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

“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

“Not only has Northwestern prepared me for my career, but my education has prepared me to live a meaningful life. ”

Jenee Eden Jenee Eden Accounting major from Wesley, Iowa

Jenee's story

“I appreciate the application of our statistics classes to the real world. Dr. Huffman and Dr. Schon both have experience working for reputable companies in the field of statistics, so it’s always interesting to hear how what we’re learning might play out in everyday situations.”

Hailey Louw Hailey Louw Statistics major from Story City, Iowa

Hailey's story

“The science faculty are all great people. They want to help students succeed—getting you well prepared for not only future schooling but also life.”

Dominick Pickard Dominick Pickard Biochemistry major from Kalona, Iowa

Dominick's story

“The student mentors are really nice with the NEXT program students. They help us write papers, research on the web and study for tests, because they want us to succeed.”

Austin Dixon Austin Dixon Music major from George, Iowa

Austin'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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“My professors share tangible ways they have served the Lord with their talents and expertise, which shows me how I can do the same in the business world.”

Emily Bosch Emily Bosch Business Education, Secondary Education and Accounting major from Ankeny, Iowa

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

“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

“Northwestern does a great job of providing a community where you can meet incredible people and grow and learn together”

Misael Bruzzone Misael Bruzzone Economics major from Asunción, Paraguay

Misael'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

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