New Student Orientation
Orientation is where your NMU journey truly begins—setting you up for success in your first year and beyond. During orientation sessions, you will register for classes, learn about hundreds of student clubs, tour the residence halls, connect with health and wellness resources, and explore our incredible campus and Marquette community. Welcome home!
Register for Orientation!
Ready to become a Wildcat? Tell us you’re coming to NMU by signing up for orientation.
Orientation is required for all students—and we promise to make it fun. By the time you wrap up, you'll have everything you need to start your first semester with confidence!
Student Orientation
Register for Student Orientation
- Student fee: $126
- Important note: Register using a personal email (not your high school email which deactivates after graduation)
- Advising/Scheduling: Do you have questions about what your course schedule will look like and how our Success Advisors work with you? Watch as our Success Advisors explain the academic advising and registration process
Family/Guest Orientation
Concurrent sessions are designed to answer questions from family and guest perspectives. Students can select these options when registering for their orientation session.
- First Guest: $50
- Additional Guests: $20
On-Campus Accommodations
Stay on campus and get a real feel for what life is like in our residence halls during new student orientation. Students will be paired with a roommate and two suitemates, families and guests will have their own suite in a separate area. Enjoy a wonderful selection of food from our main campus restaurant Northern Lights Dining. Choose this option when you register online.
***August Session Note: Guest accommodations are not available in August. Students move in early and pay a nightly rate based on room type.***
Residence hall lodging for two nights and five meals is:
- $113 per person for students/family/guests
- $59.50 for children 12-17
- $41.25 for children 5-11
- Free for children under 5
We can’t wait to meet you!
Additional details below
Orientation Sessions for Students Starting in Fall 2026
First Year Freshman Students
- Monday - Wednesday, June 8-10
- CLOSED
- Monday - Wednesday, June 15-17
- CLOSED
- Monday - Wednesday, June 22-24
- CLOSED
- Monday - Wednesday, June 29-July 1
- CLOSED
- Wednesday - Friday, July 8-10
- CLOSED
- Monday-Tuesday, August 17-18
Transfer Students:
May complete online transfer (ongoing) or in-person session. Learn more here.
- Friday, June 5
- CLOSED
- Monday-Tuesday, August 17-18
Commuter, Non-Traditional and Veteran Students:
- Friday, June 19
- CLOSED
- Monday-Tuesday, August 17-18
Global Campus:
New Freshmen
The First Year Student Orientation caters to new students and transfer students with under 12 credits. The First Year Student Program focuses on how to become a successful student at NMU. The program spends considerable time covering the different academic and social aspects of the university. Students will prepare for the start of the first semester through sessions that cover topics like academic planning, course scheduling, financial resources, and getting involved.
Transfer Students
The Transfer Student Orientation understands that transfer students, those with 12+ post-high school credits, already have a good grasp on the college experience. The Transfer Student Orientation provides the information necessary for transfer students to transition to a brand new university. Transfer students will hear from relevant departments, and will interact with their academic adviser for course selection.
Commuter, Non-Traditional, and Veteran Students
For Commuter Students (students living within 60 miles), Non-Traditional students (students over the age of 24), and Veteran students, the college experience can be a little different. Commuter, Non-Traditional, and Veteran Orientation provides students with the opportunity to learn about the integral departments across campus and time to prepare for their first semester.
Global Campus Students
The Global Campus Student Orientation is for all Online and Distance Learners. The Global Student Orientation provides all the information a new online student would need to start their experience at NMU. Global Students will receive all of the information a new or transfer student would receive, except catered towards the Online experience.
Family/Guest
Northern Michigan University is excited to share this time with you. We know some of you have a lot of questions, or just want to know more about the opportunities and resources available to your student during their time at NMU. Our in-person family/guest orientation includes important information about your students' transition to college as well as information about financial aid, residence hall payments and options, health insurance, student rights and responsibilities, and more.
All family/guest orientation information can be found on our Family/Guest page. Check out our virtual family/guest orientation playlist of videos on NMU's YouTube channel from key departments on campus to share information.
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