Pre-Departure & On-Campus Orientation

Before You Arrive

1. Join Mailing Lists

• Subscribe to the FIG mailing list to stay updated about our events, news and fellowship opportunities.
• Subscribe to Buffett Institute events emails.

2. Housing

• Housing information from the NU Office of International Student and Scholar Services and the NU Off-Campus Life Office.
• Use WildcatPad.com and Places4students.com to find apartments or houses near Northwestern University.

3. General Information on Living in Evanston

• International Student and Scholar Handbook provides essential information for new residents, including information about grocery shopping, transportation, area restaurants and more.

After You Arrive

1. Contact the FIG

• Email FIG Director to schedule a meeting as soon as you arrive in Evanston. We will pair you with a faculty mentor and a grad student partner.
• Email FIG graduate assistant to get on the Grad Goûter email list to meet other Northwestern students who are interested in French language and culture. 

2. On-Campus Life

Coursework

• Once you get your NU NetID, you will be able to use CAESAR to search for and register in classes. Courses offered in Fall quarter might also be available on the website of each Department. Graduate courses are usually 400-level or above (300-level or below are undergrad courses).
• If you get the permission from a professor to audit a class, ask the professor to add your NetID on Canvas to get the access. Canvas is a system where professors and students deliver course materials, submit assignments and tests, view grades, and create learning activities. 

Useful Resources

• Librarians: Northwestern has a litany of subject librarians who have expertise in particular topics or academic disciplines. Click here to find subject experts who can guide your research.
• The Writing Place: a free tutorial service that helps Northwestern students with their writing assignments.
• English Language Assistance 

Student Employment

• The Department of French and Italian has a tutor center that provides free tutoring to beginner students. Contact the Department to sign up for tutoring.
• To apply for on-campus employment authorization, please visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website.