Everyone was super willing to engage with the course material and make the most of the opportunity, and I learned a ton about a field that I had known quite little about previously.”
College Prep '26 Student
Enjoy Summer on Northwestern's Beautiful Lakefront Campus
There's more to learn at college than what's in your books. Take this summer to get involved and be independent. Learn time management skills that'll give you an edge and the freedom to have some fun! In the College Prep Program, you can experience the fun and excitement of college life as either a Residential or Commuting Scholar. Residential Scholars live on campus in Northwestern University residence halls. You are permitted to explore the on- and off-campus areas unaccompanied by program staff, but must check out of the residence hall before doing so and must return for check-in by the specified time. Commuting Scholars attend classes while commuting from their homes in the Chicago area or staying with relatives living nearby. With either option, you can participate in weekday and weekend Summer Session activities including lunchtime entertainment on Lake Michigan, residential activities, and an evening outdoor film festival. Other university-sponsored activities, such as theatre and music performances, are open to all students.
Amazing experience, really good preparation for college, made me way more comfortable with the idea of living abroad, made me realize that what I studied is what I truly want to do for the rest of my life.”
Residential Students
The hardest part of your first year at college can be adjusting to life away from home. Our experienced Resident Directors and Residential Advisors (RAs) will guide you through this transition. RAs are carefully selected undergraduate or graduate students who have completed an intensive training program to foster a strong and supportive social and academic atmosphere in the residence hall. They'll help you learn to balance both your academic and social commitments while living in a diverse community with students. RAs do not only enforce rules; they also host movie nights, theme parties and cooking classes. Please review the blog to view exciting residential opportunities from last year.Experience life in a typical residence hall:
- Residential students will stay at a Northwestern residence hall
- Watch a movie or hang out with friends in one of the common areas
- Make use of the quiet study rooms for those late-night study sessions
- Eat in a university dining hall, which offers a great variety of dining options from pizza and burgers to stir fry and vegan dishes. A dietitian is on staff to help students with special dietary requirements
In addition, you will have full access to the University's resources, such as: libraries, computer labs, athletic facilities, and beaches!
In your free time you can sing in a community chorus or stargaze at the Dearborn Observatory. You can participate in a variety of fun outings on weekends, such as an evening with the iconic Blue Man Group, a visit to Navy Pier, or enjoy an afternoon in the bleachers at Wrigley Field.
The College Prep residential option has attracted students from across America and around the world — last year, students came from as far away as China and Brazil! Because of this unique opportunity to experience college dormitory life and make lasting bonds with fellow students, the residential option continues to be the most popular way to experience the College Preparation Program.
The residential option is available for all IN FOCUS Seminar and Immersion Week students, as well as those enrolled in college credit courses for a maximum of six weeks. Students interested in the third sequence of the intensive language or the eight-, or ten-week classes must apply as commuter students.
I was eager to attend the college prep program for the experience of taking a college level course and getting a sense of campus life. Northwestern University is known nationally for its academics and for its beautiful campus on Lake Michigan. What better place could there be to spend a summer?”
Samantha Hahn, former College Prep student
Read Samantha's Story
Commuting Students
If you are a talented high school student who lives within commuting distance of Northwestern, you may opt to apply as a commuting scholar. This alternative to the on-campus residency program is designed to make College Prep available to the entire Northwestern University community, including local residents from Chicago and its suburbs, as well as to visiting students who are staying with relatives.
Please note: Northwestern’s College Prep Program requires that any student living off campus must be housed with a responsible adult over the age of 18 for the duration of the program. Students found to be living without a responsible adult will be required to make alternative arrangements to rectify the situation. Commuting students who are unable to make suitable living arrangements for the duration of the program may be dismissed.
The same exciting activities and cultural events that are planned for residents all week long will enhance your summer experience as a commuting scholar. You will be able to take advantage of the same academic and social benefits as the residents, including the Get Ready Series and excursions. The College Prep RAs also plan a variety of fun outings, such as an evening with the unusual Blue Man Group and an afternoon in the bleachers at Wrigley Field.
Commuting scholars are also able to purchase meals in the Norris University Center.
The commuter option is available for all on-campus programs.
Summer at Northwestern
With a variety of cultural and recreational activities, Summer Session on the Northwestern campus offers something for everyone. Enjoy the outdoor cinema series, summer concerts and Lunch on the Lake, as well as recreational and sporting opportunities on the spectacular shore of Lake Michigan.
In addition to formal program activities Monday through Sunday, College Prep students may, at their own cost, take advantage of a number of recreational opportunities both on and off campus.
Examples of 2026 residential activities can be found on the blog.
- Playing soccer, tennis, or volleyball
- Watching an outdoor movie at the Norris University Center
- Exploring Evanston and Chicago
In previous years, highlights include:
- The Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour
- Chicago Cubs baseball games
- Outdoor music and arts festivals throughout the city
- Chicago's Museum Campus
- The Museum of Science and Industry
- Navy Pier attractions and entertainment