Register for Orientation

The start of your college experience is an exciting and busy time. Our orientation program will help you make a smooth transition to life as a Huskie. You can only register for orientation after you’ve confirmed your intent to enroll and paid your enrollment fee. Please read our first-year FAQ before you register.

How to register:

1. Log in to the NIU Next Steps portal using the personal email address that you used to complete your application to NIU. Your NIU Next Steps portal email address and password are different from the ones you use to access MyNIU to confirm your enrollment and pay your enrollment fee. Learn more about accessing and using these two systems.
   Note: If you do not remember or if you do not know your password, choose “Forgot Your Password” and enter the email address you used to apply to NIU and your date of birth. The system will send a temporary PIN to that email address which you can then use to set a new password and access the portal.
   
2. Choose "Register for Orientation Today!" 
3. Select the type of orientation program you would like to attend.
4. Choose your orientation date.

Once you register, we'll send you an email within 48 hours to confirm your reservation and provide details about next steps.

Family Member Orientation

You may have family members who want to know how they can help you succeed at NIU. That's why we provide them with an online family orientation module.

You may bring up to two (2) guests with you to your in-person Orientation Day. There is no additional fee for guests. Please note that you'll attend the academic advising portion of orientation on your own. Guests will attend the large group sessions with you, and we’ll have sessions just for them while you attend your advising appointment alone.