Skip to Main Content
Advertisement
 
Ensure student journalism survives. Donate today.
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

First-year biology major Armin Khamissi studies on Sept. 18 in the courtyard in front of the Founder’s Memorial Library. Assistant Lifestyle Editor Johnathan Shelby shares  studying tips from the Huskie Academic Success Center. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star)

5 study tips to help you succeed this semester

By Jonathan Shelby and Rachael Swinson | October 2, 2025

As the semester progresses, instructors are starting to roll out more assignments and tougher, time-consuming projects. Whether you are feeling good or worried about your studies, here are five tips from the Huskie Academic Success Center to help increase...

Trombonists of the NIU Wind Ensemble follow director Tom Bough’s conducting of Josh Rodriguez’s “Ballenas” on Tuesday in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building. The ensemble performed six pieces, one of which was the collegiate premiere of “The Sacred Cloth” composed by Onsby Rose. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Whale song to Washington March: NIU Wind Ensemble delivers dramatic performance

By Cayden Wells, Lifestyle Writer | October 1, 2025

Imagine the mournful, metallic cry of a whale echoing through the hall. Or the sound of a century-old classic march filling the air with powerful brass-fueled energy.  This was the sound of the NIU Wind Ensemble’s latest performance Tuesday night,...

Actors from the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” pose around Dr. Frank-N-Furter on Friday at the Egyptian Theater while mimicking the scene on the screen behind them. The Egyptian Theater will host a showing of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with a live cast acting out the scenes again on Oct. 31. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

A virgin’s first time at ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’

By Sofia Didenko, Lifestyle Editor | September 30, 2025

When a cast member opened the show by asking the audience who were virgins, my hand went up.  “Virgins,” in “Rocky Horror” language, are first timers, those who have never been touched by the show’s particular brand of excitement. This year’s...

Participants of the Recycled Boat Race Kendall Wills (left) and Emmeline Sovinski paddle along the East Lagoon in their boat on Tuesday during the Recycled Boat Race. The Recycled Boat Race was held by the Campus Activities Board and challenged students to create a boat using only cardboard and other recyclable materials. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Recycled Boat Race swims with community

By Brynn Krug, Managing Editor | September 30, 2025

Students don’t typically swim in NIU’s East Lagoon. However, participants of the Recycled Boat Race got their fair share of time submerged in the geese ridden waters. The Campus Activities Board hosted the event Tuesday as part of NIU’s Homecoming...

On Monday, Members of the NIU Percussion Band play at the in the MLK Commons at the Sound Garden. Students used instruments such as rain shakers, maracas, gongs, chimes and more to create relaxing sounds. (Grace Kilbreath | Northern Star)

Huskie Sound Garden creates peaceful atmosphere with percussion ensemble

By Alex Lockwood, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

The NIU Percussion Ensemble performed a tranquil and harmonious showing during their Huskie Sound Garden event at 1 p.m. on Monday at MLK Commons. Influenced by English songwriter and musician Brian Eno, the ensemble performed an array of soothing...

El Jimador Mexican Grill, at 206 E. Lincoln Highway, joins over 30 local businesses in celebrating NIU’s 118th Homecoming as an official Homecoming Host. Homecoming Hosts offer discounts throughout the week for students. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Local businesses roll out the red and black carpet for NIU’s 118th Homecoming

By Cheryl Seguin, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

As NIU celebrates its 118th Homecoming, DeKalb’s business community is stepping up to show Huskie pride in a big way. More than 30 local businesses have signed on as official Homecoming hosts, offering exclusive discounts, special experiences and more...

Student organizations march behind a “March of the Huskies” banner during the 2024 Homecoming celebration in downtown DeKalb. The event will return in 2025 at 6 p.m. on Thursday as part of NIU’s ongoing effort to make Homecoming welcoming for everyone. (Northern Star File Photo)

NIU brings on Homecoming traditions, old and new

By Cayden Wells, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

NIU has the oldest college Homecoming in Illinois, a tradition that has evolved from a student versus alumni football game into a weeklong campus-wide celebration.  While some traditions have gone, NIU is reviving its Homecoming, blending new and...

Aviane Marrufo (left), daughter of Carmesha Hicks, complex coordinator of Neptune and Gilbert Residence Halls, zip lines down Second Street during the Homecoming Block Party of Fall 2024. The Homecoming Block Party will return in 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday from the 100 to 400 block of East Lincoln Highway. (Northern Star File Photo)

Weekly Writeup: Homecoming events, concerts and campfires

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Writer | September 29, 2025

In this Weekly Writeup, you can find various Homecoming events such as the Homecoming Block Party, a recycled boat race, a video game showdown, campfire events and more.  HUSKIE SOUND GARDEN  Date and Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday  Location:...

A shelf displays an assortment of books. Copy Editor Rachael Swinson recommends six new books releasing this fall. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Books to fall into as the leaves change

By Rachael Swinson, Copy Editor | September 24, 2025

Fall is upon us, and with it comes many anticipated books. Here is a look at six books readers will be able to get their hands within the next few months.  “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts” by Margaret Atwood Known for her infamous novel “The...

A TV displays “K-Pop Demon Hunters” on Netflix. Video Editor Jenny Javkhlantugs gave the movie a rating of 9 out of 10. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

With music and magic, HUNTR/X battles demons in ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

By Jenny Javkhlantugs, Video Editor | September 23, 2025

With their powerful voices, saving Honmoon from demonic powers – “KPop Demon Hunters” are taking the world by storm. The new animated musical was released by Sony Pictures on June 20.  Warning: Spoilers Ahead! To set the scene, a century...

Blue light protection glasses sit on top of a computer in the NIU Esports Arena located in Altgeld Hall 100. Blue light glasses can help reduce eye strain, a potential health issue for gamers. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

How health and wellness impact the gaming community

By Alex Lockwood, Lifestyle Writer | September 23, 2025

Playing video games can be rewarding both as a fun, casual hobby and as a competitive venture in esports. However, a closer look reveals deeper physical and mental health risks that should be addressed and understood. Gaming and esports contribute...

A TV displays “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on Amazon Prime. The books and movies for the series have a few key differences. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Book vs TV show: ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’

By Rachael Swinson, Lifestyle Writer | September 22, 2025

Our time with Belly and the Fisher boys is once again put on pause; the season finale of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” premiered on Wednesday, forcing us to say goodbye to Cousins until the recently announced movie comes to Amazon Prime.  Whether...

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.