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Preparing for Arrival

Prepare for your move by acquiring housing, necessary immunizations and health requirements, and more. Explore all of our pre-arrival resources. 

Before You Leave

Take the steps to obtain on-campus or off-campus housing and fulfilling health requirements, including getting immunizations and student health insurance. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

Northwestern University requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff who come to campus. We also strongly recommend boosters for those who are medically able to obtain them, as they minimize severe illness.

If you haven’t done so already, please comply with the COVID-19 requirement by taking one of the following actions by August 28:
Report your Vaccination

  • If you have already received a full WHO/FDA-approved COVID-19 primary vaccine series, immediately attest to your vaccination status by completing the COVID-19 Vaccination Form.
  • If you are unvaccinated and plan to become vaccinated, please obtain your first shot of a two-shot WHO/FDA-approved vaccine series and submit an exception request with documentation of your first dose and confirmation of a second-dose appointment. This will provide you with a temporary one-month exception while you complete your full vaccination series.
  • If you opt to receive a single-dose WHO/FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, you may do so and then attest to your vaccination status immediately. 
You must either submit documentation of your full vaccination or secure approval for an exception by August 28, 2022, to be eligible to enroll for the Fall term.  Students who are not compliant with this requirement cannot come to campus or participate in any coursework, activities (including student organizations) or events intended for enrolled students and will lose access to campus systems, buildings (including housing) and services. Students who are not compliant will not be permitted to move into residential housing or access other University property (including dining halls).

Please visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement webpage for more information or contact vaccine@northwestern.edu with questions.

Plan Your Arrival

F-1 and J-1 students may not arrive to the U.S. more than 30 days before the start date listed on the F-1 I-20 or the J-1 DS-2019.  This requirement, as well as the student check-in and orientation dates, will need to be considered when arranging travel. Lean more about: