Important Dates
Below are important dates for the Class of 2024, new transfer students, and family members. Stay up-to-date by connecting with Wildcat Welcome's various social media accounts.
For Early Decision Students
There is not a great deal you will need to accomplish until May. However, below is what you will hear from Northwestern and what you will need to accomplish before the full class is solidified in May (yep, just these three items, nothing too much to worry about!).
- By February 1: Complete the items in your Admitted Student Portal; this Portal will include all of the items you need to complete before you switch to a different platform in May with the full class.
- First Tuesday of each month (January - April): March to the Arch emails are sent the first Tuesday of each month during the summer, however we have made a special series for early decision students that you receive to your Northwestern email account starting in January. This will give you information to keep you in the loop and what to expect this summer.
- February (month of): You will receive information from Residential Services about what the housing contract process will look like.
May 2020
This is the month you'll receive the details on what you need to do and know over the summer, so no need to worry about anything before May! On May 5, you'll receive your first "March to the Arch" email (delivered the first Tuesday of each month over the summer); this email is vital and will provide you an overview of where to find everything you need to know and complete over the summer.
May 5 - June 14, 2020
CATalyst Pre-Orientation Program Registration
Registration for the CATalyst POP (Pre-Orientation Program) is open only during this time to incoming students. Learn more about the CATalyst POP experience that occurs immediately preceding Wildcat Welcome in September, for students who wish to attend a program in addition to the weeklong Wildcat Welcome program.
September 10-13, 2020
International Student Orientation (ISO)
With a focus on matters like immigration and medical insurance, as well as advice on acclimating to US academic culture and life in Evanston, ISO is the mandatory orientation program for those with an F-1 or J-1 immigration status and is encouraged for others who feel it could be a beneficial transition aid. Students register for ISO within the Wildcat Welcome Information Form (due July 9). Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website for more information.
September 14, 2020
New Student Move-in Day
Move-in will begin at 8 a.m. for all new students, visit Residential Services for more information. Students are not able to move into their residence hall prior to this date (unless participating in International Student Orientation). Students will learn of their residence hall placement at the beginning of August and will, at that time, receive details on their move-in times.
September 14-15, 2020
Parent & Family Orientation
Programming begins around 5 p.m. CDT on Monday, September 14 and ends around 4 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, September 15; visit the Parent & Family Orientation page for more information. The full schedule for this program will not be released until the summer.
September 14-21, 2020
Wildcat Welcome (New Student Orientation)
No other arrangements or events should be scheduled during this required weeklong new student orientation as it is required for all incoming undergraduate students. New students will meet with their academic advisor during this time to plan their academic schedule and to register for fall quarter classes; no advising or registration occurs during the summer months (transfer students will register for classes after talking with their school/advisor via email/phone). Learn more on the Wildcat Welcome page.
September 22, 2020
Fall Quarter Classes Begin
October 16-18, 2020
Family Weekend
Information regarding Family Weekend, including registration, will be released in June 2020. Visit the Family Weekend page for more information.