First-Year Information
We are excited that you have chosen the University of Northern Iowa for the next step in your journey and can't wait to officially welcome you to the Panther Family!
Orientation is required for all incoming students and attendance at all scheduled programming is necessary in order to be eligible to register for classes. Orientation registration for students starting Spring 2026 will go live October 1! During orientation you will:
- register for classes with your academic advisor
- meet other new Panthers
- learn about financial aid, campus resources, & activate your UNI email
Orientation registration for students starting Summer or Fall 2026 will go live in February.
Overnight Option
Look for this option when you register!
Participate in the unique opportunity to stay overnight on campus the night before your orientation session. Although optional, this is a great way to get a taste of what it's like to live on campus. At the overnight stay you will:
- Meet new and current students
- Stay in Panther Village, our apartment style residence halls
- Enjoy activities in the Wellness and Recreation Center
- Experience what it will be like to live on campus
When you register, look for the overnight option on June 20.
Before Your Orientation Session
Let us know important information about you using your personalized online Orientation Portal.
The Orientation Portal is now live! Make sure you log in and complete your Pre-Orientation Tasks, which are due a week before your orientation session. These tasks include:
- taking the ALEKS math placement exam
- officially declaring your major
- letting us know what college credits you are transferring in
- informing your advisor what your future career plans are
- uploading your UNI ID card photo
After Your Orientation Day
Once your complete your orientation session you will still have a few tasks to complete before you come to campus. After your orientation session complete your After Orientation Tasks in your orientation portal. These tasks include:
- completing the orientation survey
- ordering your parking pass
- reviewing the Student Conduct Code
- accepting the terms and conditions for your aid to pay out
In addition to completing these tasks in your orientation portal, you will also want to prepare for the start of your first semester as a Panther by:
- ordering your textbooks
- reviewing the Move-In Guide
- talking with your roommate
- checking out the official Panther Welcome Schedule
Overnight Option
Look for this option when you register!
Participate in the unique opportunity to stay overnight on campus the night before your orientation session. Although optional, this is a great way to get a taste of what it's like to live on campus. At the overnight stay you will:
- Meet new and current students
- Stay in Panther Village, our apartment style residence halls
- Enjoy activities in the Wellness and Recreation Center
- Experience what it will be like to live on campus
When you register, look for the overnight option on June 20.
Before Your Orientation Session
Let us know important information about you using your personalized online Orientation Portal.
The Orientation Portal is now live! Make sure you log in and complete your Pre-Orientation Tasks, which are due a week before your orientation session. These tasks include:
- taking the ALEKS math placement exam
- officially declaring your major
- letting us know what college credits you are transferring in
- informing your advisor what your future career plans are
- uploading your UNI ID card photo
After Your Orientation Day
Once your complete your orientation session you will still have a few tasks to complete before you come to campus. After your orientation session complete your After Orientation Tasks in your orientation portal. These tasks include:
- completing the orientation survey
- ordering your parking pass
- reviewing the Student Conduct Code
- accepting the terms and conditions for your aid to pay out
In addition to completing these tasks in your orientation portal, you will also want to prepare for the start of your first semester as a Panther by:
- ordering your textbooks
- reviewing the Move-In Guide
- talking with your roommate
- checking out the official Panther Welcome Schedule
What's Next?
Panther Welcome
Being in a new environment can be both exciting and scary. We are here to help you make a smooth transition into your new home.
Panther Welcome is a program designed to help new students:
- make meaningful connections with other new students, current students, staff and faculty
- take care of important business before classes begin
- become acquainted with campus and Cedar Falls
- discover University of Northern Iowa traditions
- attend fun social events
- find out what it means to be a UNI Panther!
Welcome Week
Your first week at UNI is going to be full of fun and exciting events. These events are open to all students, so take the time to get to know returning and new students. There are events happening every day of the week to help to start the year off on a high note.
Events include:
- Panthers Downtown
- First Day of Class Pictures
- Paddle on the Pond
- Welcome Back BBQ