Northern Illinois University

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Table of Contents

Tours

  1. Campus Highlights Tour

    Take a quick look at some of the top things NIU has to offer.

    Stops

    1. MLK Commons/Library

      At the center of our 765-acre campus, you'll find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commons, known as the MLK Commons, or just simply, the Commons. The busy open area is home to the Huskie Pride sculpture. The bright red, 6-foot-tall letters N-I-U are a favorite selfie spot. Founders Memorial Library looks out onto the commons and is another hub of connection and learning. 

      Fun Fact - During finals week, therapy dogs visit students in the library.

    2. HSC/Peters Campus Life Building

      You'll find entertainment and support in the heart of campus. Our Holmes Student Center just underwent a major overhaul. You’ll find plenty of places to relax or study – even cozy spots by a fireplace. A revitalized bookstore and fresh, new spaces for our many student organizations are at the center of it all.

      If you need help with a personal or academic issue, head across Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road to the nearby Peters Campus Life Building. It includes the Center for Student Assistance and offices dedicated to advising, counseling, career development and more. You can also find support at our cultural resource centers throughout campus.

      Fun Fact - At the HSC, food options range from fancy to fast with Starbucks, QDOBA Mexican Eats, the Grill at Huskie Den and Ellington's, an elegant student-run restaurant. Bowl, sing karaoke, listen to live music, watch the game or compete at trivia night in the Huskie Den.

    3. Altgeld/Williston/Swen

      Founded in 1895, campus has changed dramatically over the years. Some of our most historic buildings are now used for administrative offices. Sometimes referred to as the castle, Altgeld Hall is the oldest NIU building. You can visit Undergraduate Admissions and the Graduate School in nearby Williston Hall. Neighboring Swen Parson Hall is home to the College of Law, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, and the Office of the Bursar.

      Fun Fact - In the early 1900s, there was a zoo behind Altgeld Hall with a bear, fox, coyotes and many other animals.

    4. East Lagoon/Academics

      The calm waters of the East Lagoon are a peaceful contrast to the learning and innovation taking place on campus. Students develop their creativity and skills in the nearby music and art buildings. They examine the natural world in the Montgomery Hall greenhouse and discover outer space in the Davis Hall observatory.

      These are just a few of the areas you can explore at NIU. We offer programs in seven colleges:

      Fun Fact - In the spring and summer, you can rent a canoe or kayak to paddle around the lagoon. In the winter, you can rent ice skates for a spin around the ice.

    5. DuSable/Academics

      Dedicated to classrooms and program offices, a series of academic buildings forms the backbone of campus. DuSable, Zulauf, Reavis, Graham and Gabel halls are some of the places where students learn about education and the liberal arts and sciences. At NIU, you'll learn outside of the classroom, too. Read about performing research and other engaged learning opportunities.

       

       

    6. Central Park/Residence Halls

      Living in a residence hall is a great way to immerse yourself in the NIU experience. You'll meet new people and join in fun activities. There are many buildings from which to choose, including several that are grouped together around an open area known as Central Park.

      You'll also have plenty of choices when it comes to dining, from all-you-care-to-eat meals to grab-and-go options. Dining on campus is convenient, fresh and delicious.

      Another way you can get involved at NIU is by joining a group or club. Check out our more than 300 student organizations.

       

    7. Athletics/Campus Rec

      With a spacious outdoor sports complex on the west edge of campus and a well-equipped recreation center, NIU has everything you need to get active and stay fit.

      You can head to Huskie Stadium to cheer on our Division I football team or visit the 10,000-seat Convocation Center to watch sports like basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling.

      Our student-athletes can train in all types of weather, thanks for the indoor Chessick Practice Center, located right by the stadium. The attached Yordon Center provides space for athletic training as well as academic support.

      Fun Fact - The original name for NIU sports teams was the Profs. The Huskie nickname was chosen in 1940.