Important Dates
Below are important dates for the Class of 2025, new transfer students, and family members. Stay up-to-date by connecting with Wildcat Welcome's various social media accounts.
Early Decision Students
Most immediately after acceptance in December, you should do the following:
- Follow directives in your Admitted Student portal. This includes anything you need to complete upon acceptance.
- Setup your Northwestern email. You setup your email when you initially activate your NetID. If you did not setup your email at that time, learn how to activate your email.
- Join the Class of 2025 Facebook group!
January 12
Purple Prep is an email sent the first Tuesday of each month over the summer to remind you of what incoming students must complete. For early decision students, this starts in January to keep you in the loop of what is going on and what to expect this summer. This is sent to your Northwestern email the first Tuesday of each month.
May 4
The first monthly Purple Prep email arrives in your Northwestern inbox on May 4, providing a vital overview of what you’ll need to know and do over the summer. Expect subsequent Purple Prep emails the first Tuesday of each month through September.
August: Housing Assignments
New students complete their housing contract in May and learn of their assigned room/building, as well as roommate, at the start of August. Learn more on the Residential Services website.
The below dates are currently available to provide you with framing of what is currently planned for Fall 2021. As NSFP continues to assess health and safety guidelines, the dates surrounding orientation will be updated for incoming students in April 2021.
September: International Student Orientation (Date TBA)
International Student Orientation (ISO) occurs immediately preceding Wildcat Welcome; international students attend both ISO and Wildcat Welcome. Students register for International Student Orientation through the Wildcat Welcome Information Form in May/June. Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website for more information.
September 13-20: Wildcat Welcome
Northwestern’s mandatory orientation for all new students, Wildcat Welcome takes place beginning from September 13-20, 2021. Students should make no other arrangements during this time as they will participate in orientation, advising, and course registration throughout this period. Students move to campus at the beginning of Wildcat Welcome.
September 13-14: Parent & Family Orientation
Parent and Family Orientation (PFO) is held from 4 p.m. on September 13 through 5 p.m. on September 14. Please visit the Parent & Family Orientation page for more information.
September 15: Fall quarter classes begin
Start of fall-quarter classes
Full Academic Calendar
Visit the Office of the Registrar website to view academic calendar dates.