Preparing for Departure
Congratulations! You have committed to your study abroad program. Here are the next steps to take as you prepare for your arrival at Northwestern.
Post-Decision Requirements
All students approved to join our visiting exchange program must complete the following requirements in the GLO application portal prior to departure. If you do not complete your pre-departure requirements, you risk losing your eligibility to join our program.
Academic Planning
It is essential that you understand the academic rules and policies that affect how you will earn credit for your coursework at Northwestern as an exchange student. You will need to upload your preliminary course plan in the study abroad portal.
Consult the Course Planning section for more information about credit requirements, choosing courses, and registration.Billing & Finances
Review the "Study at Northwestern: Estimate of Expenses" in the study abroad portal to understand the costs associated with attending and to help you plan your budget accordingly.
Northwestern NetID and email account
Your acceptance letter will include a NetID and activation code. Go to NU Validate to change your password and set security questions. Using your NetID and password, activate your @u.northwestern.edu email account at https://umail.northwestern.edu/activate.
J-1 Visa
If you do not carry a U.S. passport, you will need to submit a DS-2019 request to the Northwestern Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS). For more information about the requirements for your DS-2019 visa request, as well as additional steps for obtaining a visa, refer to Steps for New Students on the OISS website.
Housing
Shortly after your admission, you will be able to access and submit the on-campus housing application. Remember: only students who will be at Northwestern for a full academic year (fall, winter and spring quarters) are guaranteed on-campus housing. Consult the Residential Services site for on-campus housing options.
If you do not intend to live in on-campus housing, and will instead pursue housing off-campus, consult off-campus life resources for more information.
Consult these additional resources for information about obtaining items for your room:
Student Account
At Northwestern, students use our online system called CAESAR for class registration, course information, grades, billing, etc. Once you activate your NetID, you can log in to CAESAR to view your student account and browse classes. Admission Health Record Form
Fill out the admission health record form and submit by email. You must either have a medical doctor complete page 2 of the form, or you can submit a copy of your immunization records. You will receive information from the Northwestern Health Service after you submit this form if additional immunizations is required once you arrive on campus.
Pre-Departure Resources
Course Planning
Review information and requirements regarding course selection, minimum enrollment, and registration at Northwestern.
COURSE PLANNING
Costs & Money Management
As an exchange student, it is important that you understand the costs associated with your study abroad program. Review essential cost information and learn tips for sticking to a budget and managing your spending.
COSTS & Money Management
Prepare to Travel
There are many things to think about when preparing to travel to the USA, whether it's your first time or you're an experienced pro.
Prepare to Travel
