised of four parts:

• 1

  Pre-orientation Program (POP)

  You'll start with our Pre-Orientation Program (POP), a self-guided online module that you complete at your own pace prior to your Orientation date. You'll access POP through your Next Steps Portal, and we'll send you an email when it's time to get started. 

• 2

  Orientation Advising and Class Registration

  The timing of your advising appointment for your first-semester classes depends on your orientation date.

  Attending Orientation in November-January

  Your advising appointment will take place on your orientation date.

  • On-campus orientation: You’ll receive your appointment time at check-in.
  • Virtual orientation: You’ll receive an invitation in your NIU email account to a virtual appointment that will take place after orientation.

  
  Attending Orientation in April-August

  After registering for orientation, your advisor will invite you to schedule a virtual meeting to discuss your first-semester course recommendations and the registration process. 

  You should schedule your orientation advising appointment as soon as possible, ideally at least one week before your orientation date. If you haven't scheduled an advising appointment by your orientation date, you will be prompted to do so during orientation check-in. 

  Note: The appointment itself can take place either before or after your orientation session — just not during orientation.

  You’ll receive an email inviting you to schedule the appointment, which will last about 45 minutes and take place on Microsoft Teams. After your appointment, you’ll finish registering for classes by yourself. You’re expected to arrive at orientation with three to five classes on your schedule.

  If you have any questions, contact the Academic Advising Center at aac@niu.edu. If your major is in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, please see their website for your advisor's contact information.

• 3

  Orientation

  Attending your Orientation date is mandatory to remain enrolled in your first-semester courses. Participating in Orientation will help you to start making connections with other new students and help you prepare for your first year at NIU.

  Choose in person or virtual:

  • In person: Experiencing your Orientation on campus is the recommended format for first-year students. This is a day on campus where you learn about campus tools and resources and connect with other new students. You may bring up to two guests to your in-person Orientation, and you'll provide that information when you register for your Orientation date. There is no fee for guests.
  • Virtual: We understand not all students are available to travel to campus to complete Orientation. For the select virtual dates available, your Orientation will take place online via Microsoft Teams. Our virtual programs are designed to offer flexibility while still providing essential information about key resources, support services and guidance in finding success in your first year at NIU.

  Registration is required, and dates fill up quickly. Register as soon as you are able to. 

• 4

  Post-Orientation Program (POP 2.0)

  Your Post-Orientation Program (or as we like to call it, POP 2.0) is a self-guided module that you'll complete after attending your Orientation date. POP 2.0 highlights opportunities to get engaged as a Huskie and will help you learn about what to expect during the Week of Welcome (WOW). Watch your NIU email for information about accessing and completing POP 2.0.

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Orientation Dates for First-Year Students

These dates are for students beginning classes in summer or fall 2026. You should register for the earliest date you can. Your advising appointment for your first-semester classes will take place online before your orientation date.

Spring 2026

Date	Format
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025	In person
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025	Virtual
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025	Virtual
Monday, Dec. 15, 2025	In person
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026	Express - Virtual
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026	Express - Virtual

Summer/Fall 2026

Date	Format
Tuesday, June 2, 2026	In person
Thursday, June 4, 2026	In person
Tuesday, June 9, 2026	In person
Wednesday, June 10, 2026	In person
Friday, June 12, 2026	Virtual
Tuesday, June 16, 2025	In person
Wednesday, June 17, 2026	In person
Thursday, June 25, 2026	In person
Friday, June 26, 2026	In person
Thursday, July 9, 2026	Virtual
Monday, July 13, 2026	In person
Wednesday, July 29, 2026	In person
Friday, Aug. 7, 2026	Express - Virtual
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026	Express - Virtual
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026	Express - Virtual

Make Sure You're Ready

• Check your NIU email account frequently! Important information is shared weekly to help prepare you for your first semester at NIU, so make time to review the information that is sent to you.
• Check your Next Steps Portal for tasks you need to complete.
• If you have any questions, try checking the orientation FAQ.