New Student Orientation
At orientation, students start college not only prepared for their first year at NMU, but for years to come. In our orientation sessions you will register for classes, learn about our hundreds of student clubs, tour our residence halls and apartments, find health and wellness resources and explore our wonderful campus and Marquette community. Welcome!
Register for Orientation!
Tell us you’re coming to NMU by signing up for orientation.
Orientation is required for all students. Don’t worry, though, we make it fun and you will be all set to start the semester.
Register for orientation NOW. Pay later.
Reserve for your preferred dates (anchor) right now and choose to pay when you register, or later—until May 8, 2026 (we’ll send reminders!). Our orientation fee is $126.
Register for Student Orientation
Family/guest orientation
Special sessions are designed to answer questions from this perspective. They are offered concurrently with student orientation sessions.
The cost is $50 for the first family member/guest; $20 for any additional family member/guest. Students can select these options when registering for their orientation session.
Stay on campus and get a real feel for what life is like at NMU
Stay 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.
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
These costs can also be delayed until May 8.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Please note: Don't use your high school email when registering! High school emails are deactivated when a student graduates.
Keep scrolling for more details…
Orientation Sessions for Students Starting in Fall 2026
First Year Freshman Students
- Monday - Wednesday, June 8-10
- Session FULL
- Monday - Wednesday, June 15-17
- Monday - Wednesday, June 22-24
- Monday - Wednesday, June 29-July 1
- Wednesday - Friday, July 8-10
Tentative First Year Student Orientation Schedule
Tentative First Year Guest Schedule
*Unable to attend a June or July session? Please contact the Orientation Office at 906-227-1707 to discuss the option of attending in August.
Transfer Students:
May complete online transfer (ongoing) or in-person session. Learn more here.
- Friday, June 5
Tentative Transfer Orientation Schedule
Commuter, Non-Traditional and Veteran Students:
- Friday, June 19
Tentative Commuter, Non-Traditional and Veteran Orientation Schedule
Global Campus:
New Freshmen
The First Year Student Orientation caters to students new to any university 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.
Helpful Tips for a Wildcat Parent
Sending your child away to college can be scary, even if they are considered adults now. Let us help ease your worries by answering some of your most frequently asked questions regarding jobs, vehicles, weather, living on campus, keeping in contact, and more.
Busting 10 Myths About NMU
Going into freshman year at NMU, I was nervous about many things that turned out to be not at all what I had expected. These are some common myths about the NMU college experience.