Give us an hour, or give us a day.
Thank you for your interest in visiting our beautiful, tree-lined campus on the shore of Lake Michigan and just north of Chicago.
One of the great values of a Northwestern experience is connections: one’s ability to connect with different people, ideas, and disciplines in an inclusive and collaborative community. We encourage you to review our on-campus programming options below and then click the “Register for a campus visit” button to tailor your experience in a way that most interests you.
Take a Tour
Guided Campus Visit
Personalize your visit with a “choose your own adventure” format where visitors select a tour guide who shares a common interest or point of connection during a 75-minute walking tour of our lakefront campus.
Additionally, you'll have the option to join an admission staff member to learn more about Northwestern’s holistic admission review process and our affordability commitments (weekdays only). This 30-minute session starts with a brief overview of the application and financial aid processes, before inviting your questions about Northwestern and the college search. For additional guidance about admission and affordability, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel, or connect directly with admission staff.
Registration is required for guided campus tours. To register, click on the button below.
Self-guided campus tour
If you are unable to join us for a guided campus tour, or you are interested in exploring campus on your own, we encourage you to follow our self-guided tour. The self-guided tour includes a robust guide to campus buildings and academic information, an extended tour route just like our student guides would provide, and stories from over 20 Northwestern students!
Visitors can head over to the Segal Visitors Center vestibule, open 24 hours a day, to register for a self-guided visit and download a copy of the tour. In addition, during normal business hours, admissions officers and current students are available in the main lobby of the Visitors Center to assist you at the front desk and answer any questions.
Ask Questions
Purple Preview
If you are eager to experience life as a Northwestern student, join us for a Purple Preview visit. This program is geared toward high school seniors, but also open to interested juniors. You will be paired with a current undergraduate student host, and together, you’ll spend the morning attending class, exploring campus, and learning more about daily student life.
To ensure that we can match you with a host, you must register for a Purple Preview experience at least one week prior to your visit. Click the button below to view available dates and register.
Attend an Academic Overview
While you are on campus, get to know our academic community. Representatives from Northwestern’s six distinct undergraduate schools host information sessions for prospective students, which help you to learn more about the school’s areas of expertise.
Availability of sessions varies seasonally; please check the registration calendar to confirm current schedules. Advance registration is required for school-specific programs. Note: school-specific sessions do not include a campus tour.
Bienen School of Music
Offered most Mondays and Fridays (and select Thursdays) at 11:45 a.m.
Located in the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts 2nd floor: 70 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston, IL 60208
5-minute walk from the Segal Visitors Center
Note: This session is intended for prospective music majors.
School of Communication
Offered most Mondays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m.
Sessions are located in the Wirtz Center 235: 1949 Campus Dr., Evanston IL 60208
5-minute walk from the Segal Visitors Center
School of Education and Social Policy
Offered most Mondays and Fridays at 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and select Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
Located in Annenberg Hall 122: 2120 Campus Dr., Evanston, IL 60208
15-minute walk from the Segal Visitors Center
McCormick School of Engineering
Offered most Mondays and Fridays at 4:00 p.m.
Located in the Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center 2-350 (The Hive): 2133 Sheridan Rd., Evanston IL 60208. Enter through the main doors on Sheridan Rd. and take the stairs or elevator up two floors to find room 2-350.
15-minute walk from the Segal Visitors Center
Medill School of Journalism
Offered most Fridays at 3:30 p.m.
Located in Fisk Hall room 115: 1845 Sheridan Rd., Evanston IL 60208
1-minute walk from the Segal Visitors Center
Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
Offered most Mondays at 4:00 p.m.
Located in the Segal Visitors Center auditorium
Note: Beginning in January 2024, all Winter 2024 sessions will be offered online.
Explore History, Culture and Community
Our general campus tours (both guided and self-guided) provide a thorough introduction to campus facilities, academic opportunities, and student life. For a deeper look at Northwestern’s history and communities, continue to explore campus on your own with the help of the following audio tours.
Visit with a Group
Large Group Visits
High schools and community based organizations who wish to bring a group of 10 or more high school students to campus can attend a large group campus visit. Based on your group’s schedule and interests, you can take a student-led or self-guided campus tour and connect with current students and admission staff to learn more about Northwestern. Groups with 10 or fewer guests should register all participants individually for campus tours and related programming.
