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

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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 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 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

“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

“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

“The community of Northwestern is unlike anything I've ever experienced. From professors and coaches to fellow students and cafeteria workers, I’ve formed truly special connections at Northwestern.”

Dylan Kirkeby Dylan Kirkeby Biophysics major from Brandon, South Dakota

Dylan'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

“Northwestern’s psychology faculty don’t shy away from challenging you, and I find that extremely important because I come out of classes feeling prepared for my future.”

Noah Luna Noah Luna Psychology major from Omaha, Nebraska

Noah'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

“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

“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

“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

“Northwestern professors have a lot of knowledge and passion for their respective fields, and it is much more enjoyable to learn from people who like what they are teaching.”

Grace Dahl Grace Dahl Social Work major from Orange City, Iowa

Grace's story

“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

“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

“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

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