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.

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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

“In my sociology classes, we reflect upon faith’s impact on our understanding of social problems. This skill of reflection has helped me understand why I believe what I believe. I have also learned how to dig deeper into the Bible to inform my knowledge of biblical truth.”

Caitlin Hornback Caitlin Hornback Sociology major from Winterset, Iowa

Caitlin's story

“My professors have not only helped prepare me for my career as an actuary, they have helped me become a better person.”

Ryan Sjaarda Ryan Sjaarda Actuarial Science major from Valley Springs, South Dakota

Ryan's story

“At Northwestern I’ve gained spiritual growth, great friends and some incredible mentors. People are so willing to pour into you here, and that allows for much growth in and out of the classroom.”

Teagen Vander Waal Teagen Vander Waal Business Administration/Management major from Pella, Iowa

Teagen'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

“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, 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

“Students get very personal care in Northwestern’s agribusiness program. We get extensive hands-on experience and take many field trips to prepare us for the growing, innovative field of agribusiness.”

Kaylynn Ridgely Kaylynn Ridgely Agricultural Business major from Rockwell City, Iowa

Kaylynn'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

“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

“The nursing program at Northwestern has been such a blessing to me. Not only do the courses challenge me academically, but they also are taught by incredible professors who really care about every student”

Jackson Henry Jackson Henry Nursing major from Kailua, Hawaii

Jackson's story

“One of the things I most appreciate about the Northwestern business department is its commitment to excellence and student understanding.”

Brian VandenBerg Brian VandenBerg’23 Business-Finance major from Mason City, Iowa

Brian's story

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

Abigail Clarke Abigail Clarke Biology major from Waverly, Nebraska

Abigail'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

“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

“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

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