Take these steps to prepare for and complete your Orientation requirement.
You can register for Orientation after you’ve confirmed your intent to enroll and paid your enrollment fee. After you've paid your fee, login to your Next Steps portal to register for orientation.
You can access your Pre-Orientation Program (POP) through your Next Steps Portal. We recommend starting it at least two weeks before your Orientation date.
As a first-year student, you're required to take any placement exams prior to your Orientation date. We recommend starting them at least six weeks in advance. For more information, please see our Testing Services website.
After you’ve selected your orientation date, you’ll be invited to schedule a virtual one-on-one appointment with your academic advisor. During your pre-orientation advising appointment, you’ll receive recommendations on what classes to register for in your first semester and learn about the expectations and requirements for your major.
You can prepare to register for classes by:
You'll need to submit a photo for your NIU OneCard (student ID). Within 3 business days of registering for Orientation, you'll receive an email with instructions on uploading a photo to be used on your ID. Check your NIU email account for a message from the OneCard Office with the subject line “NIU OneCard Photo Submission.”
On your Orientation date, we'll connect you with helpful resources, engage with departments essential to your success and you’ll meet current students in leadership positions, as well as connect with other new students
Our NIU 2024 New Student Orientation Guide should help you get a feel for what to expect during your Orientation.
Once you've attended your Orientation date, you'll be emailed a link to POP 2.0, a self-guided module that will help you learn more about how to get involved and engaged on campus to make the most of your time at NIU.
Please note: If you changed your major since you applied to NIU, you must submit a change your major form. We'll confirm the change within 48 hours. We may contact you to reschedule your orientation date.