NIU might seem like home to most of the students here, but it will be a whole new land for the people coming today.

The university will hold its first open house of the semester from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Holmes Student Center.

“It gives a chance for prospective students to visit and see the campus,” said Crystal Worrell, senior assistant director of admissions. “They will get a chance to see if they want to come to Northern.”

The open house doesn’t require a reservation and is directed at potential new and transfer students.

Prospective students will not have a specific agenda to follow at the open house, but they will have many opportunities to learn more about the campus.

The open house will feature Northern Exposure, a panel of students available to answer questions open house visitors may have about campus life.

Visitors also can have their questions answered by the faculty and Students Affairs. There also will be representatives from Student Housing and Dining Services and financial aid offices.

The open house will provide visitors the opportunity to go on a campus bus tour and visit residence halls.

“We’ll be visiting Lincoln, Douglas and Grant North and Grant South,” said Chris Porterfield, assistant director of orientation. “They’ll get to see the east, central and west side of campus.”

If prospective students don’t get the chance to take advantage of the tour, the university gives walking tours every week day at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and at noon on Saturday.

Individual colleges and departments also will host open houses and tours, including the College of Business, education department and the School of Nursing.

Open houses are held four times a year. The next three will be Nov. 9, Feb. 18 and Mar. 29.

“It allows students to see what NIU offers,” Worrell said. “They’ll get to meet new people, faculty and students. It’ll give them a chance to have their questions answered.”