Commuter Life
Thinking about commuting to Northwestern? We offer an extraordinary Christian Commuter Community where you can learn and grow together. You can also participate in our campus activities and events outside of class, and create lifelong memories that will make you smile for years to come.
Although commuter students have access to the same educational, spiritual, and social opportunities as residential students, we’ve also designed programs specifically to support our commuter students, who make up approximately 36 percent of our student body.
Our support for commuter students starts at New Student Orientation. During Orientation, you’ll connect with other commuters through dedicated sessions, offering the perfect chance to make lasting friendships, get important information, and begin your journey as a UNW student.
Who can commute?
- Students living with one or both parents
- Students over the age of 21 by the first day of Fall semester
- Students who are part time (fewer than 12 credits, including undergraduate and online)
- Students who are married
Campus-wide activities: Join a club, intramural sport, or attend a student org event! Sharing your interests and passions is a good way to meet other students like you. Meet other students who share the same interests and passions as you OR join in a group to learn something new. Commuter Life exists to serve commuter students by seeing, supporting, engaging, and connecting them with the greater Northwestern community.
Get What You Need as a Commuter
Commuter Parking Permit
Don’t worry about finding a parking spot! Northwestern reserves our best parking for commuters. Park near the academic buildings and residence areas! Read Public Safety’s guidelines for parking and motor vehicle use.
A commuter parking permit allows commuter students to park in general parking lots from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m., seven days a week. Commuters are not allowed to park in the faculty/staff lots behind Nazareth Hall, Totino Fine Art Center, Ericksen Center, Mel Johnson Media Center, or in any reserved parking space (including those near the resident student housing) except during posted hours.
Lockers
We provide free lockers for commuters. Fill out the Commuter Locker Request form to reserve a locker.
Meal plans
Because commuters have different meal needs than residents, We created a unique meal plan for commuting students. In this plan, most commuters can purchase three meals each week in our dining center. This is a great way to connect with your Northwestern community.
Computer access
Computers in the academic buildings, the library, and residence buildings are available to commuting students allowing you to have full access to your academic files on and off campus.
Questions?
Email: [email protected]
