Students collect giveaways outdoors at the PNW Welcome Rally.

Welcome Week

Thanks to everyone who joined the fun of Welcome Week 2025! From Bingo to Welcome Rallies, we started the academic year filled with PNW Pride.

Oct 15

The Struggle Bus Stops Here Event

The Struggle Bus Stops Here is an event that helps provide students with a way to get connected with different members from various offices from around the University.

Oct 15

Pumpkin Toss (Hammond)

Midterms got you down? Join Student Life with this Hammond Campus classic: The Pumpkin Toss!

Oct 16

Grocery Bingo

Join the Office of Student Life in playing Grocery Bingo!

Oct 16

RegionSec Summit – Northwest Indiana’s Cybersecurity Meetup

Join us for an engaging evening of expert panels, hands-on Capture the Flag activities and meaningful networking opportunities tailored for both professionals and aspiring students in the field.

Looking Back at Welcome Week 2025

A PNW student talks to a friend on campus

Back-to-School Guide

We’re excited to get back to classes for the fall semester! See what to expect and how to thrive with PNW’s back-to-school guide.

PNW students walk across campus

Student Resources

From tutoring to counseling, access the resources you need to be your best.

A student works on a vehicle.

Find a Club

Show your pride! PNW has more than 80 student organizations to help you develop your passion and connect with friends.

All Welcome Week Events


Friday, Aug. 22

Decorate the House (Hammond)

Help the Student Life Team create a CLEAN canvas this week for Decorate the House! Stop by the Mane Zone and SULB Lounge for cleaning supplies to wipe down windows so they can be painted again for the following week!


Friday, Aug. 22

Cookout with a Cop

Stop by University Village (behind Peregrine Hall on the Hammond campus) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy free food as you meet and mingle with Purdue University Northwest Police.

Co-Sponsored by PNW Athletics


Sunday, Aug. 24

For the Win

Students and families are invited to join us on campus to prepare for the first week of school. All our offices on both campuses will be open and walkable from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Campus Ambassadors available on site to help you walk through your Fall semester schedule.

See Hammond Campus “For the Win” Details

See Westville Campus “For the Win” Details


Monday, Aug. 25

First Day of School Picture Day

Kick off the new school year with a smile! The Office of Student Life will be taking First Day of School photos for students and staff at the Bell Tower outside of SULB and NILS from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Tuesday, Aug. 26

Meet the Greeks: Greek Life Fair

Interested in what sorority and fraternity life has to offer, but you’re unsure where to get started? Meet current Greek organization members, ask questions and explore how Greek Life can enhance your collegiate experience in the Mane Zone from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Tuesday, Aug. 26

BINGO: The Giant Game Giveaway

New to campus or just looking for something fun to do? Join the Office of Student Life for a fun-filled night of bingo! Bring your friends, test your luck and compete for a chance to win exciting prizes—including oversized versions of classic games such as UNO, Twister, Spoons and more!


Wednesday, Aug. 27

Westville Welcome Rally

We will be in the Kesling Gymnasium in DSAC from noon to 2 p.m. to kick off the new school year! Connect with your fellow students and discover resources and organizations across our campuses.


Thursday, Aug. 28

Hammond Welcome Rally

We will be in the SULB Plaza from noon to 2 p.m. to kick off the new school year! Connect with your fellow students and discover resources and organizations across our campuses.

In the event of rain or excessive heat, the welcome rally will take place inside SULB.


To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2337.