New Students
Welcome to Northeastern University in Silicon Valley
Our campus is located in downtown San Jose, the largest city in Northern California and the hub of the economic region known colloquially as Silicon Valley. Of the 7.5 million residents of the Bay Area, over 1 million live in San Jose. Our campus is located in the downtown district, with easy access to the rest of the city as well as to San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Menlo Park, Redwood City, and the other towns and cities of the region.
We hope you find this initial information helpful as you prepare to begin your graduate studies. If you have any further questions or concerns after reading this information, please contact Karen Chang Pryor, Director of Student Services, at [email protected].
New Student Welcome Guide
New Student Information
Key Resources:
New Student Guide
Silicon Valley Campus Guide
Relocating to Silicon Valley
Access Your Student Hub
The Student Hub is a desktop- and mobile-friendly launchpad to help students easily navigate and keep track of their busy academic and active daily lives as university students in the Northeastern community. The Hub connects to each student based on location, communities, and interests and allows students to connect to peers with similar interests.
Managing Your Email to Receive Important Communications
It is important that you get into the habit of checking your student email account regularly. You can access your email by visiting office365.northeastern.edu. You may find that there are already important emails waiting for you.
Health Insurance
Northeastern University’s student health plan (NUSHP), administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, provides comprehensive health benefits at an affordable rate. To learn more about NUSHP, please visit the NUSHP website. The website also contains information on how to waive NUSHP. Please note that there are strict deadlines to waive coverage.
Covid-19 Information
Please visit the university’s information page for the latest protocols, requirements, resources, and frequently asked questions related to Covid-19. Vaccination against Covid-19 is strongly encouraged but no longer required for faculty, staff and students.
Husky Student ID Card
All students are required to carry their student ID card (Husky Card) while on campus. This card is also used for student printing services at the San Jose campus. All new students must complete this form in order to obtain their Husky Cards. You must upload your picture in order to receive a Husky ID, and you must have a Husky ID to access campus.
New Student Orientations
Welcome New Students!
Orientations help you get ready to make the most of your graduate school experience at Northeastern University in Silicon Valley. All students are required to complete the orientations that pertain to them. These sessions are delivered virtually and are designed to help new students learn about the campus, university resources, and other pertinent information.
There are three types of New Student Orientations:
- Campus Orientation (for all students)
- College Orientation (for your specific program)
- International Student Orientation (for all international students)
The Silicon Valley Campus Orientation will open November 20, 2023 and run until the start of classes. You will receive an email from the Student Services team with information about how to access this orientation. All new students are expected to complete orientation before starting classes at Northeastern. If you have trouble accessing the online orientation or have questions, please reach out to Karen at [email protected].
College Orientation
The College of Engineering, College of Professional Studies, and Khoury College of Computer Sciences each host their own college-specific orientation with specific information on classes, advising, and resources. Contact your Academic Advisor for more information.
All international students beginning their studies in F-1 status are required to attend the International Student Orientation, hosted by the Office of Global Services (OGS). You will receive an e-mail from [email protected] with information about how to access specific information regarding the Orientation as you get closer to the start term of your F-1 status. The Orientation will cover topics including immigration documents, how to maintain status throughout your program, the basics behind employment while on F-1 status and more.
For U.S. visa holders who are studying on another visa classification other than F-1, you are not required to attend this Orientation but you are required to complete a form to confirm your visa documentation with OGS, linked here.
If you have any questions about the International Student Orientation, please contact the OGS inbox for this campus at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Resources
What is the cost of tuition?
For tuition rates and fees, please visit the Student Financial Services Tuition and Fees page.
What are the housing options near San Jose?
Students are responsible for finding their own accommodations; university-sponsored housing is not available. For information about local housing options and general questions about relocating to the Bay Area area, please visit our Relocating to Silicon Valley page.
Campus Resources
Please visit the Student Life page to view events, resources, and updates from our San Jose campus team. And join our Viva Engage community page for Northeastern in Silicon Valley to connect with peers, join conversations, and see important community announcements.
Stay Connected
Things To Do When You Arrive
Visit the Campus
If you’re interested in visiting the campus before classes begin, please contact us at [email protected] to schedule a tour. We’re looking forward to meeting you.
