Commuter Students

  • Do you live in a nearby town (Gwinn, Harvey, Ishpeming, Negaunee, Skandia, etc.)?
  • Do you live off campus?
  • Do you come to campus for classes at least once per week?
  • Do you live near campus in an apartment?
  • Do you live in a house with your family?
  • Do you own your own home?
  • Do you ride the bus to get to campus?

If you answered with at least one “yes” to the above questions, you are a commuter student.

Non-Traditional Students

An adult or non-traditional student is not necessarily defined by age (usually over 24); they are also students who may have life circumstances different from the typical traditional student. These circumstances include, but are not limited to students who are:

  • parents
  • married, divorced or once married, now single
  • caring for elderly parents
  • veterans
  • returning to college after a period of time in the work force or working in their home
  • entering college for the first time, not right after high school graduation
  • full-time, part-time or seasonal employees
  • distance learners

What makes adult students unique from other students and similar to each other is the multiple roles they assume in order to attend college.

Carpooling and Public Transportation 

Need a ride?  Willing to give a ride?  Want to save on gas?  There are many opportunities for carpooling on a daily basis and for weekend trips.  There is public transportation available to and from our campus. Located near Flagstar Bank in the Northern Center is a Commuter Connection Board with tips for commuters, and a place to post and find rides. You can also use one of the links below to obtain carpool connections that are available in the area.​​​​​​

Campus Transportation 

School Closings

Want to find out if there’s a Snow Day? Call the B-R-R-R line (906) 227-BRR

Or sign-up for NMU's Emergency Text Alert Program.

View NMU's inclement weather policy here.

Get Involved

Getting involved with a student organization is the best way to meet other students on campus! There are nearly 300 student organizations on campus, so there's something for everyone. If you already have a great idea for a student organization but it doesn't exist, you can start a new one!

To view all student organizations and their events, visit The Hub. 

Locker Rentals

  • Full Semester: Built in Lock - Bottom Floor Harden (See Olson Library Main Desk)
    • No fee!
  • Short Term Borrow: Jacobetti Complex, PIEF Recreation Center, McClintock (See the Music Department)
    • Bring your own locks!

Lost Something? Contact NMU Police Department at (906)227-2151.

Child Care

Northern Michigan University does not have a day-care service, but we have compiled a list of resources to assist you:

Access Spending Money

An ATM is located just outside of Northern Lights Dining, next to Cat Trax. 

Sun Therapy Lamps

Located throughout campus for year round use. Check the locations here through ASNMU services and programs.  

Popular Study Spots

  • The Commuter Lounge (115 Harden Hall, bottom floor)
  • 1st Floor of Harden Hall
  • Jamrich Hall (All three floors)
  • Hedgcock Atrium (3rd floor, in front of Melted)
  • Commons Area of Jacobetti Complex
  • Northern Center (In front of Barnes and Noble)
  • PEIF (2nd floor)
  • Superior Dome (near Cats Corner Store)

Microwave Locations

  • Jacobetti Complex* (Commons Area*)
  • Harden Hall Lower Level* (Outside the Languages Lab)
  • 2nd Floor of Hedgcock* (Between Financial Aid and Admissions)
  • 3rd Floor of Hedgcock* (Next to Melted)
  • 3rd Floor of Hedgcock (Veteran’s Lounge)
  • Art and Design Building* (Main Floor, Room 167)
  • PEIF Concessions

* These locations also have vending machines nearby.

Campus Eats

Commuters can purchase an on campus dining plan here.

All Dining Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Student services can be found on our current student resource page.

View the campus parking map.

There are a number of academic buildings on campus.  Students are encouraged to determine the location of their classrooms using their course schedule and the NMU campus map.

View the NMU Campus Map.

For information visit the Wildcat Shuttle.

The NMU Police Department is designated as the central repository for all lost, found, and abandoned property recovered on property owned and controlled by the University. The Police Dept. is located in the Services Building and their phone number is 906-227-2151. 

Withdrawal information can be found on the Dean of Students website - read carefully.

Visit the library website for library hours and services.

If you are too sick to get to your classes, you should always e-mail your professors before classes start.  If that is not possible, do it as soon as you can.

  • Professor contact information is available on the NMU directory or your class module in EduCat.
  • Let them know you are missing class because you are sick.
  • Ask them if they can let you know what material you will miss. You should do this for each missed class. 
  • When you are feeling better, we suggest you meet with your professors during their office hours to talk about making up missed work.

E-mail is the preferred method of communication, as it provides a written record of your correspondence.
Professor contact information can be found on your syllabus or the NMU directory.

Check out the NMU Events Calendar.

Visit the Associated Students of Northern Michigan University (ASNMU) website or stop in the ASNMU Office and ask for the Off-Campus Student Affairs representative.

The NMU Career Services web site provides updated job listings for part- and full-time positions. They also host resume workshops, interview workshops, and job fairs.

There is a Flagstar Bank branch on campus. It is located in the Northern Center, near the NMU Bookstore and Wildcat Express Center. Their phone number is 906-226-0003.

Yes. The Health Center is located inside the WellBeing Center. The WellBeing Center also houses Counseling and Consultation. 

NMU began a proactive program with the installation of "code blue" emergency telephones that provide two-way communications from the phone site directly to Public Safety dispatch 911 emergency line. The purpose of these phones is for emergency contact to Public Safety allowing immediate response by patrols. The phones are located strategically throughout campus at 21 different locations. Assessments for new installations are made during new construction projects.

NMU students can work out at the Physical Education Instructional Facility (PEIF) and the Wildcat Fit Zone. 

For specific information about hours, rates, and facilities, visit the NMU Rec Sports website.

Please feel free to contact the Nicole Shoup: via phone at 906-227-1707 or via e-mail at nshoup@nmu.edu.