Northern Illinois University Campus Life: Photos, Videos, Facilities

Northern Illinois University is a public research university based in DeKalb, Illinois, United States. The university's address is Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States. It was originally founded in 1895 under the name "Northern Illinois State Normal School". Northern Illinois University has several satellite campuses besides its DeKalb main campus, located in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois.

Northern Illinois University Campus Overview 

NIU is home to more than 15,000 students from around the globe, and about 4,000 students currently live on the Northern Illinois University campus. The university's student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, and the average class size is 23. Some other facts to know about the Northern Illinois University campus before applying to the NIU admissions are:

• Climate and City Life: The Northern Illinois University campus is situated in DeKalb, Illinois. This location is known for having a typical continental climate. Summers tend to have an average daily high between 25°C and 30°C with high levels of humidity. Whereas winters tend to average lows of around -10°C to -8°C. Snow is a common occurrence. The city life of DeKalb is quite vibrant, with several arts and cultural events taking place throughout the year, and a lively nightlife. As per the annual report 2024 of the DeKalb County Police, violent crimes dropped by 13% and other less violent crimes have also dropped by 20%. 

• Landmarks: Some of the attractions and hot spots located on the Northern Illinois University campus include the East Lagoon, Huskie Den at the Holmes Student Center, Davis Hall Fountains, and the Zen Garden. 

• Indian Cuisine: Some of the popular places for Indian food to visit near the Northern Illinois University campus are Khana Khazana Indian Cafe (0.5 miles) and Burger Naan (1.4 miles). 

• Indian Community: The Indian Student Association at Northern Illinois University campus is a non-profit student organization that organizes several events, such as Yoga classes and Diwali celebrations. They make active efforts to help Indian-origin students stay connected with their roots. The number of Indian graduates at the university amounts to over 420 as of Fall 2024. 

• Transportation: The Northern Illinois University campus provides several transportation facilities, such as Parking services, Huskie Bus Line service, and even accessibility, construction, and sustainability maps on their website to navigate one’s way smoothly while also being able to avoid construction sites on campus and find electric vehicle charging points. 

• Traditions: Some of the university’s year-old traditions include Food Truck Wednesdays, Tugs tournaments, NIU Huskie Music (Huskie Fight Song) dating back to 1961-62, and much more. 

Northern Illinois University Athletics 

Northern Illinois University campus boasts 7 men’s and 9 women’s intercollegiate athletic teams, also known as the Northern Illinois Huskies. These teams compete in the NCAA Division I. The university also has two mascots named Victor E. Huskie and Mission Huskie. Some of the athletic facilities provided on the campus include Yordon Center, Convocation Center, Huskie Stadium, Chessick Center, the Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park. 

Northern Illinois University Top Courses 

When it comes to the NIU courses, the university provides 170 academic degree programs, including 89 bachelor’s, 58 master’s, and 27 doctoral programs. Some of the popular undergraduate programs, as listed by the official sources, include: 

• Psychology (B.A. and B.S.) 

• Health Sciences (B.S.) 

• Computer Science (B.S.) 

• Business Administration (B.S.) 

• Mechanical Engineering (B.S.) 

• Nursing for RNs (B.S.) 

• Accounting (B.S.) 

• Biology (B.S.) 

Moreover, some of the top rankings for graduate schools at the Northern Illinois University campus are given below: 

Also check Northern Illinois University Ranking

Northern Illinois University Housing 

Around 4,000 students currently live on the Northern Illinois University campus. Some of the residency options for NIU along with rates for 2025-26, are given below:

(1 USD = INR 86.75) 

NIU Cost of attendance 2025-26: 

(1 USD = INR 86.75)