Quick Resources and Links for New Students

Advantage is a time to meet other new Bearcats, attend fun events, take care of campus business such as picking up your textbooks and laptop, and get settled on campus.
Advantage is required for both commuters and on-campus residents, not that you’d want to miss a minute of this college experience!
Move-in Aug. 22, 2024
- Advantage Aug. 22-25, 2024
- First day of classes Aug. 26, 2024

Students should register their vehicle online via CatPAWS before picking up their permit at the Office of Student Account Services in the Administration building during Advantage.

All Northwest students, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time and live on or off campus, are provided with a wireless-ready laptop computer.
All repair of Northwest-issued laptops for hardware or software failure as a result of normal "everyday wear and tear" is free of charge.
Students should need to sign the Laptop Agreement in CatPAWS under the Personal Information tab before picking up their laptop at the Jon. T. Rickman Electronic Campus Support Center during Advantage.

Primary course textbooks are provided to students on a rental basis for most undergraduate courses offered at the university.
Students are assessed a per credit hour fee for textbook rentals each school term.
Students pick up their textbooks at the beginning of each semester from Textbook Services and must return the textbooks by 5 p.m. of the last day of finals of the semester to Textbook Services.

The Office of Residential Life is here to assist you with your transition to Northwest! From our main office in the Union to our Resident Assistants and other staff in your hall, we want to help you become a successful member of the Bearcat Family!
Bearcat Living Communities offer academic and social support for first-year students, cultivate community among the residents and provide activities that establish life-long friendships.

Complete all requirements (Immunization, Health History and Tuberculosis Screening) by the deadline stated in the Health History Form to avoid any issues with move-in and registration.
Communicate any chronic or pre-existing health conditions with WS—either on the Health History Form, or by reaching out to us directly at 660-562-1348 or at health@nwmissouri.edu.
Understand your Health Insurance plan—reach out to your carrier to ensure WS is considered an in-network organization.
There is a strong connection between well-being and student success. Familiarize yourself with all the services provided by WS and take advantage of them. Many of them are offered at no additional charge to students—individual and group counseling sessions, workshops, outreach events/activities, and more.

Northwest students have an opportunity to network, gain leadership skills, build creative skills and enhance the Bearcat experience through involvement in student organizations. Additionally, our office provides numerous opportunities to connect with other Bearcats through a variety of events and experiences such as lectures, comedians, Family Weekend, Homecoming, and many more!

Meal plans are geared specifically to make your life easier. Depending on whether you live on or off campus and which meal plan you choose, your meal plan can consist of unlimited swipes, a set number of swipes and Dining Dollars.
Our meal plans provide you with many options. Select a plan that fits your status (resident or commuter) and your lifestyle.
Choose from four all-access plans with varying levels of spending power. Each plan is made up of unlimited swipes at Bearcat Commons.

Your Bearcat Card is your student ID and can be used as an identification card, as a meal card and as a bank card, if you choose.

The overall safety of Northwest requires the active cooperation, assistance and support of the entire campus community. University Police serves to maintain a safe campus environment and discourage inappropriate activity.
Safe Ride Home Program is to provide transportation to and from locations for all Northwest students within the Maryville city limits.