Raider Nation Orientation

We make sure your first Northwestern experiences are welcoming, fun and productive because we know your first days at Northwestern set the tone for your entire four-year college experience. During Raider Nation Orientation, you’ll be guided through all the business of getting your college career started, like confirming your course selections and becoming acquainted with the people and resources that will support your learning both in and out of the classroom. You’ll meet professors, residence life staff and other new students—some of whom will become lifelong friends.

Fall Raider Nation Orientation: Aug. 23-25, 2024

Northwestern’s orientation for students entering college in the fall will be held the weekend before fall semester classes begin. You can begin moving into your dorm room on Friday, Aug. 23.

Spring Raider Nation Orientation: Jan. 5, 2025

Northwestern provides a midyear orientation for students entering NWC at the start of the spring semester. 

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Your success starts here
Students choose NWC for standout academics,
strong faith and a sense of belonging.

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We want you to be a Raider.
Our investment in you starts with scholarships
that reward your hard work and recognize the
ways you’ll enrich our campus community.

Explore scholarships

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Better than the rest
Survey says … Northwestern students are
supremely satisfied with life in Raider Nation.
We bested our competitors in personal
attention, school spirit and more.

Check it out

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Inside Raider Nation
Get to know the faculty, staff and students who will
influence you, and alumni who are leading lives
of significance.

Meet standout Raiders

Smart and Strong
Want a standout college that’s strong academically, spiritually, relationally and athletically? Choose Northwestern.

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We our studentsand our students love us

“The community of Northwestern is unlike anything I've ever experienced. From professors and coaches to fellow students and cafeteria workers, I’ve formed truly special connections at Northwestern.”

Dylan Kirkeby Dylan Kirkeby Biophysics major from Brandon, South Dakota

Dylan's story

“Being a Raider has changed my life. Coming from California to Orange City was a huge culture shock, but it was the greatest decision I could have made for myself”

Manuel Jaramillo Manuel Jaramillo Criminal Justice major from Selma, California

Manuel's story

“The faculty in the computer science department are fantastic. They do a great job of pushing students to find solutions on their own while also helping them when appropriate.”

Parker Van Kley Parker Van Kley Software Engineering major from Orange City, Iowa

Parker's story

“I was interested in Northwestern because of its reputation for strong academics and opportunities for spiritual enrichment. When I visited campus, it became clear that Northwestern cares about its students in every aspect of their college experience.”

Isaiah Gritters Isaiah Gritters Biology-Health Professions, Chemistry, Business Administration/Finance and Economics major from Pella, Iowa

Isaiah's story

“During my semester in Italy, I was blown away by the evidence that God is working in every corner of the world.”

Chloe Tschetter Chloe Tschetter Applied Design and Entrepreneurship major from Edgerton, Minnesota

Chloe's story

“Northwestern is well-known for the strength of its science programs, so I knew I would be challenged and well-prepared by the biology department. ”

Garrett Raymon Garrett Raymon Biology-Ecological Science major from Hills, Minnesota

Garrett's story

“From professors in my major to those teaching general education courses, each Northwestern professor has sought to help me flourish at college.”

Aaron Eckmann Aaron Eckmann Political Science major from Cavour, South Dakota

Aaron's story

“Northwestern faculty and staff do a great job of challenging me. They hold high standards that are achievable and attainable. ”

Taylor VanderVelde Taylor VanderVelde Biology-Health Professions major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Taylor's story

“I love helping people. It’s fun to watch people grow and mature throughout the school year in the classes I tutor. ”

Kaytlyn Harms Kaytlyn Harms Biology-Health Professions major from Farson, Wyoming

Kaytlyn's story

“Northwestern calls us to something higher and deeper than our own motives and focuses?it’s a place where we can strive to live the lives God desires for us.”

James Stoscher James Stoscher Worship Arts major from Erseka, Albania

James's story

“At Northwestern, I’m not just one in a thousand; I’m known and have friends in all areas of activities. It’s truly a community of people who care about and support each other.”

Becca Nevin Becca Nevin Sport management major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Becca's story

“The hands-on experience you receive at Northwestern prepares you for your future in many ways. It helps you decide the route you want to take, and it gives you insight into what some jobs are really like before you enter the workforce. ”

Karlveon Ford Karlveon Ford Business Administration major from Pueblo, Colorado

Karlveon's story

“The opportunities Northwestern provides to travel and serve, like the Spring Service Partnerships (SSPs) or study abroad programs, are what I appreciate most about Northwestern. These opportunities allow for students to explore God’s kingdom and grow in faith-filled trust. ”

Madelynn Harre Madelynn Harre English Teaching major from Maplewood, Minnesota

Madelynn's story

“Not only has Northwestern prepared me for my career, but my education has prepared me to live a meaningful life. ”

Jenee Eden Jenee Eden Accounting major from Wesley, Iowa

Jenee's story

“Northwestern pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to develop relationships with great people. The memories I have made with these lifelong friends is the biggest thing I am thankful for at Northwestern.”

Emily Strasser Emily Strasser Physical Education major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Emily's story

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