First-Year Student Orientation
National Louis University welcomes first-year students through an interactive and informative experience with the primary goal of preparing new students for a successful start at NLU.
The Office of Student Engagement presents SOAR, Student Onboarding, Achievement, Relationships, to aid in the transition of students and families into the university. The information provided in the various SOAR experiences are designed to make students feel confident and excited as they begin their first quarter at NLU!
First-Year students must attend the First-Year Orientation in-person. This experience includes an introduction to NLU's campus, important resources for success, and the opportunity to connect with other new students. First-Year Orientation is mandatory and attendance for the entire day is required.
Your start is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Step 1: Complete NLUReady (Pre-Orientation Quick Start Guide) created to help you become a successful NLU student. It should take you approximately 30 minutes. The information within this pre-orientation guide will be available throughout your time at NLU so that you can reference back at any time.
- Step 2: Register and attend one of an in-person orientation session. You'll receive an email with a link and instructions for registering.
- Step 3: Register for and attend your college specific orientation. Watch your NLU email for information from your success coach or advisor.
These three steps designed to inform and prepare you to successfully transition into your studies at NLU. These opportunities are also an excellent opportunity to meet other new students and explore essential resources NLU has to offer.
If you are having any issues accesses your online campus (D2L), please contact the NLU Help Deck at Helpdesk@nl.edu
For all other questions or concerns, please contact Orientation@nl.edu.
New Freshmen: Register for Orientation (Chicago and Wheeling)
New Freshmen Kendall Students: Register for Orientation
- Go to the NLU Portal (my.nl.edu) and login.
- Technical or Portal access issues should be directed to NLU's HelpDesk at helpdesk@nl.edu or (866) 813-1177. Video support is available during business hours at https://live-support.nl.edu
- Click on the SOAR NLUReady icon to the right to begin
- Complete NLUReady and fill out the NLUReady Certification form.
- How do I register for Orientation?
- An email will be sent to the same email you used to apply inviting you to register for orientation.
- An email will be sent to the same email you used to apply inviting you to register for orientation.
- Is attendance at Orientation required?
- Yes, attendance at all portions of orientation is required. Orientation enables you to learn more about the requirements of your college program, meet with an academic advisor, interact with current NLU students, staff, and faculty, and find out more about being a student at NLU.
- What if I can't attend the whole program?
- Attendance is required. The information shared during the program sessions is critical to your success. If you need to cancel or update your registration prior, kindly contact us (orientation@nl.edu) before your orientation session so that we can try to reschedule you for another program
- Attendance is required. The information shared during the program sessions is critical to your success. If you need to cancel or update your registration prior, kindly contact us (orientation@nl.edu) before your orientation session so that we can try to reschedule you for another program
- Which Orientation session should I attend?
- Please attend the orientation for the campus you are registered for.
- Please attend the orientation for the campus you are registered for.
- Can my parent/guest help me register for classes?
- Parent(s) or family member(s) can assist you when reviewing the Degree Planning Tools prior to coming to orientation. However, when meeting with your student success coach during the academic advising appointment, parents/guests are discouraged from attending sessions with their students.
- Parent(s) or family member(s) can assist you when reviewing the Degree Planning Tools prior to coming to orientation. However, when meeting with your student success coach during the academic advising appointment, parents/guests are discouraged from attending sessions with their students.
- What should I bring to Orientation?
- Please bring the following items with you
- Your NLU portal log in information
- Your NLU ID number
- Casual clothing & Comfortable walking shoes
- Sweatshirt or light jacket (in case meeting rooms are cold)
- A water bottle
- Please bring the following items with you
- Lunch will be provided.
Have another question? Student Engagement can answer further questions about New Student Orientation at NLU. If you have any additional questions, please email orientation@nl.edu
