Purple Prep is the first component of the orientation process for incoming students, serving as your single starting point for everything you need to know and do over the summer. The Purple Prep website for 2025 Transfers will go live right here in the first week of June.
Hi, New Wildcat.
The many questions you may already have—about living on campus, connecting with others, choosing classes, and more—will be addressed during orientation. It’s designed to be a source of support and inspiration for your unique student journey. It also acknowledges what we know to be true:
You belong at Northwestern just as you are.
Orientation Overview
Orientation has three components—Purple Prep, Before the Arch, and Wildcat Welcome—that extend from early June through the start of fall quarter. Completing orientation’s required tasks and fully participating in the process will give you a solid understanding of what your time at Northwestern can be. Keep in mind that Purple Prep and Before the Arch are virtual; you won’t travel to campus until move-in day and the start of Wildcat Welcome in September.
Preview Purple Prep
Purple Prep kicks off in early June with this website launch, your first Purple Prep email, and access to your Purple Prep checklist.
Purple Prep Checklist
Stay on top of summer tasks and opt in to text alerts about what's due each week.
Preview your summer tasks
Once you access the Purple Prep checklist, you can start completing tasks right away. The first tasks include the two shown below. (Tip: If you’ll spend extended time away from the internet this summer, look ahead at checklist due dates and plan to complete tasks early.)
To do immediately
Use your NetID and password to log in and activate your @u.northwestern.edu email account—the University’s official means of communicating with you now through graduation.
Due July 15
Sign and submit your housing contract—including your residence and roommate preferences and housing accommodation requests—by 5 p.m. CDT on July 15. The contract is available three business days after your housing deposit is submitted. For complete maps, photo galleries, room amenities, and rates, visit the Residential Services website.

Purple Prep Emails
Receive helpful info from the Office of Student Transition Experiences.
Learn more about emails
Starting in June, you'll receive an email every first and third Tuesday of the month until you come to campus in September. Each email will provide updates and advice on getting youself ready for Northwestern.
Preview the 2025 Fall Calendar
Refer to the dates below as you plan travel to and from campus during fall quarter.
SEPTEMBER
- Sept. 7
- Move-in day for international students
- Sept. 8–9
- International Wildcat Welcome
- Sept. 9
- New student move-in day
- Sept. 9-10
- Parent and Family Orientation
- Sept. 9-15
- Wildcat Welcome
- Sept. 16
- Fall classes begin
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
- Nov. 25-28
- Thanksgiving break
DECEMBER
- Dec. 1
- Fall classes resume
- Dec. 6
- Fall classes end
- Dec. 8-13
- Final exam week
- Dec. 13
- Student residences close for winter break at noon (residences reopen Jan. 3, 2026)
Connect with Other 'Cats
Social Media Connections
Connect with other new Wildcats from your region, meet classmates in your Northwestern school, and ask questions of current students on the Wildcat Welcome Board of Directors. Follow Wildcat Welcome on Instagram and Spotify.

Peer Adviser and PA Group
A PA is a current student whose school, major, or academic interests align with yours and whose experience and knowledge will be great resources for you. Peer advisers reach out to new Wildcats by late July to connect you with your peer adviser group—fellow new students with similar academic interests. Your PA and PA group will be there for you as you go through orientation together and navigate your first year.Got Questions? We Have Answers!
Email Student Transition Experiences at transition@northwestern.edu or call us at 847-467-3988.
Join the Purple Prep webinar “How to Prepare for Northwestern” on June 17 at 7 p.m. CDT. More details to come in your first Purple Prep email.
To Parents and Families
Northwestern provides information that enables you to support your student during the college transition. Visit the Family Engagement website to sign up for Wildcat Family emails, learn how to participate in summer webinars, and register to attend the on-campus Parent and Family Orientation on September 9-10 during Wildcat Welcome.