Use the following resources and information to prepare for becoming a TGS student. Contact The Graduate School (TGS) if you have additional questions.
If you plan to enroll at Northwestern, you will need to complete steps that include submitting your enrollment decision and paperwork, such as official transcripts.
New Student Orientation is held before the start of Fall Quarter classes. All aspects of The Graduate School's orientation are suggested, not required. New Student Orientation can help new students learn about the resources available to them and connect them with a wider community of support at Northwestern.
For incoming international students, we also offer ELP Foundations. This Summer Quarter orientation programming is designed to ease the transition to Northwestern and the United States.
Student loan funds are available to help finance educational costs. Only United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply for federal loan funds. To apply, simply submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available on the Federal Student Aid website.
For information on housing for graduate students, please refer to the Graduate Housing website. The on-campus housing application is available online, but requires a NetID login. If your NetID is not yet activated, please contact your department. More housing information and resources can be found on the TGS Housing page.
Northwestern Student ID cards are called “Wildcards.” Your Wildcard will allow you to enter university facilities and utilize various services around campus. New students typically obtain a Wildcard the week before classes start. To expedite the process, the Wildcard Office allows you to submit a photo in advance.
You will be able to borrow library materials once you enroll in classes. Please see the Northwestern Library website for further information about services for graduate students.
If there has been or will be any changes to your personal information (address, phone, etc.) since you submitted your online application, you will have the opportunity to update your information in CAESAR once you begin your study at Northwestern. Formal name changes are processed by the Registrar's Office.