Before your in-person orientation, let's get you NLU Ready.
Congrats on starting the next chapter of your life at National Louis University! Your orientation is coming up, but please complete this online pre-orientation before then to learn about a lot of important tools and resources that will help you succeed.
Here’s what you’ll learn today.
This pre-orientation will equip you to start your time at NLU on the right foot. We’ll keep it as simple as possible, while sharing information on topics like…
NLU Portal: Taking care of NLU business
The NLU Portal has you covered for all kinds of important tasks, so you’ll want to go ahead and bookmark it now. We put together this handy intro video to walk you through some of its most important features.
Having a plan to pay for school is important. Our finance experts are here to help!
NLU is committed to making higher education affordable and helping you understand all the payment options at your disposal.
The most important thing to do (if you haven’t already) is apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You or your parent will need to have the following ready:
If you have any questions about your individual financing options, please contact StudentFinance@nl.edu
Don’t have a Social Security Number or A-Number?
If you have undocumented status or are otherwise without a SSN or A-number, you can fill out the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid instead.
What are the different kinds of financial aid?
Good question! There are many ways to pay for your education, including…
Borrowing money from the government. You’ll need to start paying it back six months after you graduate or are no longer enrolled at least half-time.
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Financial aid you don’t need to pay back, based on need (requiring assistance to pay for college) or merit (getting good grades).
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Like scholarships but awarded by the government. To get a grant, you need to complete the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
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Special aid awarded to active duty, reserve and veteran students.
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Tuition discounts for employees of organizations that partner with NLU.
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Opportunities to make money through a graduate assistantship, a Federal Work Study job or other on-campus employment.
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Rather than paying a term bill, domestic students are eligible to make more manageable monthly payments for a small fee ($25/term).
How does registration at NLU work?
Unlike at some schools, you won’t register yourself for classes. Instead, you’ll complete a registration form that we’ll use to register you. You’ll get an email once your registration is complete.
After that, you’ll work with an Academic Advisor or Success Coach, depending on your program, who’ll help you with class registration and connect you to career advising, learning support, ADA accommodations, and more.
Academic Advisors work with…
Success Coaches work with…
Okay, so what happens next?
Complete your registration form:
If you haven’t received it already, our Enrollment team will send you this form to assess your needs and goals.
Download Navigate Student:
Navigate Student is a mobile advising app that connects you to your course schedule, resources like financial aid, and important dates and deadlines.
See below for details
Set up your initial appointment:
Your Academic Advisor or Success Coach will invite you to schedule a meeting on Navigate Student. You’ll want to set it up as soon as possible.
Download Navigate Student
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Get to know a few of the tools you need to succeed.
Now it’s time to familiarize yourself with some of the tools you’ll use in your education so you can hit the ground running from day one.
5 Learning Tools You Need to Know
Your computer
This one’s a no-brainer. You’ll use your computer (not a phone or tablet) for assignments, quizzes, tests and other coursework, so it’s vital that you have a suitable one.
Navigate Student
As covered in Registration Ready, this app is where you can view your schedule, contact your advisor and more. Have you downloaded it yet?
D2L
Desire2Learn, located on the Portal, is our online course management system. Even if your classes are in person, you’ll need D2L for important documents and online assignmeznts.
Your NLU email
Check your inbox every day! Be sure to sync your NLU account to your phone so you don’t miss important announcements or deadlines.
The NLU Portal
You know all about this already, but it bears repeating: The Portal is where academic tools like D2L and your email live.
At NLU, you’re never alone in your education journey.
Your personal growth and well-being come first here. We have many resources available to help you reach your career goals in a way that fits your life. We recommend downloading this printable list of resources so you always have it handy.
Quick Resources
Provides services like exam accommodations, note-taking assistance and alternative textbook formats to students with disabilities.
Offers in-person and virtual counseling, trainings, and wellness events.
Provides resources, support and wraparound services to veterans and military-connected students.
Connects students to emergency housing and food assistance, financial literacy, employment and childcare.
Assists with hardware needs, as well as software like Microsoft Office, D2L, the Portal and your NLU email.
Offers personalized tutoring, English language support, study sessions, workshops and self-help guides.
Connects students, alumni and employers, bridging your education and the next step of your career.
Smooths international students’ transition to the U.S. and NLU with legal assistance, cultural events and more.
The best way to make the most of your NLU experience?
Meeting others! Making connections isn’t just about making friends. It’s also a great way to build a professional network, develop leadership skills and make a difference in your community.
Regardless of your location and level of education, you’ll have access to all of these opportunities:
Your next step is to sign up for an in-person onboarding experience, where you can continue to connect with your NLU family!
Download your specific SOAR Checklist for more information
One more step and you’re NLU Ready!
Have questions?
Please contact orientation@nl.edu and specify whether you’re a first-time freshman, undergrad transfer, Kendall College student or graduate student so we can point you in the right direction.
