NIU Admitted First-Generation Student Day
All sessions take place in the NIU Holmes Student Center (HSC) unless otherwise noted.Our Admission Counselors will be available in the Gallery Lounge during the entire program to assist with questions.
Morning Schedule
Check-in begins at 9 a.m. in the Gallery Lounge.
Welcome and Overview
Ellington Ballroom
9:30 to 9:40 a.m.
At this session, we'll provide an overview of the day.
Presentation: First-Generation as an Asset
Ellington Ballroom
9:40 to 10:00 a.m.
It takes courage to be the first person in your family to go to college. About half of our first-year
students are first-generation college students. Learn how being a first-generation college student is an
asset at NIU.
Guest Breakout Session
Intro to Student Transitions
Ellington Ballroom
10:05 to 10:45 a.m.
Transitioning to college can be an adjustment for the entire family. How can parents and support systems be most helpful during this time?
Panel: First-Generation Staff
Ellington Ballroom
10:50 to 11:10 a.m.
Admissions, CHANCE, ADEI, other areas talk about what it is like to be first gen and how their current role supports first gen students.
Guest Breakout Session
Understanding Costs
Ellington Ballroom
11:15 to 11:55 a.m.
Financial Aid and Financial Services present information about understanding costs, when bills are due, how credit hours works, what differentials includes and what fees cover.
Lunch
Ellington Ballroom
Noon to 12:50 p.m.
Complimentary lunch, mingle with staff, take pictures, enjoy trivia. Don't forget to celebrate!
Afternoon Schedule
Guest Breakout Session
Intro to the Academic Timeline
Ellington Ballroom
1 to 1:40 p.m.
When do students, move in, when do classes start, when are bills due, what events take place during different times of the year, when does the university close? This session will help families and guests get acquainted with academic timelines and deadlines, including opportunities to visit campus and add drop periods.
Panel: First-Generation Students
Ellington Ballroom
1:45 to 2:05 p.m.
Hear directly from current first-generation Huskies on what it's like being a trailblazer in higher education.
Closing Remarks
Ellington Ballroom
2:05 to 2:25 p.m.
Financial Aid Appointments
Capitol Room
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Have additional questions about your financial aid?
Meet individually with a counselor from our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.
Morning Student Breakout Session Options
10:05 to 10:45 a.m. & 11:15 to 11:55 a.m.
Class Schedules, Credit Hours, and a Syllabus
What does a class schedule look like at NIU? What are credit hours and how do they work? How do I know what and when assignments will be due? Explore some of the most pronounced changes between high school and university class structures.
HSC - Heritage Room
Community College vs. University
What are some of the biggest differences between a CC and a 4-year university? Maybe you're unsure which route you will take. That's okay. Let our admissions counselors talk you through the transfer process and how you can prepare to come at a later time.
HSC - Room 305
Belonging on a College Campus
A university experience is so much more than going to class. How can you explore interests outside of academics and how do you find community?
HSC - Illinois Room
Career Exploration
Majors, minors, pre-professional programs, and more. How do you pick them, how long will it take you to graduate, and how will you find a job? Join this session for advice on how you might navigate career exploration.
HSC - Regency Room
Afternoon Student Breakout Session Options
1 to 1:40 p.m.
Class Schedules, Credit Hours and a Syllabus
What does a class schedule look like at NIU? What are credit hours and how do they work? How and when do I know what assignments will be due? Explore some of the most pronounced changes between high school and college class structures.
HSC - Heritage Room
Belonging on a College Campus
A university experience is so much more than going to class. How can you explore interests outside of academics and how do you find community?
HSC - Illinois Room
Career Exploration
Majors, minors, pre-professional programs, and more. How do you pick them, how long will it take you to graduate, and how will you find a job? Join this session for advice on how you might navigate career exploration.
HSC - Regency Room
Finding a Job on Campus
Learn how to set yourself up to hit the ground running when searching for employment opportunities and what jobs exist on campus that can work for you.
HSC - Room 305
Holmes Student Center
Main Floor Map
Ground Floor Map
Student Life at NIU
Explore the first floor of our Holmes Student Center. You’ll find Starbucks, Qdoba, the Grill at Huskie Den, Huskie Books and Gear, lounge areas and more.
Important Dates
- Fall 2024 Move In: Week of Aug. 21 through 25.
- Week of Welcome: Wednesday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 25.
- First day of Fall 2024 Semester: Monday, Aug. 26.