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Table of Contents

Tours

1. Specialized Tours

   • Parents and Families Tour

     Check out some locations around campus to get an idea of the services and support available to your student at NIU.

     Stops

     1. Holmes Student Center

        Where better to start than in the heart of campus at the Holmes Student Center (HSC). The HSC serves as a gathering place, where students can grab a bite to eat, relax or study in our lounging areas or come together for important events. It’s also home to a hotel, the University Books and Gear and the Huskies Den, where students enjoy bowling, billiards and video gaming. 

     2. Campus Life Building

        Two Huskie dog statues greet visitors to the Campus Life Building. Aptly named, the building is a hub of student activity, housing the Academic Advising Center, NIU Career Services, the University Honors Program, CHANCE Program, Counseling and Consultation Services, Center for Student Assistance and Disability Resource Center. 

     3. Cultural Resource Centers

        The Latino Resource Center is just one example of our many cultural resource centers, which work to foster an inclusive Huskie community. These centers build collaborative relationships across campus and beyond. They include the Asian American Resource Center, Center for Black Studies, Disability Resource Center, Gender and Sexuality Resource Center and Military and Post-Traditional Student Services.

     4. Health Services

        The success of our students is our top priority at NIU, and supporting their academic pursuits means keeping them healthy. Health Services is a fully accredited primary care medical practice that provides high quality health care by appointment, as well as preventative services, such as flu shots. Keep in mind that students may use Health Services regardless of whether they are enrolled in the NIU Student Health Insurance Plan.

     5. Department of Police and Public Safety

        We take your student’s safety seriously. The Department of Police and Public Safety employs about 50 sworn officers and additional support staff who protect and serve our campus community around the clock. They work hard to prevent crime and offer resources to students to keep them safe—and we’re proud of their success! CollegeChoice.net included NIU in its ranking of the 50 Safest Large Colleges and Universities in America.

     6. Swen Parson Hall

        Swen Parson Hall houses our College of Law, but it’s also a campus business hub. The northerly part of the building (second floor) is home to the Bursar’s Office, as well as Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. The Bursar’s Office processes student payments and refunds. It also offers payment plans and advice regarding student financial situations. Student Financial Aid strives to assist students with the cost of higher education. Students should never assume that they will not qualify for financial assistance.

     7. Founders Memorial Library

        This is where parents expect their students to spend the majority of their time. It’s called Founders Memorial Library. Your student will have plenty of knowledge at hand in the six levels and 314,000 square feet of space containing our vast collections of books, periodicals, rare publications, university archives, maps, music and more. The library offers seating capacity for 1,600 students – including designated quiet spaces, study rooms, writing center, walk-in tutoring room and Coffee and Bagels Café for a study break pick-me-up.

     8. Academic Buildings

        Your student will probably take at least a few classes in this central area of campus, which includes DuSable, Watson, Reavis and Cole halls. Many general education and liberal arts courses are taught here. Of course, you’ll find specialized academic buildings—ranging from engineering to business to the hard sciences—throughout campus.

     9. Student Recreation Center

        College life isn’t all books, computers, lectures and laboratories. Our popular Student Rec Center is the place where Huskies blow off steam and stay fit. Fee-paying NIU students are automatically enrolled as members. Center amenities include multipurpose courts, racquetball courts, cardio and strength-training rooms, a three-lane track and a boxing and plyometric room. Sports equipment also is available for checkout with a OneCard ID.

     10. Residence Halls

         Our residence halls house about 3,500 Huskies on campus each year. Living on campus provides a sense of community, as well as opportunities to meet people from different cultures, countries and ethnic backgrounds. New Hall is one example, featuring single bedrooms arranged in small group clusters of 12. Its Community Center is home to a food court, recreation facility and lounge. New Hall is located on the west side of campus along with several other residence halls, including Grant and Stevenson towers, while Gilbert and Neptune halls are more centrally located. Each hall has its own advantages; all have laundry facilities.