A visit to Northwestern University is an experience that can truly shape your college decision. Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, just outside the vibrant city of Chicago, Northwestern offers a unique blend of world-class academics, a dynamic campus environment, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're a prospective student, a proud parent, or simply curious about one of the nation's top universities, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know for an enriching visit.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your "Why" – Engaging with Northwestern Before You Even Arrive!
Before you even think about booking a flight or planning your drive, let's figure out what you hope to gain from your visit. Are you a prospective student eager to sit in on a class? A parent keen on understanding the campus culture? Or perhaps you're simply exploring options and want a general feel for the university. Knowing your "why" will help you tailor your visit for the most impactful experience.
Take a Virtual Tour First: Northwestern offers excellent virtual resources. Before committing to a physical trip, explore their online campus tours, student videos, and virtual information sessions. This can help you narrow down your interests and get a preliminary feel for the campus from the comfort of your home. It's a great way to see if Northwestern truly resonates with you before making the journey.
Identify Your Academic Interests: Northwestern has a diverse range of schools and programs, from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences to the McCormick School of Engineering, Medill School of Journalism, and the Bienen School of Music. Pinpointing your areas of interest beforehand will allow you to seek out specific information sessions, departmental tours, or even arrange meetings with faculty members if available.
Step 2: Planning Your Trip – Logistics and Essential Bookings
Now that you have a clearer idea of your objectives, it's time to get down to the practicalities of planning your visit.
Sub-heading: Official Campus Visits and Information Sessions
Register for Official Programming: This is crucial! Northwestern requires registration for all official visitor programming, including campus tours and information sessions. Head to the Northwestern Undergraduate Admissions "Campus Visit" page (a quick search for "Northwestern University Campus Visit" will lead you there). You'll typically find a calendar where you can select your preferred date and see available programs. These often fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (spring break, fall application season), so book well in advance.
Choose Your Tour Type:
General Campus Tours: Led by current students, these are excellent for getting an overview of the campus, its facilities, and student life. They usually last around 75-90 minutes.
School-Specific Information Sessions: Many schools within Northwestern offer dedicated information sessions for prospective majors. For example, McCormick School of Engineering might offer engineering and design tours, while Medill often has journalism-specific sessions. These are a fantastic way to deep-dive into your chosen field.
Self-Guided Tours: If official tours are fully booked or your schedule is tight, Northwestern often provides downloadable self-guided tour maps. This allows you to explore at your own pace.
Sub-heading: Accommodation and Travel
Getting to Evanston:
By Air: The closest major airports are Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) (approximately 30 minutes by car) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) (approximately 45 minutes by car). Both offer various transportation options to Evanston, including ride-shares, taxis, and public transportation.
By Car: Evanston is easily accessible by car. Remember to factor in potential traffic, especially during rush hour.
By Public Transportation from Chicago: If you're staying in Chicago, you can take the CTA Red Line and transfer at the Howard Street Station for the Purple Line to the Davis or Foster Street Stations. The Metra Commuter Rail also serves Evanston from downtown Chicago, with the Davis Street Station being a short walk to campus.
Where to Stay: Evanston offers a variety of hotels within close proximity to campus, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Orrington, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt House. It's advisable to book your accommodation early, particularly if your visit coincides with major university events or local festivals. Some hotels might even offer special rates for Northwestern visitors – it's always worth asking!
Parking on Campus: If you're driving, Northwestern's Segal Visitors Center at 1841 Sheridan Road in Evanston often has a parking garage with ample capacity. Check the official Northwestern website for the most up-to-date parking information and any potential fees.
Step 3: Maximizing Your On-Campus Experience – Go Beyond the Tour!
Once you're on campus, there's so much more to do than just follow a tour guide. Be proactive to make your visit truly memorable and informative.
Sub-heading: Immersive Activities
Sit in on a Class (if possible): This is an invaluable experience. While not always officially offered, if you know a current student, ask if you can tag along to a lecture that aligns with your interests. Some professors are open to prospective students sitting in – always ask permission beforehand. This gives you a genuine feel for the academic environment and teaching style.
Talk to Current Students: Don't be shy! Students are often the best resource for honest insights into campus life. Strike up conversations in dining halls, student centers (like the Norris University Center), or even just while walking around. Ask about their favorite classes, student organizations, social life, and what they love (or don't love) about Northwestern.
Explore Residential Life: If you're considering living on campus, try to get a glimpse of the residence halls. While you might not be able to tour inside every dorm, understanding the different residential areas (South, Southwest, North, Northeast) can give you a better sense of living arrangements.
Visit Key Campus Locations:
The Henry Crown Sports Pavilion: Check out the fitness facilities, indoor track, and aquatic center.
Libraries: Deering Library and the University Library offer unique atmospheres for study and research.
The Block Museum of Art: Northwestern's free art museum showcases a diverse collection and hosts various exhibitions.
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall: If you're interested in music or performing arts, this is a key venue.
The Rock: This iconic campus landmark, constantly painted by student groups, is a testament to free speech and student creativity.
Shakespeare Garden: A tranquil spot behind the Technological Institute, perfect for quiet reflection.
Dine on Campus: Grab a meal at one of the campus dining halls (Sargent Hall, for example, houses a dining hall). This gives you a taste of the food options and allows you to observe student interactions during meal times.
Attend an Event (if time permits): Check the university's event calendar for student performances, athletic events, lectures, or cultural gatherings happening during your visit. This can give you a true sense of the vibrant campus life.
Step 4: Explore Evanston and Chicagoland – The Broader Environment
Northwestern's location in Evanston offers a charming college town experience, while its proximity to Chicago provides endless opportunities.
Discover Evanston: Walk around downtown Evanston. It boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, many within walking distance of the campus. Enjoy a meal, browse local boutiques, and get a feel for the surrounding community.
Experience Chicago: If you have extra time, take advantage of being so close to Chicago. Explore its world-renowned museums, diverse neighborhoods, iconic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. This can give you a broader perspective on the opportunities available to Northwestern students.
Step 5: Reflect and Follow Up – Consolidating Your Experience
After your visit, take some time to reflect on what you saw, heard, and felt.
Take Notes: Immediately after your visit, jot down your impressions, what stood out, and any questions that arose.
Connect with Admissions: If you have lingering questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the Admissions Office.
Consider a Second Visit: If Northwestern remains a top contender, consider a second, more focused visit, perhaps during a different time of year or to delve deeper into a specific department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visiting Northwestern University
How to register for a campus tour at Northwestern University?
You can register for official campus tours and information sessions directly through the "Campus Visit" section of the Northwestern Undergraduate Admissions website. Registration is required and encouraged well in advance.
How to get to Northwestern University from Chicago airports?
From O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW), you can take taxis, ride-shares, or public transportation (CTA trains and buses, or Metra commuter rail) to reach Evanston.
How to find parking on Northwestern University's campus?
The Segal Visitors Center at 1841 Sheridan Road in Evanston typically offers a parking garage for visitors. Always check the official Northwestern website for current parking information and fees.
How to experience residential life during a Northwestern visit?
While official tours may not include interior residence hall visits, you can walk through the different residential areas on campus to get a sense of the dorm locations and surrounding environment. Talking to current students is also a great way to learn about dorm life.
How to meet with a specific academic department or professor at Northwestern?
While not always guaranteed, you can contact the admissions office or the specific department directly to inquire about meeting opportunities. Some departments may offer their own informational events.
How to attend a class at Northwestern University as a prospective student?
Unofficially, if you know a current student, you might be able to sit in on a lecture with their professor's permission. Official "sit-in" programs are less common, but you can always inquire with the admissions office.
How to learn about financial aid during a Northwestern visit?
Official information sessions often include details about financial aid. You can also contact the Financial Aid office directly to schedule a meeting or ask specific questions.
How to explore student organizations and extracurriculars at Northwestern?
The Norris University Center is a hub for student life and often has information about various clubs and organizations. Talking to current students on campus tours is also an excellent way to learn about extracurriculars.
How to get a self-guided tour map for Northwestern University?
Northwestern's Admissions website often provides downloadable self-guided tour maps for visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace.
How to make the most of a limited time visit to Northwestern University?
Prioritize booking an official campus tour and an information session for your top academic interest. Focus on areas that are most important to your decision, and don't hesitate to ask tour guides or admissions staff specific questions.