Next Steps for Transfer Huskies
Congratulations on being admitted to NIU as a transfer student! From the day you're admitted to your first day of classes, use the steps below to guide you. Each phase builds on the one before it, and completing earlier steps unlocks what comes next.
Track your progress in your Next Steps Portal. Log in at go.niu.edu/NIUNextSteps with your NIU email address and password to view your personalized checklist.
Admitted to an Online or Off-Campus Program?
Transfer students admitted to an online or off-campus program have a streamlined set of next steps. Visit go.niu.edu/online-next-steps.
After You're Admitted
Start here. Completing Step 1 unlocks the next phase.
Confirm your intent to enroll and pay your enrollment fee
Log in to MyNIU using your NIU Z-ID, choose the Admissions tile and select "Confirm Intent to Enroll." Pay your nonrefundable enrollment fee ($85). You can spread out your payments if needed. Once you pay the fee in full, you can register for Orientation.
We sent your Z-ID information to the personal email address you used when you applied. Learn how to activate your NIU Account ID and access MyNIU.
Check your NIU email account regularly
Your NIU student email address is your Z-ID followed by @students.niu.edu. Access it at go.niu.edu/outlook. Download the Microsoft Outlook app so you'll be notified of important messages. Learn more about accessing your NIU email.
NIU uses multifactor authentication (MFA) to keep your account secure. You'll need your password and a code texted to your phone to log in. Download the free Microsoft Authenticator app and have a phone number ready before you log in for the first time.
Review how your credits transfer
A transfer credit evaluation will be available a few weeks after you're admitted. We'll email you at both your personal and NIU email addresses when it's ready. View your transfer credit report in MyNIU by going to your Student Center. Contact our Office of Admissions at admissions@niu.edu with any questions about your evaluation.
Apply for financial aid and submit your FAFSA
FAFSA priority deadline: April 25. A federal system update on April 26 will delay processing of FAFSA records submitted on or after that date. If you miss this deadline, you may not receive a financial aid offer until July. Learn more about the financial aid process.
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. If you've already submitted it, confirm that NIU is on your list (school code 001737). If not, log back in to add us.
Illinois residents who are undocumented and ineligible for federal aid can apply for state assistance through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. Check your NIU email and MyNIU To Do List regularly for any outstanding requirements after filing.
After Paying Your Enrollment Fee
Once your enrollment fee is paid in full, you can register for Orientation. Completing this step unlocks the next phase.
Register for Orientation
Orientation is required for all admitted students. You'll connect with other students and learn about campus resources as you join the Huskie community. Dates fill up quickly, so register as soon as you receive your eligibility email. If you're considering changing your major, do that before you register.
After Registering for Orientation
Once you have an Orientation date, your advisor will reach out to schedule your advising appointment. Complete the remaining preparation steps before Orientation.
Schedule your academic advising appointment
After you register for Orientation, your academic advisor will email you with instructions to schedule your advising appointment. This one-on-one meeting will help you plan your academic path and course selection. Appointment slots fill quickly, so schedule as soon as you receive the email. Your advising appointment will be on a different date than your Orientation.
Learn about on-campus housing options
You're not required to live in our residence halls as a transfer student, but living on campus can be a great way to connect with other Huskies. We offer on-campus apartments and housing for families and upper-division students. The earlier you submit your housing contract, the earlier you can make your room selection.
Complete your Pre-orientation Program (POP)
POP is a required self-guided online module that introduces topics you'll explore during Orientation. Find it in your Next Steps Portal. We'll send an email to your NIU account when it's time to complete it.
Upload your photo for your OneCard ID
Your OneCard is your official NIU ID. It gives you access to your residence hall, meal plans, the Recreation Center, the Huskie Line bus and more. After registering for Orientation, the OneCard office will email you instructions for submitting your photo.
Note: Most transfer students do not need to take placement tests. If tests are required for your program, your advisor will let you know. You can also review the Testing Services website for more information.
Before Your First Day of Classes
Almost there. Complete these final steps before Week of Welcome.
Submit your official transcripts from all colleges attended
You must provide official transcripts from each institution you attended. Transcripts must be printed within one year of your application date and must include all completed coursework at each institution. Review your MyNIU To Do List for any other outstanding items needed to complete your admission file.
Submit your vaccination records
If you enroll for on-campus classes, you're required by the Illinois College Student Immunization Act to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus and diphtheria (Td/Tdap) and meningitis.
Complete POP 2.0
POP 2.0 is your post-orientation program. Complete it online at your own pace after Orientation and before the semester begins. Find it in your Next Steps Portal. We'll email you a link after you attend Orientation.
Opt out of student health insurance (if applicable)
If you're enrolled in nine or more credit hours in DeKalb, you're automatically billed for the NIU student health insurance plan. If you have other health insurance that meets our requirements, you can waive or cancel NIU's coverage during the opt-out period.
Resources
Tech Help
Need help? Contact the DoIT Service Desk at ServiceDesk@niu.edu or 815-753-8100.
FAQ
- Transfer credit questions
- Tuition, fees and payment plans
- FAFSA, financial aid and scholarships
- Registering and preparing for Orientation
Questions? Contact us at admissions@niu.edu or 815-753-0446. You can also use Mission, your personal helper bot, anytime. Look for the chat icon in the lower right corner of this page.