For International Students
Welcome. 欢迎. Bienvenido. வரவேற்பு. Hoş geldin. 歡迎. Maligayang pagdating. أهلا بك. 환영합니다.
The resources below will help you prepare for life in Evanston.
Connect with Current Students
Want to learn more about life as an international student at Northwestern? The Global Wildcats are international student volunteers available to answer your questions. To connect with the Global Wildcats, please be on the lookout for our upcoming office hours via Zoom and for specific questions, please email globalwildcats@u.northwestern.edu.
There are many ways for you to get involved in the campus community. Explore Northwestern's student organizations to get a feel for what’s going on at Northwestern.
Arrive early and get acquainted
International Wildcat Welcome
New students should plan on arriving to Northwestern’s Evanston campus in time for International Wildcat Welcome. International Wildcat Welcome is a program specifically designed for new or transferring undergraduate international students and exchange students on F-1 and J-1 visas.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) will engage with you through email and virtual sessions before your arrival, beginning in April for fall admits. Dates and details will be posted and shared when they become available.
Wildcat Welcome
International Wildcat Welcome will immediately precede Wildcat Welcome, Northwestern's mandatory weeklong orientation for all new students. Wildcat Welcome discusses college transition issues, advising and course registration for your first quarter and provides an opportunity to meet your entire class. Wildcat Welcome will be held the week prior to the start of classes. Do not plan to make any other arrangements during that time period, as you'll be in programming most of the time.
Classes begin on September 23, 2026. Students will register for classes during Wildcat Welcome.
Student visa information
Northwestern University’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) is the main source for support and advising services to international students who intend to study at NU on an F-1 or J-1 visa. Information about how to request the documents necessary for your study in the U.S. will be available in March 2026.