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.
ReadBe a Huskie
What it means to be part of the NIU community and how to make the most of your time as a Huskie.
ReadDiscover Your Place On Campus
We have over 200 student clubs and organizations—you'll have no trouble finding one that connects with you.
ReadHot 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.
ReadExploring DeKalb
Your college town has more to offer than you might think. A guide to getting out and exploring DeKalb.
ReadCampus Sustainability
How NIU is working toward a more sustainable campus and how you can get involved.
ReadAcademic Support and Career Preparation
Academic Support Services
A closer look at free tutoring, writing help and the other academic resources available to every student.
ReadFounders Learning Commons
Tech support, research help and collaborative spaces, all inside Founders Memorial Library.
ReadConnecting with Faculty and Staff
NIU faculty and staff share advice on building relationships and finding support before you need it.
ReadCareer Readiness Tips
Practical steps you can take now to build skills and set yourself up for life after graduation.
ReadPreparing for a Career Fair
What to research, bring and say so you walk away with real connections, not just a tote bag.
ReadStudy 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.
ReadEmailing Your Professor
How to write a professional email to a faculty member that gets a response and leaves a good impression.
ReadManaging Your Time
Strategies for balancing classes, work, social life and everything else college throws at you.
ReadUsing Office Hours
Office hours are one of the most underused resources in college. Here's how to make them work for you.
ReadStudy Tips
Evidence-based techniques for retaining more, stressing less and getting better results on exams.
ReadUsing a Planner
How to build a planning habit that keeps deadlines, assignments and commitments from sneaking up on you.
ReadHealth, 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.
ReadGood Food, Good Times
How to make smart, affordable food choices whether you're on a meal plan or cooking for yourself.
ReadTogetherall Mental Health Support
NIU students have free access to Togetherall, an anonymous peer support community available any time of day.
ReadFive Ways to Reduce Stress
A simple, research-backed framework for maintaining your mental health throughout the semester.
ReadSafety on Campus
How to stay safe on campus and in DeKalb, and what resources are available if you need help.
ReadPersonal Information Security
How to protect your accounts, spot phishing attempts and keep your personal data safe while at NIU.
ReadFinances and Campus Employment
Finding Scholarships
Where to look, how to apply and what makes a strong scholarship application as an NIU student.
ReadCampus Jobs
How to find on-campus employment, what to expect and why working on campus benefits more than just your bank account.
ReadBudgeting Your Money
Learn how to manage your money with financial advising and budget-friendly events and services.
ReadGraduating Debt-free
Meet some Huskies who have graduated without debt and learn how they made it happen.
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