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.

Spring Raider Nation Orientation: Jan. 7, 2024

Northwestern provides a midyear orientation for students entering NWC at the start of the spring semester.

Why Northwestern?
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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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Scholarships
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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

Student satisfaction
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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

Raiders Stand 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

Win-win

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 love how my education classes provide real-world experience in a safe, accommodating environment. These experiences have helped me grow in confidence, so I feel prepared for teaching in a real classroom”

Lydia Wissink Lydia Wissink Secondary Education major from Chisago City, Minnesota

Lydia'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

“It's a blessing that God led me to Northwestern.”

Sonu Gupta Sonu Gupta Computer Science major from Birgunj, Nepal

Sonu'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

“Northwestern faculty are amazing to learn from. They have so many insights about the topics we’re learning about, which make classes interesting and engaging. ”

Jadeyn Sjaarda Jadeyn Sjaarda Public Relations major from Orange City, Iowa

Jadeyn'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

“At Northwestern, I’m not just one in a thousand; I’m known and have friends in all areas of activities. It’s truly a community of people who care about and support each other.”

Becca Nevin Becca Nevin Sport management major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Becca'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

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

Abigail Clarke Abigail Clarke Biology major from Waverly, Nebraska

Abigail'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

“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 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

“The thing I appreciate the most about Northwestern is the people.”

Emma Wilson Emma Wilson Math major from McCallsburg, Iowa

Emma's story

“Besides an education, I have had so many different experiences at Northwestern. Each area of experience has given me good friends who push to make me and the world around them a better place. ”

William Minnick William Minnick History major from Orange City, Iowa

William'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

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