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Incoming Students
Whether you are a new student or transferring from another institution, there are a few steps you’ll need to take this summer to ensure your transition in the fall will be a smooth one. The links to the left are arranged chronologically, and serve to guide you through the steps to take before, during, and after Wildcat Welcome. If you are an international student, transfer student, or living off campus, please scroll down for important information related to your specific transition and orientation program. Otherwise, to get started, click “Before You Arrive” for a rundown of what’s required of you during the summer.
After moving in, students will participate in March through the Arch, followed by dinner with their Peer Adviser(s) and meetings in their residence halls.
Are you an international student?
Northwestern University is proud to welcome students from around the globe. We understand that leaving home to study in another country is a challenge. To make your transition to campus as easy as possible, Northwestern coordinates a mandatory International Student Orientation (ISO) that takes place before Wildcat Welcome. After ISO, all international students will participate in Wildcat Welcome with their fellow new students.
Visit our page for new international students for more information about ISO and how to register.
For a breakdown of immigration requirements and what you need to do before arriving in the United States, visit the International Office's Web site (opens in new window).
During Wildcat Welcome, all international students must report to the International Office at 630 Dartmouth Place for immigration purposes.
Please bring along your passport, I-94, and visa document (I-20 or DS-2019) during walk-in hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30–11:30 AM and 1:00–4:30 PM.
Are you a student living off campus?
All students living off campus are considered commuters, no matter how near to campus they are living. Commuters are required to attend a special orientation session during Wildcat Welcome. More information about this program, time, and location will be sent to commuter students over the summer.
This mandatory commuter session will be led by the members of Northwestern's commuter student organization, Men Off Campus & Women Off Campus (MOC & WOC), and will help you learn the ins-and-outs of commuting to campus while also giving you a chance to get to know other new and returning commuters.
Commuter students will also participate in all mandatory Wildcat Welcome events from Tuesday 9/15-Monday 9/21. Please make arrangements to be on campus every day this week. You will receive your schedule of events during the commuter orientation on 9/15.
Are you a transfer student?
Although you may have participated in college orientation at your previous school, we have a customized experience which will introduce you to the unique community at Northwestern. Some of the Wildcat Welcome programs you'll participate in also serve the incoming freshmen, but we know that transfer students have unique needs and questions, and therefore we've created special Wildcat Welcome programs and resources just for you.
