International Wildcat Welcome
2025 Fall Term International Wildcat Welcome
International Wildcat Welcome (IWW) is required for F-1 or J-1 international students and begins before Wildcat Welcome. It covers immigration regulations and many essential topics to help new undergraduate international students acclimate to life at Northwestern. If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident who currently resides outside the U.S. and would like to join the non-immigration regulation sessions, you are welcome to join.
Please see below for the dates of the Fall 2025 International Wildcat Welcome (IWW). A more detailed version of the IWW scheduple will be available in the coming months.
- September 7: Airport pick-up and Move-in for undergraduate international students
OISS will provide shuttle transportation from Chicago O'Hare Airport to the Evanston campus on September 7, 2025. Please review the shuttle details and times here: Plan Your Arrival.
Note: this shuttle is only for Northwestern students, students traveling with families and friends may arrive to Northwestern by other forms of transportation.
International Undergraduate students move into their campus residence on September 7 and do not need to select a move-in appointment.
- September 8-9: IWW in-person programming
The International Wildcat Welcome in-person experience is required for incoming international students to participate. This is a great opportunity for international students to connect with other peers, build community, and get familiarized with campus resources.
- September 9-15: Wildcat Welcome
International students will transition to their Wildcat Welcome experience once IWW concludes.