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.

Spring Raider Nation Orientation: Jan. 7, 2024

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

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.

Why Northwestern?
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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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Scholarships
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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

Student satisfaction
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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

Raiders Stand 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

Win-win

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

“At Northwestern, God has provided me with an excellent academic experience, a beautifully Christ-centered community, and a place that has grown and challenged my faith. ”

Faith Tyrrell Faith Tyrrell Graphic Design major from Marshalltown, Iowa

Faith's story

“The business department at Northwestern is incredible. My adviser helped me navigate quite the puzzle of a schedule, given my many interests. ”

Noah Roisum Noah Roisum Business Administration/International Business and Political Science major from Rapid City, South Dakota

Noah's story

“Besides an education, I have had so many different experiences at Northwestern. Each area of experience has given me good friends who push to make me and the world around them a better place. ”

William Minnick William Minnick History major from Orange City, Iowa

William's story

“Northwestern's faculty and staff helped me feel supported and welcomed right away, and I’ve come to them for guidance whenever I’ve needed help.”

Stephanie Riveros Munoz Stephanie Riveros Munoz Social Work and Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation major from Orange City, Iowa

Stephanie's story

“I’ve had unprecedented opportunities, and I have peace when thinking about my future because I am confident I will be well equipped for life after college.”

Emily Rozendaal Emily Rozendaal Biblical and Theological Studies major from Sully, Iowa

Emily's story

“The professors care about your academic and personal growth. ”

Abigail Clarke Abigail Clarke Biology major from Waverly, Nebraska

Abigail'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

“It's a blessing that God led me to Northwestern.”

Sonu Gupta Sonu Gupta Computer Science major from Birgunj, Nepal

Sonu's story

“I want to become a certified nursing assistant because I care about people and want to help them feel better. ”

Daniel Mills Daniel Mills NEXT Program major from Blackstone, Massachusetts

Daniel'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

“I’ve grown so much as a person while at Northwestern. There are countless opportunities for leadership development through clubs, Spring Service Partnerships, student government and residence life. ”

Brandon Kjonegaard Brandon Kjonegaard Business Administration/Marketing major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Brandon's story

“My professors have been such a blessing to me! Because they are very knowledgeable and approachable, I have enjoyed staying back after class to talk with them or listen to the conversations they have with other students or professors. ”

Elyssa Tang Elyssa Tang English Teaching major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Elyssa'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

“My campus tour guide was one of the reasons I transferred to Northwestern. I visited Northwestern my junior year of high school and had the best experience. ”

Emily Erck Emily Erck Public Relations and Marketing major from Brandon, South Dakota

Emily's story

“I want to become a certified nursing assistant because I care about people and want to help them feel better. ”

Daniel Mills Daniel Mills NEXT Program major from Blackstone, Massachusetts

Daniel's story

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