International Wildcat Welcome
2026 Fall International Wildcat Welcome
International Wildcat Welcome (IWW) is required for F-1 or J-1 international students and begins before Wildcat Welcome. It covers immigration regulations and many essential topics to help new undergraduate international students acclimate to life at Northwestern. If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident who currently resides outside the U.S. and would like to join the non-immigration regulation sessions, you are welcome to join.
The full Fall 2026 IWW schedule is below. Details may change as planning is finalized, so please check this page for the most current version. All meals listed in the schedule are provided during orientation.
Good to know: Your IPA (International Peer Advisor) leads your small group; two IPA groups form a pod. For pod meals, go to whichever dining hall is closer to your residence hall (Sargent or Allison) and find one of your pod's IPAs. Questions or flight delays? Contact oiss-students@northwestern.edu or (847) 491-5613.
Sunday, September 13: Move-In & Arrival Day
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Free airport shuttles from O'Hare Meet IPAs at the Northwestern welcome table in the Terminal 5 arrivals hall (a free ATS train connects all terminals). Shuttles depart at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, 3:00, and 5:00. If you miss the shuttles or land later, a taxi is often the easiest option (about $50 to $75). Ride shares like Uber and Lyft are also an option but can experience surcharges during peak times. If you wish to take public transportation you can review more options on this website: Plan Your Arrival. |
| 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Residence hall check-in Check in at any time today; IPAs will be at residential area desks to help from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Arriving late at night? Check in at the area desk to get settled into your room. International undergraduate students move in on September 13 and do not need to select a move-in appointment. |
| 6:00 pm |
Dinner with your IPA pod |
| 7:00 to 9:00 pm |
International Wildcat Welcome Kickoff Meet your IPA groups, pods, and peers in person. |
Monday, September 14: Orientation Day
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am |
Breakfast with your IPA pod Go to whichever dining hall is closer to your residence hall. |
| 8:30 to 10:00 am |
Wildcat Welcome Check-In Check in for Wildcat Welcome and IWW. GLO exchange students check in at the GLO office, 8:00 to 9:00 am. |
| 10:30 to 11:30 am |
U.S. Immigration Regulations (mandatory for F-1/J-1 students) Meet the OISS advisors and learn the rules and regulations needed to maintain your visa status. Not F-1/J-1? This hour is free time. |
| 11:30 am to 12:30 pm |
Resources for International Students |
| 12:30 pm |
Lunch with your IPA pod |
| 2:00 to 5:30 pm |
Side-Quests IPAs will provide walking tours of Evanston, shopping trips, and sessions on setting up your U.S. bank account and meet with cell phone providers. Departures are from the Wildcat Room. |
| 2:00 to 4:00 pm |
Financial Aid Session Only for students already awarded Northwestern financial aid; Side-Quests for students participating in this session continue afterward. |
| 6:00 to 7:00 pm |
Dinner with your IPA pod |
| 7:30 to 10:00 pm |
Bonfire On the lakefront east of Norris. Bonfire, s'mores, and music. Dress warmly. |
Tuesday, September 15: Chicago Day
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am |
Breakfast with your IPA pod |
| 9:00 to 9:50 am |
Midwest 101 Learn about some of the cultural norms in the Midwest. A great first step in making Chicago your home away from home. |
| 10:00 to 10:30 am |
Exploring Chicago Neighborhoods Learn about the options and choose your own adventure for our Exploring Chicago Neighborhoods excursion. |
| 10:30 to 11:00 am |
Bagged lunch pick-up Departures to Andersonville or Downtown Chicago; wear comfortable walking shoes. |
| 3:30 pm |
Return to campus Return to your residence halls in time for the 4:00 pm Residential College Welcome and evening Wildcat Welcome events. |
Monday, September 21: Sprintax Tax Webinar
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 2:30 pm |
Sprintax Tax Webinar Learn about your tax filing obligations as an F-1 or J-1 student and (if applicable) discover resources to obtain your ITIN. Details and registration: Sprintax Webinars. |