Northwestern UniversityMove-In Guide
Evanston, Illinois
🏫 Private UniversityEst. 1851🔗 www.northwestern.edu
Northwestern University's lakefront Evanston campus is home to the historic Charles Deering Library, the university's main library from 1933 to 1970, with first-year students housed across several residence halls and residential colleges, including Elder, Willard, and Shepard.
Enrollment
23,000
Total Students
Freshman Class
2,265
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Sep 15, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
7%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Select your move-in appointment between August 10-12 based on your assigned unloading zone and building - appointments run in 25-minute slots from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central. Early Arrival requires a $50/night fee and an online application (open Aug. 10-21); unapproved early arrivals are charged $100/night. First Night Northwestern, a welcome event across residential spaces, follows move-in the same evening. Check the housing portal ahead of time for any hall-specific restrictions on furniture or appliances.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Head to your unloading zone for your 25-minute move-in appointment: Elder Hall residents use Elder Lot; Willard and Shepard Hall residents both use University Place Lot.
- Check-in location
- Look for the purple entrance signage and campus staff at your assigned lot, who will direct you to your building's unloading area as space clears.
- Parking
- After unloading, park in designated campus locations or the Ryan Field West Lot, about a mile northwest of campus - a free shuttle runs continually between the west lot and the center of campus throughout move-in day.
- What you'll receive
- Staff at shuttle stops and unloading zones are available to assist families and answer questions throughout move-in day.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Elder Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Willard Residential College
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Shepard Residential College
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Northwestern University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Wildcat Welcome (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
September 15 - September 22, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$19,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens2.6 miles
- Walmart3.6 miles
- CVS Pharmacy4.2 miles
- Target4.3 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Northwestern University.
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