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 FriendsLiving with Roommates
Having a roommate is an important part of student life for many Huskies.
Read Living with RoommatesBe 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 HuskieNIU Bucket List
Things every Huskie should do before graduation. Start checking them off now.
Read NIU Bucket ListDiscover 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 CampusHot 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 CampusExploring DeKalb
Your college town has more to offer than you might think. A guide to getting out and exploring DeKalb.
Read Exploring DeKalbArts, Entertainment and Athletics
Cheer for the Huskies on the field and on the stage.
Read Arts, Entertainment and AthleticsCampus Sustainability
How NIU is working toward a more sustainable campus and how you can get involved.
Read Campus SustainabilityAcademic 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 ServicesFounders Learning Commons
Tech support, research help and collaborative spaces, all inside Founders Memorial Library.
Read Founders Learning CommonsConnecting 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 StaffCareer Readiness Tips
Practical steps you can take now to build skills and set yourself up for life after graduation.
Read Career Readiness TipsPreparing 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 FairStudy 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 MattersHow 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 ProfessorManaging Your Time
Strategies for balancing classes, work, social life and everything else college throws at you.
Read Managing Your TimeUsing 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 HoursStudy Tips
Evidence-based techniques for retaining more, stressing less and getting better results on exams.
Read Study TipsUsing a Planner
How to build a planning habit that keeps deadlines, assignments and commitments from sneaking up on you.
Read Using a PlannerHealth, 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 InvolvedGood 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 TimesTogetherall Mental Health Support
NIU students have free access to Togetherall, an anonymous peer support community available any time of day.
Read Togetherall Mental Health SupportFive Ways to Reduce Stress
Tips for finding balance and maintaining your mental health throughout the semester.
Read Five Ways to Reduce StressSafety on Campus
How to stay safe on campus and in DeKalb, and what resources are available if you need help.
Read Safety on CampusPersonal Information Security
How to protect your accounts, spot phishing attempts and keep your personal data safe while at NIU.
Read Personal Information SecurityFinances 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 ScholarshipsCampus Jobs
How to find on-campus employment, what to expect and why working on campus benefits more than just your bank account.
Read Campus JobsHow to Save Money
Learn how to manage your money with financial advising and budget-friendly events and services.
Read How to Save MoneyGraduating Debt-free
Meet some Huskies who have graduated without debt and learn how they made it happen.
Read Graduating Debt-free