


August 22–25, 2025
August 22–25, 2025
August 22–25, 2025
Ready. Set. Raider.
Ready. Set. Raider.
Ready. Set. Raider.
Whether you're a first-year or transfer student, when you join Raider Nation, you're stepping into a new stage of life. We understand the importance of this moment and want to set you up for success. That's why we have people and programs ready to welcome and prepare you for the year ahead.

Day of Welcome
Friday, August 22
Day of Welcome
Friday, August 22
Day of Welcome
Friday, August 22
Spend the morning moving in and getting settled in your room; then join other new students and their family members in Christ Chapel for your official welcome to campus. You'll also meet members of your orientation group (also referred to as O-Group), enjoy a picnic on the green, and participate in a Commissioning Service. After parents and siblings say their "see you later's," you'll end the day with Screen on the Green, an outdoor movie night.

Day of Ins and Outs
Saturday, August 23
Day of Ins and Outs
Saturday, August 23
Day of Ins and Outs
Saturday, August 23
Saturday is your day to learn about Northwestern's spiritual growth opportunities, counseling services, co-curricular activities, safety and security programs, and campus offices and services. You'll enjoy a free afternoon and time to locate where your classes meet before attending a picnic hosted by President Greg and Michelle Christy. Cap off your day with evening activities that include an improv show, sand volleyball, a welcome dance, a freshman mixer, and more!

Day of Rest and Fun
Sunday, August 24
Day of Rest and Fun
Sunday, August 24
Day of Rest and Fun
Sunday, August 24
To encourage students to find a church home, members of each residence hall have the option of attending a church service together. After worship, enjoy a Sunday brunch followed by games on the green, sand volleyball, Sunday sundaes, and the O-Show. An outdoor candlelight Sunday night Praise + Worship service will bring the day to a close.

Day of Learning
Monday, August 25
Day of Learning
Monday, August 25
Day of Learning
Monday, August 25
It's the day before classes begin! Here's your opportunity to learn about Blackboard, an app you'll use to get assignments, submit homework, see your grades, and communicate with your professor and classmates. We'll also talk about the power of integrity and the importance of strong study habits. And you'll get to meet and have lunch with professors and students in your major or academic area of interest.

Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
For students
The complete schedule for Raider Nation Orientation is available on Yapp . If it's your first time using Yapp, tap "Add an Existing Yapp." If you already have Yapp, tap the green "+" sign in the upper righthand corner.
- Download Yapp from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Enter "RAIDERS" and click "Next."
- To view Northwestern's orientation schedule, click on the image labeled "Onward: Raider Nation Orientation."
For parents, guardians and loved ones
- Follow the steps above.
- Click on the special schedule tab labeled "Parent and Guardian Schedule" that highlights events designed especially for you.

The 2025 O-Staff
The 2025 O-Staff
The 2025 O-Staff
These friendly faces will welcome you to Northwestern during Onward, Northwestern's Raider Nation Orientation
Things to know
- Residence halls open at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22
- Go directly to your assigned hall to move in between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Pick up a key at the check-in station in your residence hall. After you get your key, you can proceed to move into your room.
- Commuter students should check in at the student life office on the second floor of the Ramaker Center.