Incoming doctoral students
See enrollment procedures
Newly Admitted Students
Use the following resources and information to prepare for becoming a TGS student. Contact The Graduate School (TGS) if you have additional questions.
Next steps
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.
Deadlines
Review our Key Dates page for deadlines for newly admitted students.
Orientation
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.
Prepare for the coming year
Loan funds
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.
Housing
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.
EmplID
Included in your admission letter (at the bottom of the page) is your seven digit EmplID. Your EmplID is often referred to as your “Student ID Number.” You may be asked to include your EmplID on housing, health record, or other University forms. Your EmplID will remain with you throughout your tenure at Northwestern University.
Wildcard
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. See the Wildcard website for more information.
Library access
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.
Changing personal information
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.