Exchange Student

Pre-Arrival Guide
Office of International Programs
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago Il, 60625
http://www.neiu.edu/academics/international-programs
Dear International Exchange Student,
Your home school has nominated you to study at
Northeastern Illinois University. It’s a pleasure to
welcome you to NEIU and the office of International
Programs is very happy that you chose to study at
NEIU.
The following pages contain information that I hope will be of help to you as you prepare to
attend Northeastern Illinois University.
In accordance with the Department of State’s regulations all new Exchange Visitors are re-
quired to go through a J-1 Orientation program. It is very important that you attend the Inter-
national Exchange Student Orientation on Thursday August, 24, 2017. Many topics will be
discussed that will be helpful to you. You’ll learn about the university and its policies and
procedures. We’ll talk in depth about what you need to do to maintain your international ex-
change student status. And you’ll get to meet other international students.
NEIU has a lot to offer you! Our students, faculty, and staff are richly diverse in ethnicity,
culture, age, and language. In fact, we have been praised by U.S. News & World Reports as
being the most ethnically diverse institution in the Midwest! The university offers many
student clubs and activities, including the popular International Student Club. We also have
resources to help you with your academics, such as the Writing Lab and Tutoring Center.
If you have any questions prior to the orientation, please contact the Office of International
Programs at 773-442-4796 or email me directly at C-Gonzalez2@neiu.edu.
We’ll see you soon!
Sincerely,
Claudia C. Gonzalez
Coordinator
DSO & ARO
International Student Advising Services

2
When you receive your Admission Letter and DS-2019 you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate to apply for your visa. Every U.S. Embassy or Consulate works from the same set of
regulations and laws, but may adapt procedures for their location.
For a list of websites of U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide
and for comprehensive information about visa procedures and poli-
cies, please visit www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov.
STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE VISA INTERVIEW.
1. Review your DS-2019, make sure all your information is cor-
rect. Sign at the bottom of your DS-2019. and bring it with you
to the Visa Appointment.
2. SEVIS fee payment receipt. You must complete the Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee online.
You will need your SEVIS ID which is the number on the top right corner of your Form DS-
2019. Print out your receipt and you will need to make a copy to bring it to your Visa Appoint-
ment.
3. Valid Passport. You must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond your period of stay
in the U.S.
4. Financials Supporting Documentation. Be prepared to provide the financial statement and sup-
porting bank letters from your sponsors that you submitted to NEIU in order to obtain the DS-
2019.
5. One 2x2 photograph. Review the Photograph requirements.
6. Apply for Exchange Visitor Visa at the U.S Department of State visit the website to learn how
you can apply and apply online.
7. Find the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to start the process. You may need to provide more
documentation depending your country. Please be aware of the anticipated time of appointment
and visa processing time, so you know when to travel accordingly.
8. Applicants must demonstrate to the consular office that they have binding ties to a permanent
residency in your foreign country, and that you have no intention of abandoning them and you
are going to the U.S. for a temporary period.

3
 VISA APPLICATION PROCESS, CONTINUED
TIPS FOR VISA INTERVIEW.
1. The waiting period for visa varies by country. It is strongly recommended to apply and schedule your inter-
view as earliest as possible.

2. Make sure you make copies of all documents you are providing.

3. Some sample questions that you will be asked: about the program? your intentions after the program? and
how you plan to cover your expenses while in the program?, etc.

4. Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending im-
migrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show
that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the
U.S. Ties to your home country are the things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current
place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. The in-
terviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other
relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans, and career prospects in your home country.

5. Each person’s situation is different, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or
letter which can guarantee visa issuance. If you have applied for the U.S. Green Card Lottery, then you
may be asked if you are intending to immigrate. A simple answer would be that you applied for the lottery
since it was available but not with a specific intent to immigrate. If you overstayed your authorized stay in
the U.S. previously, be prepared to explain what happened clearly and concisely, with documentation if
available.

6. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion
is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do NOT prepare speech-
es!

7. Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular office wants to interview
you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own be-
half. If you are a minor and need your parents there in case there are questions (for example about fund-
ing) they should wait in the waiting room.

8. If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the U.S., you may not
succeed in convincing the consular office that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate.
You should also be able to explain how studying in the U.S. relates to your future professional career with
you return home

9. Because of the volume of applicants received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to
conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions
they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impres-
sion you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer’s questions short and to the
point.

4
 VISA APPLICATION PROCESS, CONTINUED

10. It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what
they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will
have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky.

11. Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have re-
mained in the U.S. as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from
those countries are more likely to be intending to immigrate. They are also more likely to be asked about
job opportunities at home after their study in the U.S.

12. Your main purpose in coming to the U.S. should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after
graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental
to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan
to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa,
be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the U.S. If asked, be pre-
pared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the U.S. Volunteer work and
attending school part-time for incidental study are permitted activities.

13. If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will
support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of
income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family will need you to remit
money from the U.S. in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be
denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same
post where you applied for your visa.

14. Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a
list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the rea-
son you were denied in writing.

If you are denied a student visa, try to find out the reason for the denial and if there are any
other documents that you could have submitted that would have improved your chance of re-
ceiving the visa. Also inquire if and how soon you may reapply.
If you are denied a visa, or if for any other reason you cannot receive your visa in time to re-
port to NEIU for the orientation, you must contact me at C-Gonzalez2@neiu.edu.

5
Taken from the NAFSA website: http://www.nafsa.org/knowledge_community_network.sec/international_student_3/international_scholar/
practice_resources_17/general_travel_consular/10_points_to_remember
THE NEST
Northeastern Illinois has student housing for all stu-
dents. As an exchange student it is highly recommend-
ed that you stay at The Nest. That way you live close to
campus where you will be taking classes. This facility
was built in 2016 and all apartments are fully furnished.
You can choose to stay in a 4 room apartment or a 2
room apartment you can also view the floor plans. The
Nest also has many amenities including state of the art
fitness center, recreational center, private study lounge,
W-Fi and Internet, on-site laundry facilities, 24-hour on call staff and Roommate matching
available.
If you wish not to stay at The Nest, you can look for housing around the campus. Here are some
links where you can search for an apartment near the campus. You can also go to the
 Craig’s List: http://chicago.craigslist.org/
This is an open forum for people to post advertisements for all sorts of things, including
housing and furniture. Craig’s List is unregulated, so exercise good judgment when work-
ing with individuals you meet on Craig’s List.
 Chicago Reader: www.chicagoreader.com
This is a free weekly newspaper that has lots of information regarding local housing, res-
taurants, concerts, entertainment, etc.
 American Homestay Network: www.americanhomestay.com
 Apartment Searches: www.apartments.com
Also, you should get to know the area around the university when conducting apartment
searches. Access a map of the area by going to www.google.com and typing in our address:
5500 N St Louis Ave Chicago IL 60625. At the top of the screen, click on the “Maps” link.
This will lead you to a useful map that will show you the location of the school and the sur-
rounding area. When conducting an apartment search, look for addresses near the school for
easier commutes!
*Remember, if you have problems finding housing, please contact the Office of International
Programs, and we will do our best to assist you.

6
 HOUSING INFORMATION CONTINUED
Helpful Definitions in Housing:
Landlord: the person from whom you will rent the apartment or room. This may be an individual or a management
company. Be sure to write down the name and contact information for your landlord because you will need to con-
tact the landlord if there are any problems with the apartment.

Lease: the contract signed between you and the landlord agreeing on the amount of rent and rules for living in the
apartment. Leases can be on a month-by-month basis, six-month basis, or year-long basis. Make sure you read and
understand the lease before you sign it! Do not hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand something.

Tenant: the renter (you). As a tenant, you have certain rights to protect you from unfair treatment. For information
about tenant rights, go to www.cityofchicago.org and click on “Home & Property” and then “For Landlords and
Tenants.”

Security Deposit: You will be required to pay a security deposit in addition to the first month’s rent before you
move in. The security deposit is a sum of money, usually equivalent to one month’s rent. At the end of your lease,
you will get the security deposit back if there is no damage to the apartment. Make sure you understand the terms
under which the security deposit will NOT be returned to you, such as breaking the lease.

Housing and Living Expenses:

Monthly rent for an apartment in Chicago varies a lot depending on where you live in the city. It is more expensive
to live closer to the lake or downtown. It is cheaper to live in areas further north and west in the city. The rent in
the neighborhoods near NEIU are considered pretty affordable.

RENT:

 A studio (one room) apartment will cost at least $750+ per month.

 A one-bedroom apartment will cost at least $950+ per month.

 A two-bedroom apartment will cost at least $1400+ per month.

UTILITIES:

 Water: This is usually included in cost of rent.

 Electricity: This cost is usually higher in the summer because air conditioning runs on electricity. Cost varies,
but will average about $40 per month. Contact www.ComEd.com to set up your electricity account.

 Heat: This cost is much higher in the winter. Sometimes the cost of heat is included in the rent, in which case
your rent may be slightly higher overall, but you won’t have to pay for gas to heat the apartment. Ask the land-
lord whether heat is included in the cost of rent. The cost to pay for your own heat varies, but the average is
about $50 per month. Contact www.PeoplesEnergy.com to set up your gas account.

 Phone: You have many options when it comes to telephone service. Students tend to use cell phones instead of
land-lines. Many companies will offer phone service through a package that also includes Internet access and
cable television, such as Comcast, AT&T, or RCN.
7
There are two airports in Chicago. O’Hare Interna-
tional Airport which is located Northwest of the
main campus and Midway which is located further
south from the campus. We recommend that you
look into your airport and airlines on baggage infor-
mation and custom control.

You will probably arrive at O’Hare International

Airport. If you need U.S. Dollars immediately, there Chicago Department of Aviation
is a foreign currency exchange in the International
Terminal (Terminal 5) at O’Hare or you may use an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). Do not carry large
amounts of cash with you! Keep most of your money in traveler’s checks or other non-cash forms, such as
bank check, until you can open a bank account.

If you are supposed to make your own way to your destination, you may consider taking a taxi (also called a
cab). The cost from O’Hare will be about $30—$60 or more, depending on your destination. Please note that
Chicago taxi drivers do not always know the suburbs very well. If you are not sure how to get to your destina-
tion and the taxi driver doesn’t seem to know either, then find another taxi. You can also download the Taxi
application onto your smart phone called Curb. Don’t want to use a taxi, you can also use other applications
like Uber and Lyft. You are able to do shared rides with other people at a discounted rate.

You may also use public transportation run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). There are trains
(commonly called “The El” because it operates on an elevated track) or buses. The “Blue Line” CTA El Train
runs to and from O’Hare. You will use kiosks at the El station to purchase a ticket if you are using the train,
and buses only accept cash. It costs $2.25 per ride. Ask a CTA employee to help you if you have questions
when purchasing tickets or paying for your ride. Check out the CTA website: http://www.transitchicago.com/

The CTA website also has a very useful feature called the “Trip Planner” that will display your options to use
the CTA to get from location to location. Use the “Google Trip Planner” on the right-hand side of the CTA
website to enter your start location and your end location, and then click “Get Directions.” This website will
also be extremely useful while you’re in Chicago too!

8
All exchange visitors are required to have insurance in effect that covers you from sickness or
accidents during the time of your exchange visitor program. If you have dependents they are
also required to have Health Insurance.
As of May 15, 2015 the Department of State has listed the minimum coverage required for
medical benefits to obtain inadequate insurance coverage in case if a catastrophic event.
 $100,000 Minimum Per Accident or Illness
 $25,000 Minimum Per Repatriation of Remains.
 $50,000 Minimum Expenses Associated with Medical Evacuation to your Home
Country
 Maximum Deductible of $500 Per Accident or Illness. (Section 62.14(a)).
We recommend having these coverages:
□ Lifetime Maximum: $250,000
□ Pharmacy Policy Year Maximum: $3,000
□ Annual Deductable: $300 per person
□ Annual Out-of-Pocket Limit: $3,500
□ Doctor’s Office Visit: 100% after a $15 Copay
□ Inpatient Hospitalization: 80%-100% Negotiated Charge
□ Emergency Room: 80%-100% Negotiated Charge
□ X-Ray and Laboratory Visits: 80%-100% Negotiated Charge
□ Prescription Medicine: 100% after a $20 copay for generic and $40 copay for
brand name

You can have insurance in your home country, or in the United States that will cover you
abroad, and you must submit a copy of your insurance in order to Validate your DS-2019
when you arrive in the United States. The copy must be in English.
9
You will need to set up your NetID to be able to register for classes. Classes can get be full which is why we
want you to register for class as soon as possible. In order to register for classes you will need to set up an ac-
count with NEIUport.

To activate the NEIUport, You will need to activate your NetID account, Go to http:neiuport.neiu.edu and
click on the Activate Your Account link under NetID Account Administration. This takes you to the NEIUport
NetID Administration System Login Screen Shown below. NOTE: If you already know your NetID, you may
skip step 1 and proceed directly to Step 2.

Step 1: Look up your NetID Account Name:

1. From the NetID Account Administration Log in

screen above, click Forgot Your NetID? This takes
you to the NetID account look up screen.

2. Enter your NEIU ID number (000 before your ID

number) this was given to you by the Office of Interna-
tional Programs. If you don’t have it please let us know.

3. Enter the month and day of your birthday as a 4 digit

number (MMDD).

4. Click Search for ID and the system will respond

with your NetID user name and your NEIU e-mail ad-
dress.

5. Click on Return to Login which brings you back to the main page of the NEIUport NetID Administration
System.
10
Step 2: Activate your NetID Account:
1. Go to http:neiuport.neiu.edu and click on the Activate your Account link under NetID Ac-
count Administration. From the NEIUport NetID Administration screen below enter your Net-
ID and click What is My Password? Do Not Enter Your Current Password

2. Enter your NEIU ID number (enter 000 before your ID number).

3. Enter the month and day of your birthday as a 4 digit number (MMDD).
4. Follow the screen instructions to establish a new strong password for your account.
5. Follow the screen instructions to select four or more secret questions and answer pairs to be
used when you forget or need to change your password.
6. Click on Login to NEIUport and you can now login to NEIUport using your NetID and new
password. This is now the only username and password you will need for NEIUport, email,
Blackboard and other campus online systems.
Help with activiating your NetID Account:
Support related to initial login access to NEIUport and account activation in the NEIUport
NetID Administration System is being provided by the HELPDesk for Faculty, Staff, and Stu-
dents. Please call 773-442-4357 for assistance or by email at helpdesk@neiu.edu
11
It is important that you register for classes as soon as possible to avoid classes from being filled. As all International stu-
dents you are required to be in FULL-TIME STATUS.

Student Requirements:

If you are an Undergraduate student you must be registered for 12 credit hours. This comes out to 4 classes a
semester.

If you are Graduate student you must be registered for 9 credit hours. This comes out to 3 classes a semester.

If you are student for the School Advancement of English Language and Learning (SAELL) you cannot reg-
ister for classes other classes.

Some courses require prerequisites to register and/or are limited to specific majors, etc. To register for those course you will
need to submit a scanned copy, attach it and email it to the department, along with a request to AUTHORIZE you for the
specific course. Please copy me in your email address c-gonzalez2@neiu.edu. Contact Administrative Assistants or Advis-
ers to help you.

If you really wish to register for a class but it is full or you cannot get your approval from the department. Then have a copy
transcripts on hand we can try to register you for you when you arrive. DO NOT register for just any course, wait until you
come here in person.

STEPS TO REGISTER:

1. To register for classes you will need to go to your NEIUport Account and go under Current Student tab.

2. Under Registration Tools box you will click Look Up Classes.

3. Under Registration, Click on Look Up Classes

4. From the Drop Down search Fall 2017 and then Submit

5. Under Subject click on a Subject, and click on Course Search

6. A list of courses will be available click on the View Sections to see the Time and Locations. Some classes are held in
different locations, be aware of these locations since some may be further than the Main Campus, for instance El Centro
Campus and the Carruthers Center for Inner Center Studies (CCICS). Download the Class Schedule Worksheet to help
you plan out your courses. Write down all the classes you are going to register for and plan accordingly with times and
days.

7. Go back the Registration page in Step 3 and choose Add or Drop Classes. You can now enter the course number to reg-
ister for your courses.

Please note NOBODY but the STUDENT can register for a Classes. Once you are authorized to register for a course
you will need to register yourselves.

Once you are registered you will receive a bill, DO NOT WORRY! When you arrive you will sign a tuition waver for
those courses (depending on the agreement). We will talk about this more at the orientation.

12
It is very important for you to observe the follow-
ing federally mandated regulations in order to be
in good status at NEIU and to avoid problems
with your legal status in the United States:
1) Maintain a valid passport at all times. Make note
of your passport’s expiration date. Visit the website of your country’s
embassy/consulate to learn how to renew your passport if it becomes
necessary.
2) Report to the Northeastern that you are here. And show up for Orienta-
tion with a copy of your I-94, Copy of your Visa, Copy of your health
insurance. Once all is obtained your DS-2019 will be Validated.
3) Pursue a full time studies for each semester(s). For undergraduate stu-
dents this means enrolling for at least 12 credit hours of coursework,
and for graduate students this means enrolling for at least 9 credit
hours of coursework.
4) Refrain from illegal employment. You are here to study!
5) Make note of the completion date on your DS-2019.
6) Inform the Office of International Programs (OIP) if your address
changes. Fill out a Change of Address form within 10 days of moving.

Additional information about the regulations listed above will be dis-

cussed at the orientation meeting.

13
1) Attend the mandatory International Student Orientation! After you submit all required documentation, you will
not receive a “validated” DS-2019 without first checking in with me at the orientation, which will result in the
termination of your visa status.

2) Read the information pages in the front of the Schedule of Classes and read the Academic Catalog. These both
can be accessed from www.neiu.edu under the “Current Student” tab.

3) Make sure you stay in contact with your international student advisor. As an international student, there are
many regulations that you must deal with. We are here to make sure you remain in good status and answer all
your F-1 student visa status questions. If you are unsure about a regulation, contact our friendly staff before
taking advice from other students.

4) Read the syllabus handed out at the first class session by your professor. The syllabus can be compared to a
“contract” between you and your professor, and it explains the professor’s policies and assignment due dates. It
is your responsibility to follow the syllabus.

5) Join the International Student Club on Facebook! Search for “NEIU International Student Club”. We’re always
planning events and we want you to join us too!

6) If you think an action you are considering taking, such as dropping a class, may affect your international stu-
dent status, don’t take a chance! Call, email, or stop by the Office of International Programs just to check.

7) Don’t let the fact that English is not your first language stop you from asking and answering questions in class.
NEIU is the most diverse university in the Midwest. Many students, faculty, and staff at NEIU who are perma-
nent residents or citizens were born outside the U.S. and learned English as their second (or third) language.
Most NEIU professors value and encourage (and in some cases require) class participation. They want you to
join in class discussions!

8) When contacting a professor or NEIU staff member via email, make sure you write in a formal manner. Re-
member to spell-check the entire email, and do not use abbreviations or slang. Address your professor formally
unless he/she asks you to call him/her by their first name. You will find that many professors here are informal
and very approachable. However, as a matter of respect, keep emails formal unless otherwise instructed by the
professor or staff member.

14
Culture shock can happen to even the most experienced traveler or student, even those who have lived abroad
for months or years. It may help you to know what defines culture shock, the accompanying symptoms , and
how to manage them. There is usually a euphoric “honeymoon” phase followed by frustration and dissatisfac-
tion with your unfamiliar surroundings, customs, cultures, and people. Just being aware of what to watch for
can help you to cope with these feelings, whether experienced by yourself or other students.

You may experience: homesickness, boredom, withdrawal, frustration, anxiety, depression, irritability, stereo-
typing of host nationals, hostility toward host nationals.

Some helpful coping skills:

 Know the country’s language and culture. Check out Chicago tourism and news sites before you arrive.
Talk to other international students who are or have been in the U.S. and talk to U.S. students too.

 Keep an open mind. Flexibility and the ability to accept diverse points of view and cultural differences
will be your best protection to alleviate culture shock.

 Try to arrive in the U.S. as early as possible before you start school (up to one month prior to your I-20
start date) to give yourself time to find housing, get settled, and start adjusting to life in the U.S. Find time
to explore Chicago’s museums, libraries, parks, beaches, cultural venues, etc.

 Learn to laugh (or at least smile!) at your mistakes. That’s all they are; not personal failures. Don’t let fear
of embarrassment keep you from trying new things and making new friends.

 When you don’t understand something, ask! You are coming here for academic and cultural learning, and
U.S. students also want to learn about you and your culture too! Asking questions and creating conversa-
tion will open the doors to make new friends.

 Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help when you really need it. Come to the Office of Interna-
tional Programs to talk with me if you need guidance or have questions. Visit the Counseling Office to
talk with helpful people if you are feeling depressed or anxious (http://www.neiu.edu/~counoff). More re-
sources can be found on the next page too.

15
NEIU may be a commuter campus, but there are still lots of activities and events for students to enjoy. We
also offer extensive academic assistance for our students. You should know
what resources are available to you.

NEIU ACADEMIC RESOURCES:

 Writing Lab (http://www.neiu.edu/~ewlab/index.html)

 Tutoring Center (http://www.neiu.edu/Academics/College%20of%

20Arts_Sciences/Departments_Programs/Economics/Programs/
Tutoring/Tutoring_Center.html)

 Academic Advisement Center—Undergraduates only (http://www.neiu.edu/~acad/)

 English Language Program (http://www.neiu.edu/~elp/elp%20files/elpmain.html)

 Reading Development Program (http://www.neiu.edu/~readdp/

index.html)

 Math Lab (http://www.neiu.edu/~mathdev/Math_Lab.html)

 Accessibility Center (http://www.neiu.edu/~help/Home.html)

 Computer Labs

 Library (http://library.neiu.edu/)

NEIU SOCIAL RESOURCES:

 Student Clubs— There are many clubs with many different purposes and backgrounds: academic, cultur-
al, faith-based, etc. You can join whatever club you like. Can’t find one you like? Start your own! (http://
www.neiu.edu/~deptsao/clublistcat.htm)

 International Student Club (email Dennis at oobydoobydenn@gmail.com)

 Campus Recreation (http://www.neiu.edu/~campsrec/index.php)

 Programming Board (http://www.neiu.edu/~deptsao/npbevents.htm)

 Stage Center Theatre— Participate or go see theatre productions. Admission is usually free for NEIU
students! (http://www.neiu.edu/~stagectr/)

 Musical Events (http://www.neiu.edu/NEIU%20Events/Jewel%20Box%20Series/Jewel_Box_Series.html)

 NEIUport—This is the portal that you will activate and access in order to register for classes, view your
class schedule, make tuition payments, etc. However, it also has lots of updated announcements for up-
coming social events at NEIU. We will talk more about NEIUport and how to access it at the orientation
session.
16
One of the great benefits of studying at NEIU is its location in such a beautiful, exciting city as Chicago!

MUSEUMS: Many museums in Chicago have certain days of the week

that are free. If you have to pay, they usually also have discounted student
rates.

 Field Museum (http://www.fieldmuseum.org/)

 Adler Planetarium (http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/)

 Shedd Aquarium (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/)

 Museum of Science & Industry (http://www.msichicago.org/)

 Chicago History Museum (http://www.chicagohistory.org/)

PARKS/ATTRACTIONS:
 Millennium Park (http://www.millenniumpark.org/)

 Navy Pier (http://www.navypier.com/)

 John Hancock Observatory (http://www.hancock-observatory.com/en/)

 Sears Tower Skydeck (http://www.theskydeck.com/)

 Beaches—Chicago has miles of beautiful beaches, most of which are free to

the public! (http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/beaches/)

SPORTS:
 Cubs Baseball (http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com)

 White Sox Baseball (http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com)

 Bulls Basketball (http://www.nba.com/bulls/)

 Bears Football (http://www.chicagobears.com)

 Blackhawks Hockey (http://blackhawks.nhl.com/)

 Fire Soccer (http://web.mlsnet.com/t100/)

OTHER WEBSITES TO SEE WHAT’S GOING ON:

 www.choosechicago.com

 www.metromix.com

 www.explorechicago.org

 www.cityofchicago.org 17