Transfer with Ease
5 Best tips for TRANSFER STUDENTS
Bliss Eash
Human development and family sciences major, transferred from Carroll University.
“College is a time of firsts. Students take their first steps away from home onto college campuses and decide how to begin their careers. My advice to future students is to do your research, shadow
LET’S GET YOU TRANSFER-READY!
As you look toward your future, so many choices lie ahead. It’s such an exciting time, but we know how daunting it all can seem.
No matter where you end up — here at NIU or elsewhere — you deserve a smooth transfer process.
With that in mind, we bring you five ways to stay on track as you make your transfer, along with just some of the many reasons to consider us as you prepare for your next big step.
One
GET A HEAD START.
Tackle this transfer process head-on. Talk as early as possible with advisors at your community college, as well as those at the colleges you’re exploring. Talk to professors in your intended academic field. Talk to other students. Ask questions. Check out potential universities online. Be relentless. Around here, we like to think of this as Huskie grit.
Check out one of our many events geared specifically for transfer students:
• Virtual Transfers Get Information Fridays (TGIF).
• Virtual one-on-one transfer appointments.
Visit go.niu.edu/transfervisit for more details, and register for our next NIU Preview Day event.
Everything you need to know about becoming a Huskie is available at go.niu.edu/transfer. You also can email us at transfercenter@niu.edu or call us at 815-753-0446.
ONE OF EVERY TWO
In fall 2023, 57% of new undergraduates at NIU were first-generation college students. We know it takes courage and determination to be the first in your family to go to college, and we do all we can to help you get what you need to lead the life you want — today and beyond.
Two
SEEK OUT THE BEST RESOURCES.
Look for colleges that make your transfer process as seamless as possible. Do they offer resources just for you? Are their resources easy to navigate? Do they have everything you need to guide you through your entire transfer process?
Transfer requirements can vary at every university, so it can seem like you’ll never figure it all out. Just don’t give up! Keep your eyes on the prize. Transfer students have high graduation rates, especially at NIU. And you don’t have to do this alone.
Have we mentioned we’re one of only a few universities with counselors specifically designated to work with you? We work closely with community colleges throughout Illinois and beyond to ensure a smooth transfer for you. We’re doing everything we can to simplify it all.
Our counselors like to work directly with you. And we also offer numerous individualized resources at go.niu.edu/transfer. This is where you’ll find transfer guides broken down by college and even degree paths. Along with making sure you get credit for as many classes as you deserve, we’ll walk you through your entire process.
NEARLY 50%
Almost half of our students hold credits from other institutions. It’s no wonder we place a high priority on our transfer Huskies.
Three
Choose a college with cost in mind. You’ve kept your cool and studied hard. Now it’s time for you to be your own advocate as you navigate your next steps. This means looking into as many paths to financial aid and scholarships as possible. Worried about the cost? We hear you. At NIU, we’re continually finding ways to ease both your transfer process and the impact on your wallet.
When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for our Merit Scholarships for Transfers. Many other scholarships are available, but you must apply for them, and some have deadlines as early as Jan. 31 before the start of the school year.
We also offer:
• Our $1,000 Huskie Legacy Award for students whose parent(s) graduated from NIU.
• NIU Partner Scholarships based on financial need and other eligibility factors. These include the Transfer Achievement Scholarship, Kishwaukee College Transfer Scholarship and the City Colleges of Chicago STARS Transfer Scholarship.
$19M
The amount NIU awards in scholarships, including many specifically for our transfer students, such as our Merit Scholarships for Transfers and our Transfer Achievement Scholarship
• Numerous competitive scholarships at go.niu.edu/myscholarships .
Four
FIND THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU.
What’s important to you? What kind of environment do you want to live and learn in? Will you live on campus? Commute?
You deserve to end up in a place where you feel at home, valued, connected, involved, inspired and motivated to achieve your dreams. Wherever you end up, you’re a student. Period. Having the word “transfer” in front of that should never make you feel separate from the rest of our campus community.
We make equity and inclusion for our students mission critical here, and we believe our diversity makes us stronger.
As a transfer student at NIU, you’ll find numerous ways to feel welcome. Many resources we provide just for you include our Northern View Community of on-campus apartment buildings, parking areas for commuters, meal plans and child care. Plus, there’s lots more transfer-friendly information through our Commuter and Off-Campus Services where you’ll find a lounge area, computer access, free coffee and more.
When you’re a Huskie, you’re one of our pack. With over 200 student organizations available, you’ll make friends on campus.
We know you may not be new to college, but you’ll be new to NIU. So we’ll help you find your home whether you choose to live on or off campus.
You’ll also have plenty to see and do on our campus with its abundance of organizations, Greek life, cultural resource centers and recreational activities. Whatever your interest, you’ll find it here.
Five
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR FUTURE.
Your well-being is our top priority, so be sure to feed that hunger of yours to live and learn. Dedicate yourself to getting the most out of every experience. Thoroughly explore the college campuses you’re considering. Get a full picture — look into the academic resources they offer to ensure your success and consider the amenities you deserve to keep you safe, healthy and happy.
At NIU, you’ll have opportunities to dive into your major area of study, get hands-on in your learning, and make connections with your professors and our diverse Huskie community. We’ll help keep you on track with:
• Research opportunities.
• Career services.
• Tutoring services.
• Counseling and consultation services.
Our Student Health Center, an extension of Northwestern Medicine, is in the hands of one of the top medical systems in the nation, and our recreation center features more than 100,000 square feet of modern amenities.
No. 1
Illinois leads the nation in bachelor’s degree completion rates among community college students who transfer to four-year colleges. We’ve played a big role in that success.
With video surveillance and key card security in our residence halls, and our campus police working 24/7 to protect and serve, you can be assured we’re watching out for you.
Jeremy
Peel
Finance major, transferred from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“Explore your passions and find what you really want to do as far as a major and career path. Pick the college you believe is the best fit for you, maybe after taking visits
VISIT US!
Whether you join us for an in-person campus tour or visit virtually, you’ll learn what life is like as a Huskie.
The sooner we hear from you, as you move through your educational journey, the better. As much as we’re hoping you’ll become a Huskie, we’re ready and willing to help guide you no matter where you end up. We just want to see you succeed. Let us help you! Our go.niu.edu/transfer has everything you need to know.
You also can speak personally to one of our transfer counselors at 815-753-0446 or transfercenter@niu.edu
