Transfer Student Orientation

Orientation is required for all admitted students. You'll meet other students and learn about campus offices and resources. 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 these parts:

• 1

  Pre-orientation Program (POP)

  Prior to your Orientation date, start your Pre-Orientation Program (POP), a self-guided online module that you complete at your own pace and will help you prepare for your orientation advising appointment and your New Student 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 Appointment

  Watch your NIU email for a message about scheduling your academic advising appointment. Once you receive the email inviting you to schedule your orientation advising appointment, make sure to do so as soon as possible.Most students should plan to complete this appointment before their orientation date. Scheduling early ensures you have time to discuss your academic plan and register for classes with confidence. If needed, your appointment may take place after orientation, but it should be scheduled in advance. 

  Completing your advising meeting will lift your New Student Advising hold and get you ready to register for classes.

• 3

  New Student Orientation Date

  Attending your full orientation program is still required. Your New Student Orientation is where you’ll: 

  • Learn how your academic planning, career planning, and financial planning are all connected.
  • Get insider tips on thriving at NIU as a transfer student.
  • Build connections with faculty, staff, and other Huskies — because the relationships you make are just as important as going to class!

  Choose in person or virtual:

  • In person: This is a day on campus where you'll learn about campus tools and resources and connect with other new students. You may bring up to 2 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: For the select virtual dates, the Orientation date will take place online via Microsoft Teams.

  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. Watch your NIU email for information about accessing and completing POP 2.0.

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Orientation Dates for Transfer Students

Orientation dates for students beginning classes in summer or fall 2026 are listed below. We recommend registering for the earliest date you can. Availability for New Student Orientation dates can be viewed in your Next Steps Portal.

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
Friday, April 10, 2026	In person
Tuesday, April 14, 2026	Virtual
Wednesday, April 29, 2026	Virtual
Friday, June 5, 2026	In person
Thursday, June 11, 2026	Virtual
Monday, June 22, 2026	Virtual
Wednesday, July 8, 2026	Virtual
Tuesday, July 14, 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.