Health, Wellness and Safety

We know that social connection, mental health and physical health all contribute to your wellness, and we offer a variety of services and programs to keep you connected, supported and feeling well. You can learn about how to be well through Well-being at NIU, and check out the many opportunities we provide for you to get involved in wellness activities on campus. You'll find comprehensive mental health support through Counseling and Consultation Services. Health Services offers a variety of services, including leading-edge healthcare through Northwestern Medicine Student Health Center at NIU. You can also connect with a nutrition coach to fuel your body and your mind. And, as a Huskie, you also automatically have access to recreation programs and facilities throughout campus, as well as the chance to take part in Adventures.

Yes! The Student Wellness area offers presentations for student organizations or classes, events and activities to influence your wellness, health information in many formats on campus, online training for skill development and the opportunity to connect with or become a peer health educator. Every year Student Wellness at Counseling and Consultation Services trains students to join our peer health educator group, known as the Wellness Crew.

A welcoming spot for Huskies, our Disability Resource Center offers a variety of resources, from alternate testing areas with limited distractions and extended testing time to personalized guidance. If you’re in need of accommodations when it comes to housing, the class environment or other barriers that may impact your experience at NIU, the staff at the center will help you effectively collaborate with faculty and staff and introduce you to the many support services available to Huskies. Reach out to them directly at 815-753-1303 or drc@niu.edu with any questions.

Whether living in a residence hall or an apartment, living with others requires open communication and mutual respect. Here are a few tips to help improve your roommate experience and help you resolve any conflict that may arise.

• Communication is key. Use open communication to voice your concerns.
• Revisit or set up an NIU Housing roommate agreement or apartment living agreement.
• Talk with your CA if you need advice on how to communicate a concern with a roommate.
• Contact the Ombuds Office for a confidential, non-judgmental and impartial perspective.

Read more about resolving roommate concerns.

Yes! MyDining provides nutrition and food allergy information to help you make decisions about the foods you choose to fill your plate. To help you navigate healthy choices within the dining halls, we've identified Healthy Huskie Choices using guidelines developed by our registered dietitian nutritionist. And MyPaw will help you fill your plate with foods from all groups to consume a balanced meal. You can also connect with a nutrition coach to fuel your body and your mind.

As a student, you automatically have free access to NIU Recreation, with facilities throughout campus. Lift weights, squeeze in some cardio or join a pickup game or fitness class at our Recreation Center, featuring multipurpose and racquetball courts, a three-lane track, a TRX room and much more. Our student-run sport clubs are a great way to stay healthy and active as you compete against other schools. Be sure to also check out our intramural sports. With dozens of intramural sports and activities for men’s, women’s and co-recreational leagues, we offer both competitive and recreational opportunities to be active and involved, meet new people and have fun.

The Center for Student Assistance (CSA) is your one-stop hub for advocacy, support and additional resources. CSA staff help Huskies with a variety of concerns and provide referrals to other campus offices.