Northern Illinois
University
Student Life at NIU

Huskie Guides

Short reads on the topics that matter most to your success at NIU. Find guides on getting connected, staying on track, taking care of yourself and more.

Community and Campus Life

Finding Friends

Making friends in college takes intention. Here's how to put yourself out there and build real connections at NIU.

Read Finding Friends

Living with Roommates

Having a roommate is an important part of student life for many Huskies.

Read Living with Roommates

You Belong Here

In our community, you fit in because you stand out.

Read You Belong Here

Be a Huskie

What it means to be part of the NIU community and how to make the most of your time as a Huskie.

Read Be a Huskie

NIU Bucket List

Things every Huskie should do before graduation. Start checking them off now.

Read NIU Bucket List

Discover Your Place On Campus

We have over 200 student clubs and organizations—you'll have no trouble finding one that connects with you.

Read Discover Your Place on Campus

Hot Spots on Campus

With many beautiful outdoor spaces and cozy indoor areas, you're bound to find comfortable spots on campus to break open the books or kick back and relax.

Read Hot Spots on Campus

Exploring DeKalb

Your college town has more to offer than you might think. A guide to getting out and exploring DeKalb.

Read Exploring DeKalb

Arts, Entertainment and Athletics

Cheer for the Huskies on the field and on the stage.

Read Arts, Entertainment and Athletics

Campus Sustainability

How NIU is working toward a more sustainable campus and how you can get involved.

Read Campus Sustainability

Academic Support and Career Preparation

Academic Support Services

A closer look at free tutoring, writing help and the other academic resources available to every student.

Read Academic Support Services

Founders Learning Commons

Tech support, research help and collaborative spaces, all inside Founders Memorial Library.

Read Founders Learning Commons

Connecting with Faculty and Staff

NIU faculty and staff share advice on building relationships and finding support before you need it.

Read Connecting with Faculty and Staff

Career Readiness Tips

Practical steps you can take now to build skills and set yourself up for life after graduation.

Read Career Readiness Tips

Preparing for a Career Fair

What to research, bring and say so you walk away with real connections, not just a tote bag.

Read Preparing for a Career Fair

Study Tips and Success Strategies

Why Attendance Matters

Showing up is more than a habit. Here's what the research says and how attendance shapes your grades and your network.

Read Why Attendance Matters

How to Email Your Professor

How to write a professional email to a faculty member that gets a response and leaves a good impression.

Read How to Email Your Professor

Managing Your Time

Strategies for balancing classes, work, social life and everything else college throws at you.

Read Managing Your Time

Using Office Hours

Office hours are one of the most underused resources in college. Here's how to make them work for you.

Read Using Office Hours

Study Tips

Evidence-based techniques for retaining more, stressing less and getting better results on exams.

Read Study Tips

Using a Planner

How to build a planning habit that keeps deadlines, assignments and commitments from sneaking up on you.

Read Using a Planner

Health, Wellness and Safety

Get Moving and Get Involved

Why physical activity matters in college and how to build movement into your routine without it feeling like a chore.

Read Get Moving and Get Involved

Good Food, Good Times

How to make smart, affordable food choices whether you're on a meal plan or cooking for yourself.

Read Good Food, Good Times

Togetherall Mental Health Support

NIU students have free access to Togetherall, an anonymous peer support community available any time of day.

Read Togetherall Mental Health Support

Five Ways to Reduce Stress

Tips for finding balance and maintaining your mental health throughout the semester.

Read Five Ways to Reduce Stress

Safety on Campus

How to stay safe on campus and in DeKalb, and what resources are available if you need help.

Read Safety on Campus

Personal Information Security

How to protect your accounts, spot phishing attempts and keep your personal data safe while at NIU.

Read Personal Information Security

Finances and Campus Employment

Applying for Scholarships

Where to look, how to apply and what makes a strong scholarship application as an NIU student.

Read Applying for Scholarships

Campus Jobs

How to find on-campus employment, what to expect and why working on campus benefits more than just your bank account.

Read Campus Jobs

How to Save Money

Learn how to manage your money with financial advising and budget-friendly events and services.

Read How to Save Money

Graduating Debt-free

Meet some Huskies who have graduated without debt and learn how they made it happen.

Read Graduating Debt-free