International Wildcat Welcome
2026 Fall Term 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.
Please see below for the dates of the Fall 2026 International Wildcat Welcome (IWW). A more detailed version of the IWW schedule will be available once locations for sessions have been confirmed.
- September 13: Airport pick-up and Move-in for undergraduate international students
OISS will provide shuttle transportation from Chicago O'Hare Airport to the Evanston campus on September 13, 2025. Please review the shuttle details and times here: Plan Your Arrival.
Note: this shuttle is only for Northwestern students, students traveling with families and friends may arrive to Northwestern by other forms of transportation.
International Undergraduate students move into their campus residence on September 13 and do not need to select a move-in appointment.
- September 14-15: IWW in-person programming
International Wildcat Welcome is required for incoming international students and is optional for US citizens arriving from international destinations. This is a great opportunity for international students to connect with other peers, build community, and become familiarized with campus resources.
- September 16: Wildcat Welcome
International students will transition to their Wildcat Welcome experience once IWW concludes.