Orientation

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. Learn more

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.

Learn More

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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

students sitting near the college coffee shop


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.

Learn more

We our studentsand our students love us

“I love that faculty are willing to see me as a person, and not just as a student. They take time out of their day to help me, even when it is not office hours.”

Caroline Van Berkum Caroline Van Berkum Physics Education major from Antonito, Colorado

Caroline's story

“Northwestern is a place where we live, learn and work in community, seeking to leverage each person’s talents for the benefit of God’s kingdom. ”

Ella Van Zee Ella Van Zee Spanish major from Pella, Iowa

Ella's story

“After visiting the campus several times, I quickly realized that Northwestern offers an ideal environment for holistic growth—spiritually, academically, athletically and socially.”

Gabe Heitz Gabe Heitz Accounting major from Adel, Iowa

Gabe's story

“The Northwestern faculty are among the main reasons I love NWC so much. They want me to do my absolute best, and they are there to support me every step of the way.”

Annika Stecker Annika Stecker Biology/Genetics major from Spirit Lake, Iowa

Annika's story

“Being an agricultural business major has taught me a lot about farming as a business and how I can be a better steward of the resources we are given.”

Logan Schroeder Logan Schroeder Agricultural Business major from Pella, Iowa

Logan's story

“Northwestern has rigorous academics, but the business professors truly care about making sure that students are learning, understanding and thriving in their classes.”

Emmy Wedgbury Emmy Wedgbury International Business major from Cedar Falls, Iowa

Emmy's story

“I had the opportunity to intern at KELOLAND Media Group in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As a news and sports reporter, I was able to interview people who were passionate about what they do, and it was rewarding to be their voice. ”

Jordan DeSmet Jordan DeSmet Public Relations major from Larchwood, Iowa

Jordan'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

“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

“While studying art at Northwestern, I have learned about the creativity of God. God is an artist, and when I make art, I am reflecting the divine nature of God and the glory of his creation.”

Carie Winn Carie Winn Art major from Orange City, Iowa

Carie'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

“Attending Northwestern has motivated me to think meaningfully about what I believe and why I believe it instead of just accepting my beliefs without much thought.”

Izaac Green Izaac Green Spanish major from Harrisburg, South Dakota

Izaac's story

““To the King”—which is something casts say before every show—helps me focus on why I do what I do and how my art glorifies God. I never connected those two ideas before I came to Northwestern.”

Madilynn Loats Madilynn Loats Theatre major from Mason City, Iowa

Madilynn'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

“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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