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Well, it's that time of year again. I know it's less than 2 months (6 weeks really) and you're homeward bound to Northwestern. I'm a Northwestern sophomore and I will be happy to answer any questions about student life, academics, New Student Week, evanston and chicago.

DO NOT (i repeat) DO NOT post anything about your chances of getting into Northwestern. I WILL NOT RESPOND and ignore you.

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 03:06 am: Edit

Well, what can you tell me about Foster-Walker?

By Desrtswimer (Desrtswimer) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 03:14 am: Edit

and Sargent :-)

and how often do students go into chicago?

well and while we are at it...is New Student Week really fun and beneficial or is it cheesy and boring? Or is it just what you make of it?

By Admitmeplz (Admitmeplz) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 08:07 am: Edit

And Willard...is it as "cool" as everyone says it is?

Oh, and I'm curious about public transportation. Do NU students get discounted fares on Metra or the CTA?

By Newnudad (Newnudad) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 10:28 am: Edit

What would you recommend for a Meal Plan?

BTW - You'll be happy to note that I have never even thought about posting anything here about chances of getting in!

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 11:34 am: Edit

Kk - If you're in Foster-Walker as a freshman, LUCK YOU! I applied there for a single since it's one of the most sought-after dorms for upper-classmen because of its two dining halls, convenience store, single rooms AND promixity to both North and South campus. As a student who has classes on both North and South Campus, it would have been nice to stay in Foster-Walker due to less-walking distances. Heh. My friends and I who didn't leave in Foster-Walker as freshmen went there for lunch and dinner all the time. Lots of food options.

My friend stayed in Foster-Walker and he liked the quietness aspect of the dorm. However, I know like 25% of my friends living in Foster-Walker this fall so it may become "rowdy" with lots of sophomores and juniors. =)

I have one question however = Are you in the new residential college program at Foster-Walker?

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 11:40 am: Edit

Desrtswimer - Sargeant is considered the "Allison of the North" because it has the best food/dining hall on North Campus. Sargeant is on North Campus so you're just north of Tech (Engineering) school and near SPAC (athletic building). You have no fear to worry as I have not heard anything bad about the place.

As for New Student Week, you will always be involved. Do not skip it. Lots of us made friends during NSW and it's kinda hard to make friends after the first month. (High school cliques still exist as freshmen). In NSW you will meet your peers and peer advisor, go on trips into Chicago and certain seminars that the university requires you to attend (not all, but some) on safety and all that other jazz. The trips and movies at the end are the best.

As for venturing into Chicago, it really depends on your schedule and season. I know for Fall/Spring Quarter, I was in Downtown Chicago (via El Train or University Intercampus bus) on average 2-3 times a month. During Winter (brutally cold), I can only remember two times that entire season. (You don't want to walk and wait in the Chicago cold plus I had harder courses during my winter quarter.) Most students hang out on the weekends, however you may have classes that require you to go downtown on assignment (I had a freshman seminar like that.)

Many people complain about not having a car on campus freshmen and sophomore years. You do not need a car your freshmen years. I took cab (with friends), El Train and University bussing to get downtown with less pain. Parking on-campus is expensive and not worth the warnings/violations. And I did not forget how to drive when I got home either.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 11:45 am: Edit

Admitmeplz - I'm sorry but I cannot comment much on Willard since I haven't been there (shocking I know). Yes, I've heard it's a party dorm and there are always games/rallies with other residential colleges. Willard also has its own dining hall. I'm sure you will have a fun time. You will be around people your own age.

As for public transportation, Northwestern does not have a cost-savings plan with El/Metra for its students. If you must ride transportation, you're gonna have to pay the full price. (Around $3.50 round-trip for El, price varies on Metra). If you're interested in getting a Chicago Card, which is like a phone card you put money onto like a debit card, you can look into that once you get into Chicago. It's not necessary but it's nice to already have transportation money on a card.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 11:49 am: Edit

NewNuDad - It really depends on the person's eating habits. I find the meal plans pretty expensive ($3.75 breakfast, $6.60 lunch, $8.50 dinner) but that has probably changed for this year. Go for the meal plan that gives you the best flexibity but you're not overpaying yourself. Northwestern automatically puts students on the Weekly Plan.

Check this link out on the Block Plan = http://www.northwestern.edu/nucuisine/plans/block.html

I recommend it because I used that throughout my year on Northwestern and I could eat in dining halls or on-campus cafes without running out of money. If you're curious, I used Plan B since Plan A was too expensive (I don't eat that much since I eat out with friends in restaurants).

By Newnudad (Newnudad) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 11:54 am: Edit

Thanks for the link and the help Tenisghs!

So what are you doing there in July? Summerschool? Training? Sports? Other?

By Wattsski (Wattsski) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 01:35 pm: Edit

I have heard that CCI has a reputation as the nerdy dorm, is that true? I am a Comm. student and ended up on North campus, would it be a good idea for me to have a bike to get to south campus easier? How often do people up North go visit the South or vice versa? Finally, I will stop innundating you with questions after this one, is it common for people from north campus to have friends on south campus, my cousin lived on south campus last year and told me that she didn't have any friends up north. Thanks.

By Takingiteasy (Takingiteasy) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 02:25 pm: Edit

What is the quarter schedule like at Northwestern? Do you like it or would you rather have a semester system?

Does the curriculum easily allow students do at least a minor or a double major? This is what I am really concerned with because some schools with moderate GEs make it easy to do a minor and with a few AP credit it is also easy to get another major.

By Newnudad (Newnudad) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 02:48 pm: Edit

If you are still taking questions... and I hope you are..

What do you think about a laptop vs a desktop pc for an Engineering student?

If anyone else has any thoughts about this topic, it would be appreciated!

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 07:13 pm: Edit

Wattsski - Hey, lots of questions. These are only rumors however I've never been into CCI. I have friends in School of Communication however who say that the people there are 'weird' and 'not diverse.' It would be inaccurate for me to give you an opinionated response, so all I can say is that the people there tend to be very artsy.

As for a bike, I didn't bring a bike my freshman year and wished I did! Since you will be living on North Campus, a bike is essential. I will have many classes on North Campus (i've already registered my classes) so I'm definitely bringing a bike. Walking a mile in 15-20 minutes is hectic.

As for making friends on campus, it is true that most of your friends will be whom you live near. I lived on South Campus and will be living on South Campus again and most of my friends lived south of Foster. However, if you're very involved in organizations, you may have friends on both campuses and you can meet in a central location like the University Library or Foster-Walker. I've done that.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 07:27 pm: Edit

Takingiteasy - I like the quarter system although it can be quite drudgery during the winter quarter (cloudy weather, icy winters, lake doesn't help). It really depends on what your major is. If you're gonna be in Tech or pre-med, for example, the courses will be hard regardless. Also, you're learning 12 weeks of material in 8 weeks so you cannot skip classes as a habit. Get good study habits and do your homework (don't procrastinate!). You can party but you have to keep your grades up.

As for double majoring and minoring, if you have AP/college credits, the school will use those to count towards distributions (you will learn more about this during New Student Week) and intro major courses. I came in with significant credit that I became a sophomore my Spring Quarter so I can graduate early if I have only one major.

I read that 20% of Northwestern students have double majors so it's not a lot. Only double major if you have TRUE PASSION for both subjects. If you are doing a double-degree program like Music and Tech with CAS, then you need to go to their department websites to read more about it. Personally I'm only doing a major-minor because a double major will take me more than 4 years to do and I want flexibility in my schedule to take electives (you won't have electives under double majoring). Northwestern is not the best when it comes to financial aid (they want students to graduate in four years or less unless you're in a special-degree program) so think wisely.

Really, many students who start off double-majoring change their minds and either drop one major or minor in one.

For more information, assuming you're in Weinberg, check out this webpage:
http://www.cas.northwestern.edu/advising/faq.html

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 07:34 pm: Edit

Newnudad - You have to look at the specific school's requirements. I don't know what Engineering specifies but you should check with the college's website for compatibilty issues. Check out this link for more info:
http://www.it.northwestern.edu/students/resources.html

If you haven't received this in the mail, Northwestern will send entering students a newsletter called "Getting Connected" that will list the specific things a student needs before entering Northwestern. (I advise not to bring a 3+ year old, outdated computer to school.) As for me, I brought a laptop (Toshiba) and I'm so happy I did. I use it mainly for word processing, downloading and listening to music. The desks are small at Northwestern so if you do get a desktop, BRING A LCD MONITOR. Do not bring a CRT monitor unless Tech says so for certain majors.

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 02:44 am: Edit

I hope Foster-Walker isn't as antisocial as people say!

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 09:50 am: Edit

Kk, whenever I visited Foster-Walker, I didn't feel anything anti-social about it. However, I know that not many freshmen stay in Foster-Walker. I'm sure you will have a great time there. If not, you can always change dorms (i've seen my handful who change dorms during the school year.)

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 02:02 pm: Edit

Wow! Well, I hope it is fun, and I'm glad it's in the middle of campus; that's a plus for those cold winter days!

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 02:02 pm: Edit

Wow! Well, I hope it is fun, and I'm glad it's in the middle of campus; that's a plus for those cold winter days!

By Wonduhbread (Wonduhbread) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 11:58 pm: Edit

Do many people bring tv's for their dorm rooms? is it even worth having if you want to bring say an xbox? cuz i know we get tv through our computers. I'll be living in east fairchild. Any thoughts?

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 12:10 am: Edit

Wonduhbread - I did not bring a TV in my dorm room as a freshman. I realized that while some of us brought TVs, our schedules were so busy with schoolwork, seminars and hanging out with friends, that a television was the last thing on our minds. I did rent movies a lot in school, but I viewed television (NUTV) and DVDs on my laptop.

Since you are a gamer, you may bring a TV but make sure you contact your roommate (if you have a double.) A television can really take up a lot of space in the rooms. Check out the room sizes:
http://www.northwestern.edu/housing/descriptions/east_fairchild.html

I know people who had televisions with no problems, but they bunked the beds. I knew I didn't want to bunk beds (both my roommate and I were tall.) and preferred my own space.

Keep in mind that you can view television through NUTV (Internet satellite television by NU). It really depends on what you like. Remember you will also have a refrigerator, which will act like the television's table.

By Wonduhbread (Wonduhbread) on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 11:31 pm: Edit

thank you for your input! it is much appreciated.

By Azntoccata (Azntoccata) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 09:32 am: Edit

Any comment (neg and pos) on West Fairchild (the internationl-themed dorm)?

Oh yeah and other than the new student week activities, any other activities that are pretty good for meeting new people? I find it surprising that you said that it's hard to meet new people after only a month.

By Wildcat86 (Wildcat86) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 12:51 pm: Edit

Does anyone know which number is our actual student ID number?

Is it the NetID, the EmpID, or the Application code? Or is it something completely different?

By Desrtswimer (Desrtswimer) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 02:59 pm: Edit

none of the above

social security number :-)

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 05:58 pm: Edit

Tenisghs: Do you know if we can raise the beds (not loft them, but just raise them with cinderblocks)? Thanks!

By Blueberry (Blueberry) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 08:38 pm: Edit

Tenisghs: Are there many non-work study jobs available on campus, especially within the academic departments?

Thanks!

By Neobez (Neobez) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 09:02 pm: Edit

tenisgh: how do you like Northwestern overall? Where did you live before you went there? Was it a tough decision picking Northwestern?

Thanks, I'm thinking of applying to Medill.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 10:54 pm: Edit

Wildcat86 - Your Student ID is the number the school gives you on your student ID card, or WildCARD, when you pick it up during New Student Week. It is also listed on your financial aid award package, if you have already seen the papers from your acceptance letter or later.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 10:56 pm: Edit

Glamourbaby - You cannot loft the beds but you can buy bed-risers (I brought blocks from stores like Linens & Things, Organizing Living, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.) that will raise the bed. Check out these stores for the specially-made blocks for dorm beds.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 10:58 pm: Edit

Azntoccata - I cannot really comment about this dorm since I've never been inside but I've never heard anything bad about it. What made you pick this dorm? You will be near your classes if you happen to have courses in University Hall, Harris Hall, Fisk Hall or Kresge-Crowe Hall. Definite plus.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 11:02 pm: Edit

Blueberry - I am also applying for a non-work-study job this fall. Most academic jobs on-campus require that you have federal work-study permission. If you really need a work-study job as a freshman, check out the Main Library university bulletin board. They are the only place I know, other than Norris Center, that accept non-work-study applicants.

By Sammo (Sammo) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 09:21 am: Edit

Hey, you think I'm right for Northwestern?

Korean American male, Junior in Georgia in one of the top public schools in my state

4.1 Weighted, 3.83 Unweighted GPA, Rank: 37/512 (plan to be top 5% soon)
SAT: 1430- 780 Math, 650 Verbal, trying hard to raise that verbal
- if English is 2nd language I learned, will colleges be lenient even though I have lived here since I was ten yrs old? Probably not, but just asking.
- Will take SAT IIs in Math IC, IIC, US History, Spanish
(I do not know about writing because of New SAT coming up)
should I take SAT II asap or wait, because I could take Math and Spanish now?

Taking 3 APs (U.S. History and AP Calc AB, BC) & 5 Honors this year; I will take at least 4-5 APs Senior year (Gov, Mic Econ, Stat, Spanish, Physics)

ECs (is this enough or do I need more?):
NHS- President
Habitat for Humanity- Vice President
SGA- Homeroom Rep
Key Club- Board
Beta Club- Secretary
Spanish Club
Spanish Honor Society
Math Team
Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society)
Lacrosse (JV)
Concert Band
Guitar Club

Volunteer:
Habitat for Humanity in Downtown Atlanta (summer)
Scottish Rights Childrens Hospital for 8 wks; worked with kids (summer)
Spend 2 wks in Mexico / 2 wks in Peru for Mission Trip (summer)
Praise leader for church worship band; play guitar & piano well
Teacher for Vacation Bible School for 5 yrs.
*So far I think I have about 500 hrs of volunteer work. Is that enough?*

Awards / Honors:
Honor Band (trumpet)
Concert Band (1st chair)
Student of the Month (responsibility)
World Geography
Spanish
Math Team
Math Honor Society
National Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society

Majors I’m considering are East Asian Studies, History, Geography, Urban Studies, Mathematics, honestly I’m quite not sure. Is that such a bad thing?

By Newnudad (Newnudad) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 09:25 am: Edit

Sammo - Tenisghs has indicated in their first post that no questions about "chances" will be answered. You can always start a new thread, or bump on to one of many previous threads.

By Cooldude (Cooldude) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 10:38 am: Edit

How are the Engineering Facilities and Computer Science Labs at NU??

By Shahab (Shahab) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 10:48 am: Edit

tenisghs im a transfer student, and i really don't want to end up isolated from the rest of the campus, as i heard it is really easy to do as a transfer. a few of my friends transferred to great schools, and got f'ed up because they found it too hard to connect with people in the middle of college. Do you have any tips/pointers as to what/where are the best places to meet people, and what i should do as a transfer to ensure that this kind of stuff doesnt happen to me? thanks!

By Sammo (Sammo) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 10:59 am: Edit

oh, oops. sorry about that.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 12:26 pm: Edit

Shahab - There is a dorm on North Campus that houses many transfer students. I'm assuming you're male and it's in one of the old fraternity buildings. I know a guy who transferred from Penn State to NU and he has so far had a great time at Northwestern. He's very involved so I will warn you that, as a transfer student, you should get involved quickly into the social scene. Join clubs and be active. He's a Bio-Med engineering major and Political Science minor. Guess what? He writes the online newsletters for the College Democrats so almost everyone knows him. However, he will be a junior in Fall 2005.

I'm not sure what your major is, but if you're pre-med/engineering/education, I recommend living on North Campus.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 12:36 pm: Edit

Cooldude - I can't explain perfectly the facilities at NU's TECH since I'm not a McCormick student, but they are pretty good from what I have seen. Nice lecture halls too. McCormick is just HUGE and depending on your major, your coursework will be in certain areas of the building. (Each Wing is labeled Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Astronomy & Physics and so forth). It's one of the nicest and largest buildings on-campus.

There are always presentations and visiting professors there. I think the place has like 6 levels (including underground). Ford Motor Company is also building a research institute next door to McCormick and will be opened by Spring 2005. I hope this has helped you.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Saturday, August 07, 2004 - 01:20 am: Edit

Neobez - I really like Northwestern so far. I have met some wonderful professors and registered for classes that, while rigorous and fast-paced on the quarter system, were engaging and memorable. You will have some classes to fulfill (general ed classes) that are not your strong expertise but as long as you pass them and get them done EARLY (before junior year), you will be fine. You cannot fall behind on the quarter system, so have good study habits soon.

I had to chose between University of Michigan and Northwestern. I ultimately chose Northwestern. I'm happy I went out-of-state for college since I get to learn other lifestyles and perspectives. Plus, it's the best time to go away and study abroad during your college years. When I return home, I feel smarter about the world around me. Plus, Chicago is a really fun city for young adults with many opportunities both career-wise and recreational-wise.

By Sammo (Sammo) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 10:51 pm: Edit

how are the residential dorms at Northwestern? Do people generally enjoy living in dorms?

By Senioritis2005 (Senioritis2005) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 12:40 am: Edit

does the lakefill freeze in the winter time? is it possible to go ice-skating on it? Kind of a random question, but I was just curious.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 03:31 pm: Edit

The Residential Dorms at Northwestern are nice and each have their own theme. Some are multithematic. I suggest scrolling up this thread to the housing link to check out the different dorms. Most residential dorms tend to house predominately freshmen, therefore you get to know your own peers. The residential colleges plan field trips and events for its own residents and the entire Residential College population. I recommend it since I stayed in a residential college my freshman year.

And Senioritis, the lakefill does freeze since Chicago has very cold/windy/icy winters but you cannot skate on it.

By Largegreenturt (Largegreenturt) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 02:48 pm: Edit

Howdy,

I was (i think) lucky enough to get a room in Allison. If everyone likes it so much, does that mean it will be populated by non-freshmans? If this is the case, will they be less inclined to want to socialize with freshman? Any input from experience would be great.

Thanks

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 06:59 pm: Edit

Hey Largegreen, Allison is the most popular dorm on South Campus, so you will find many upperclassmen (mostly sophomores and juniors) with freshmen in the dorm. It has the largest rooms and not far from Allison Dining Hall so many people want to stay in Allison. Don't worry about it for there is a reasonable freshmen population at Allison, plus you will find other freshmen at nearby dorms like Shepard and PARC.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 11:53 am: Edit

BUMP

By Ker123 (Ker123) on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 01:07 pm: Edit

Hey Tenisghs,

Earlier in the year you were talking about transferring... what made you change your mind?

Also, I was wondering if you knew anything about Shepard. I'm going to be living there in the fall.

Thanks in advance!

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 03:00 pm: Edit

Hey Ker123 - I made friends my spring quarter of Northwestern that I still talk to today. Plus, I have found out what I will be majoring (and possibly double-major, but only minor for safety now). Yes, I lived in Shepard my freshman year.

Shepard is nice dorm near Allison on South Campus. Very multithematic, but you will find mostly Music/Communication students in the dorm although CAS students make up a sizeable group. Lots of fun quarter trips. Computer lab, laundry facility, pool table, TV in student lounge in the basement. I was happy I stayed in Shepard my freshman year since I was around other freshman. Very social dorm. Decent size rooms too. (My room was big enough that my roommate and I did not have to sleep in bunk beds.)

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 09:03 pm: Edit

Also Ker123, don't be surprised if most of your best classmates/friends are outside Shepard. That was the case for me. I'm not living in Shepard as a sophomore. I encourage making friends outside your dorm. You get to explore other areas of campus that maybe unknown to you.

By Wonduhbread (Wonduhbread) on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 01:01 am: Edit

in your experience, how many people did NOT bunk their beds?

By Blueberry (Blueberry) on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 04:43 pm: Edit

Tenisghs, I'm living in Shepard next year too. A couple of trivial questions - is it carpeted, and does it have cinderblock walls or real walls? Thanks

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 08:06 pm: Edit

Hey guys, the walls are either brick or cinderblock depending which room you have. Mine were cinderblock. I don't remember how many people bunked their beds but I'm assuming half the hall. It really depends on where you live on the floor. Some rooms are smaller than others due to space, walls, etc. The rooms are carpeted.

By Shahab (Shahab) on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 08:27 pm: Edit

how's ayers? just found out thats where im livin

By Shahab (Shahab) on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 06:29 pm: Edit

btw thanks for the reply to my old message... im probably going to be an econ major or econ/pre med double major.... also i think that my roomies an international, something i have mixed feelings about... how do internationals fit in on campus... do they form their own little "cliques" or do they assimilate well with the rest of the student population?

By Newnudad (Newnudad) on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 08:22 pm: Edit

I hear that Block Meal Plans are the way to go, but the numbers don't seem to add up... For example: 2 meals a day x 13 weeks = 182 meals. If 1 WildCat Pt = 1 Dollar, then with Block C you get @ 123 meals, leaving a shortage of @ 59 meals for the Quarter! ?? Does 1 Wild Cat Point = 1 dollar, or is there a different rate?

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 09:49 am: Edit

NewNuDad, I will give you my personal opinion about the Meal Plans. You make it moer complicated than it seems. It depends mostly on the lifestyle of the student (they make the decision when and where to eat). Freshmen/New Students are automatically placed on the Weekly 13 Plan. I recommend the Block Plans due to cost and convenience. In other words, you get more value and savings from the Block Plan.

I recommend Block A and B for freshmen and sophomores (I used Block B as a freshman and will continue the plan despite the increase in cost..err...lol) because they offer tons of meals (in dining halls) and WildCat Points (you use them at on-campus cafes, convenience stores, etc.)

If your child does not eat much or is always on the go (never eating at the dining halls), then you may want to look at Block C and D. You would want more WildCard points than meals or be able to exchange meals at various locations. During New Student Week, they will explain in a workshop more thoroughly how the Meal Plan system works.

But personally, freshmen will be in the dining halls with peers so Block A and B, preferably B (cause of cost), is the way to go. Another bonus is that if your child has an excess of WildCard points left on their WildCard by the end of the quarter, they can use those points (as money) to buy bulk items and goods (soda, food, water) at Norris to take home during breaks. A definite savings. =)

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 09:59 am: Edit

Shahab, I've never been to Ayers so I cannot comment. Check out the NU Housing information at http://www.northwestern.edu/housing

As for the international population, I would say between 5 - 10% of the student population is international, leaning heavily on European and Asian groups with a twinkle from Africa or South America. I haven't really interacted with international students, but from those I've seen (I can be generalizing) they socialize mostly within their own race/nationality (speak the language, etc.). However, there are some international students, like our Academic VP or Rhodes (I think?) Scholar, who participate actively in the NU community. You will find friends from all backgrounds, so don't worry.

If you're worrying about assimilation, just join a club (Multicultural Center). There are many cultural groups on campus.

By Senior3535 (Senior3535) on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 02:25 pm: Edit

I posted this on another thread, but no one answered, so I'm going to ask here. What clothes I should bring to school? What do students tend to wear around campus and to class? Jeans or sweats or nicer clothing?

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 04:05 pm: Edit

Senior, since 20% of the student population come from families with a gross income of $250,000+, you will find some people wearing designer-wear or bohemian styles. Many people on campus wear designer-wear whether they're into Abercrombie, Sean John, etc. I will warn you that many students here wear Northface. If you're not into labels, BE YOURSELF. It's the personality and charisma that counts the most.

How much should you bring? Bring what you will wear including jackets. It's nice to have a few summer clothes, but not as your entire wardrobe! It will be late September when you start school and when November rolls along, the weather will get colder. By January, winter clothes and thick coats and boots are a must. You won't need your summer wardrobe until March. The closets in the dorm are not very big either. You can always go home during breaks to exchange seasonal clothes.

I also recommend personal storage on campus if your parents are considering it. I live out-of-state and have personal storage near campus that has my winter stuff.

By Ker123 (Ker123) on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - 01:37 am: Edit

What do people do on the weekends?
Is there enough to do if you aren't into the whole partying scene?

By Spunkymunky1 (Spunkymunky1) on Thursday, August 26, 2004 - 11:20 pm: Edit

tenisghs, I noticed you said our Academic VP and Rhodes Scholar are international students; they're not. Prajwal Ciryam, the AVP, is from North Carolina and an Indian American (I'm friends with him) and Cristina Bejan, the Rhodes Scholar) is also from NC, her dad is a prof at Duke from Romania but she's an American.

I don't want to intrude on your thread, but most international students definitely fit your description. Some may take entire parts of Plex so they can live amongst each other, but hey it's a cultural thing mostly (plus they have it rough and need a tight-knit community).

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, August 27, 2004 - 01:04 am: Edit

Hey Spunkymunky, thanks for the corrections. I wasn't sure (notice my skepticism), but at least I had some half-truths to the story. Nevertheless, isn't Prajwal pro-financial aid for international students? That's what I noticed from the banners in the spring during ASG elections.

I know like 25% of my friends will be living at Plex this year. It's crazy.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Friday, August 27, 2004 - 01:21 am: Edit

Ker, you may notice that 40% of the student population rushes and joins a sorority/fraternity. But that should not discourage you from making friends and enjoying campus life. You may notice classmates always wanting to party, have alcohol or rush to the Keg/1800 Club. We try to be a "state school" even though the residents of Evanston dislike it tremendously.

I'm not a party person myself. Yet I have many close friends. We hang out together at the movies, restaurants, downtown Chicago, at local areas on-campus or in the dorms. There is so much to do in Evanston and Chicago. Or you can hang out at the Library/Norris. Haha.

You will always find students who
a) study non-stop and the library/computer is their best friend
b) sociable; don't mind the party atmosphere and drink nonchalantly
c) friends who plan their own events and hang only with their dormmates
d) whatever you make it to be.

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 07:15 pm: Edit

I'm sure the answer to this question is going to be "no, you moron," but can we have those water-cooler-dispenser things in our dorm rooms? You know, the ones with the big plastic water tank on top and the taps that you push and then the water comes out at the bottom? I ask because I saw one today at Target that made water cold, made water hot, and had a small refriderator at the bottom of it, all for only 70 bucks (cheaper than most fridges, mind). I drink loads of water, so I just thought I'd ask...

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 12:44 am: Edit

Wait, I have another question (this one perhaps less stupid). Can we have rugs to go on the floor, since Willard is not carpeted?

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 01:08 am: Edit

Glamour, I'm not sure you can bring such a "refrigerator" to your dorm. Northwestern already has restrictions on the size of refrigerators (no larger than 3 cubic feet) and most dorms (my dorm had them) have fountain drinks where the water is usually cold. I would ask the school before you bring such an appliance. Your RA (depending how lenient they are) could write you up for a violation.

Yes, you can bring rugs. I brought rugs for my dorm.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 01:31 am: Edit

*water fountains

By Shahab (Shahab) on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 02:10 pm: Edit

tenisghs do you know if northwestern pays for transportation to and from the airport... also does it pay for the airplane trip too? maybe thats just wishful thinking....

By Ycnan7 (Ycnan7) on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 08:27 pm: Edit

is there a shuttle bus that run from north to south campus? if so, how often do they run and how many students generally take advantage of it?

thanks

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 08:35 pm: Edit

Shahab - Unfortunately, Northwestern does not pay for transportation to and from the airport. Cab fares generally one-way cost $25-30 to O'Hare, $40-50 to Midway.

If you really want to be cheap, you can take the CTA Blue Line train to O'Hare (it's a 1.5 hour long trip with transfers!) and only pay less than $5 one-way. If I had it my way, I'll just share a cab with classmates, split the cost, travel to the airport in less than an hour, or 30 minutes depending on traffic.

The good news is that CTA and PACE (city and regional bus systems) may implement a bus service from Northwestern to the Airport. It's all talk now, but that's the future. Pretty neat.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 08:38 pm: Edit

Ycnan7 - Yes, there is a bus service that travels from North Campus to South Campus and vice-versa. We have many bus services, including the InterCampus Bus that takes you to the Chicago Campus on Michigan Ave and Lake Shore Drive for free (well, covered by your tuition. Thank NU for that.).

Students definitely take advantage of the system when the weather is cold, the walk is long, or it's late at night (busses run until 2-3am).

By Lrn01 (Lrn01) on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 09:44 am: Edit

I wanted to purchase tickets to fly home during the Thanksgiving break. The school calendar says the vacation begins at 6:00 PM on November 24th. I don't know what my class schedule is yet. Are professors generally lenient about missing that Wednesday? Are classes usually held on the day before Thanksgiving? How about the return. What did you do? Thanks!

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 01:08 pm: Edit

Lrn01, you have to see what your class schedule is like but most undergraduate classes at Northwestern end before 6pm. If you want to book a flight the same day as vacation, book it in the evening. Evening flights are cheaper anyways. When I flew home (same day as Thanksgiving break began), I had an 8pm flight CST. I got home around 10pm EST. Hope this helps.

Wait til school begins probably after you have registered for your classes to book the flight.

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 04:02 pm: Edit

What exactly is my mailing address? Is it the same as the dorm and dorm number, or is it something totally different? I'm filling out papers, but don't know where to have things sent. lol

By Admitmeplz (Admitmeplz) on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 04:08 pm: Edit

kk, here's what I was told:

Your Name
Residential College/Hall Name
Northwestern University
Street Address, Rm XXX
Evanston, IL 60201-XXXX

How much of that you can leave out remains to be seen.

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 04:52 pm: Edit

Thanks

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 08:31 pm: Edit

Kk19131, I didn't have my mailing address like what Admitmeplz stated. Last year, I followed this format:

Your Name
Residential College/Hall Name, Rm XXXX
Street Address
Evanston, IL 60201-XXXX (last 4 digits optional)

You do not need to include Northwestern University in the name. The postal mail people know it's a college campus. Remember, most mailing labels only allow two blanks (lines) for the address so keep it concise.

For example (imaginary address),

John C. Smith
Hamilton Res Coll/Hall 0123
1234 College Lane
Evanston, IL 60201

Done.

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

Thanks

By Wildcat86 (Wildcat86) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 07:30 pm: Edit

I just noticed that I'm one of the last groups of freshman to register for classes. Is this going to significantly limit my options? I'm in WCAS.

Also, when do we get a course catalog?

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 08:18 pm: Edit

How do you know you're one the of the last groups of freshmen to register? When I was freshman, I did not know when to register until I had a registration course packet in my hand during New Student Week.

By Wildcat86 (Wildcat86) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 09:18 pm: Edit

In the new student week handbook we received, it said when each group of kids registers.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 10:15 pm: Edit

Oh wow, this is new with Northwestern. Lucky you already know when to register. If you're registering by the last two digits of your Social Security Number, and you're among the last to register for Fall Quarter Classes that day, I don't have optimistic news.

Make sure you select backup plans if the classes you want to take closed early. This happens a lot, and the best I can give you is to find other interesting classes (fulfill distribution requirements for example), foreign language (select which one is available) and the freshman seminars are a given. Never think, as a freshman, you will get all your desired classes. The school also alternate so if you register early this Fall, you will register later Winter or Spring quarters.

Yes, you will receive an undergraduate course catalog. However, if you do not get one, retrieve one at the Registrar's Office near 633 Clark behind Allison and Shepard Dorms. Read it like your Bible so that you know what classes the school offers for the 2004 - 2005 school year. You will receive new course catalogs for the 2005 - 2007 school year in Fall 2005.

By Desrtswimer (Desrtswimer) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 10:39 pm: Edit

you can also look online. the course catalog AND a schedule of classes are availabe online.

go to caesar, log in.

on the left of options it should say view schedule of classes and view course catalog.

there you go.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 11:55 pm: Edit

Desrt, I'm not sure whether you're a freshman or returning student, but it's best to register for classes (or browse throught the undergraduate catalog rather) once you have the Fall Quarter booklet of classes. In the booklet will list which classes will count as WCAS distribution requirements. CAESAR does not state the difference. The booklet is also easier to read. Most freshman would be concerned with taking introductory courses in their major, freshman seminars, and fulfilling foriegn language requirement and CAS distributions.

By Admitmeplz (Admitmeplz) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 03:21 am: Edit

http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/registration/4160class_sched.pdf

Is that the booklet you're talking about, tenisghs?

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 10:02 am: Edit

Yes, that's the booklet. However, freshman are not allowed to register until once they get to school because the University will teach the new students how to work and function CAESAR. Freshman will usually register the day before classes officially start.

All of us returning students registered for our classes back in the Spring 2004.

By Desrtswimer (Desrtswimer) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 10:49 am: Edit

Tensighs,

As an incoming freshman with three extra weeks on my hands, and decent computer skills, it has not been difficult for me to figure out which classes will count for distrubution credits based on Caesar. I just look at the school catalog and it clearly tells me what classes count for what, and then I look up those classes on Caesar and see what's open and look up the CTECS if they get good reviews.

anyways, im in the school of communications but it works the same for me. I don't have a foreign language requirement but im taking accelerated first year spanish but cant take that until the winter. I dont have a freshman seminar besides communications 108 and dont have to take an english class. therefore i am free to take three other classes and have just been looking around through Caesar which i find an incredibly easy system to use. I work at a community college with a unix based system and much much much more difficult so peoplesoft is very nice for me. I also am used to things like figuring out distribution requirements that count for which major cause that is one of my jobs to do for students.

Many of the incoming freshman i have talked to online have also done this for WCAS and have looked at things like Psychology and sociology, which at almost any school witll count as a humanities credit. I need three humanities credit to fulfill my major (based on my degree audit also on caesar) so therefore i should take psychology as a humanity. For basic freshman classes its not that hard to figure out if it will count as something...almost everything will at this point.

this year we are registering on two different days instead of one so if caesar has problems like last year they can fix it over night. we register the afternoon of one day and the morning of the next. I register the next morning but im not too worried. either classes will be open or they wont be. I'll take classes, get some credits, whatever :-)

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 04:43 pm: Edit

Quite impressive. Although I do have to state that when I was your age at this time of year, CAESAR and class registration was not even on my mind. I just wanted to enjoy the end of summer and learn what I will need to do once I got on campus. I never had problems with registering either but I was one of the early freshman bunch.

I do have to state that CAESAR last fall was a nightmare (due to maintenance and system problems.) I'm a SESP/CAS student so I had to take foreign language and freshman seminars, although I do not regret it. If anyone has questions on SESP and CAS, feel free to ask!

By Desrtswimer (Desrtswimer) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 05:38 pm: Edit

I have lots of time on my hands :-) everyone around here goes to schools instate which started....three weeks ago!

By Wonduhbread (Wonduhbread) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 07:57 pm: Edit

yeah same. Hook'em Horns anyone?

By Wonduhbread (Wonduhbread) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 07:58 pm: Edit

oh also, i had a question no one answered: when do we/did you find out which channels we'll have on our computers?

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 08:13 pm: Edit

A lot of my friends bleed orange.

By Cmc1520 (Cmc1520) on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 10:01 pm: Edit

Hey, I'm sure you're sick of answering questions about houses, but do you know anything about South Mid-Quads? Thanks!

Also - I'm an undeclared major in WCAS. If I want to declare journalism and transfer into Medill, how likely/difficult is that? I don't expect it to be easy at all, but is it at least possible?

Thanks a lot!

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 11:53 pm: Edit

Wonduhbread - Hi, I'm sorry I can't answer your question since I don't remember when freshman received an email on the list of channels for the 2003 - 2004 school year. My best suggestion is to check out the NUTV website. The channels are usually a combination of news and local stations voted in the housing surveys we did back in May/June.

http://www.tss.northwestern.edu/nutv/helpguide/

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 11:56 pm: Edit

CMC1520 - Yes, it is possible to transfer into Medill as a CAS student. However, I've heard that the transfer process is very competitive (you need a high GPA and have taken a few Medill classes to become a potential candidate).

As for South Mid-Quads, it was one of my first choices to live in as a sophomore. They have the nicest singles and doubles, which upperclassmen fight over every year. It is at a convenient location near the Sorority Quads and dining halls and Downtown Evanston. You should not have any problems.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 01:41 am: Edit

BUMP - Anyone who has questions should read through the numerous responses I have received from parents and prospective students (and freshmen) in this thread. It's quite helpful if your question has already been answered.

And, of course, I will always respond to any new questions. =)

By Happytexasdad (Happytexasdad) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 11:54 am: Edit

My S has has registered to attend the recruiting reception in Dallas. Has anyone here attended
one of these before? Do they have representatives from individual schools/deprtments - Medill in particular? Is there a dress code? Should he wear a jacket and tie or is casual slacks and shirt appropriate? TIA for your response.

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 12:22 pm: Edit

Hello fellow Texan,
I went to the recruiting session in Dallas last year, and am now typing this from my dorm room at Northwestern. The sessions are worth attending if they are in your area. I don't think they had individual representatives from the different schools, but I could be wrong. As far as I can remember, (and I went to about 7 of these last year for different schools, so I may be getting some confused) for NU, they had some admissions people there, a "student life" type of person, and a current/former student or two. There is an introduction where they show a video of NU, then a general briefing of the school and its admission policies, and then it sort of goes by what questions people ask - if there are a lot of music majors, they will focus heavily on the music program, for example. S doesn't need to wear a jacket and tie - slacks and a decent shirt are just fine. If he is really and truly interested in NU, I think the best thing to do is come visit; I know I for one didn't have an honest view of the school until I came to visit. Sorry for the long answer. I'm a journalist - forgive me.

By Happytexasdad (Happytexasdad) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 02:11 pm: Edit

Glamourbaby 19 -

Thanks so much for the feedback. Congrats on being admitted and good luck. We are in Arlington. Where are you from and how do you like it so far? My S will major in broadcast journalism. Are freshmen permitted to take any journalism courses? Can they work on the newspaper staff?

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 06:15 pm: Edit

I'm from Garland and went to one of its public schools. I love NU so far; although the classes are challenging and the workload is tough, I am really enjoying myself. I'm thinkning of majoring in some sort of print journalism, but until junior year it is the same curriculum for print and broadcast kids. Freshmen year we take 2 journalism classes: History and Issues of Journalism and Editing and Writing the News - so one quarter we don't have a journalism class. Freshmen can work on the newspaper staff. We have two newspapers on campus: The Daily Northwestern and The Chronicle (a weekly publication). First year students can write for either. We also have a new entertainment publication called "Play" that comes out every Thursday, and I hear many freshmen are writing for that. As far as broadcast goes, there is NNN (Northwestern News Network) that any student can work on, be it in production, news-gathering, or on-camera work. I also think there is another TV news program for students, but I don't know if it is as easy to get into as a freshman as NNN. Hope that helps! Feel free to ask me anything!