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. 18-20, 2023

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. 18. Learn more

Spring Raider Nation Orientation: Jan. 7, 2024

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

“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

“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

“Northwestern’s education faculty are amazing and constantly teach that faith goes hand-in-hand with learning at all levels. I really appreciate how quickly education majors are given hands-on experience in the classroom so we can determine early if this is the career path for us.”

Whitney Erickson Whitney Erickson Elementary education major from Story City, Iowa

Whitney'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

“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

“After seeing the college’s new science facilities on a campus visit, I knew that Northwestern was the place where I would have the best experience in science education. ”

Marshall Kleinhesselink Marshall Kleinhesselink Biology/Secondary Education major from Sheldon, Iowa

Marshall'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 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

“Northwestern’s faculty are amazing. Every professor cares about his or her students and strives to make their college experience special.”

Kip Cullinan Kip Cullinan Chemistry major from Urbandale, Iowa

Kip's story

“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

“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

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

Abigail Clarke Abigail Clarke Biology major from Waverly, Nebraska

Abigail's story

“I’m learning, being equipped professionally, and growing in my faith. I’m not only absorbing theory, but practicing what is being taught by professors, staff and other students.”

Celina Corrales Celina Corrales Christian Education/Youth Ministry and Worship Arts major from Choluteca, Honduras

Celina's story

“The professors in the psychology department are approachable, intentional and helpful. They are always willing to help students on an individual basis, whether it pertains to class or not. ”

Amelia Holt Amelia Holt Psychology major from Omaha, Nebraska

Amelia's story

“I grew as a person in every way at Northwestern—academically, emotionally and spiritually. I learned so much about myself, others and the world around me. Northwestern is a beautiful, fun and safe place that truly changes students’ lives if they let it.”

Samantha Olson Samantha Olson Biology-Health Professions major from Sioux Center, Iowa

Samantha's story

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