Preparing for Orientation

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. This module will help you prepare for your orientation advising appointment and your New Student Orientation date. We recommend starting it at least two weeks before your orientation date.

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.”

Watch your NIU email for a message about scheduling your academic advising appointment. Schedule and complete your orientation advising appointment 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.

You can prepare for registering for classes by:

• Reviewing the general education requirements.
• Viewing your major in the Undergraduate Catalog.
• Reviewing your college’s four-year degree path.
• Viewing important information such as expenses, financial aid and withdrawal policy in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Attending your full orientation program is still required. 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!

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.