Enrollment

• Accept the acceptance letter (if there's a spot for that)

• Pay the enrollment deposit (if applicable)

• Register for classes (after meeting with an academic adviser from the college first)

Colleges typically give you a college email and student number to use while you are attending the college- Save both of those things somewhere, you will use them often while attending college. 

The college usually has a list of steps to activate your account and access your student portal

Most colleges have a required virtual and/or in person orientation to attend to be able to gain access to campus resources, know what remaining steps you have left to be ready for the fall, and other important information. 

Some programs also have a specific event(s) you are required to attend in order to be prepared for that program (music programs tend to fall under this category)

This is to make sure you are signing up for the right classes for your major (or transferable credits in preparation to transfer in the future) and get a rundown of the classes that you need to take in future classes as well. 

For most colleges, it is required to meet with an academic adviser once before you can register for your classes for the first semester of your first year. Make sure to have your student ID ready! 

Some colleges provide a checklist of things to do to be ready for the Fall (meeting with an adviser from the college, registering for classes, signing up for housing, promissory notes if you took out loans etc.) Make sure to complete all of those steps. 

If your college doesn't provide a checklist, here are some common things to look out for (depends on your situation for which ones will apply to you):

• Registering for classes

• Registering for housing (and paying the housing deposit)

• Accept financial aid awards (gift aid)

• Accepting loans if you need them (TALK with family/counselors/adviser first before going that route), then signing the promissory note to pay them back at a later time (usually after graduation from college)

• Paying for parking permit (some colleges even have separate residential and commuter parking passes)

• Orientation modules 

 (Again, depends on your situation for what applies/doesn't)

• Class syllabi

• Packing to leave for college (on-campus or off-campus living away from home)

• Dates and Deadlines for class registration add/drop, exams, move-in, etc.

• Transportation (Gas money set aside, parking pass (if not already for Fall 2026), bike lock and helmet, walking routes to and from classes, etc.)

• Class schedule (Do you know where you are going when?- You are getting yourself there)

• Items needed for college (laptop for schoolwork, writing utensils, etc.) 

• Where to go for medical emergencies/therapy/pharmacy that take your insurance (if you have medical insurance) 

• Campus resources (Where to find them, how to utilize them) like the academic support center, disability resource office, Office of Ombuds, campus police, food pantry, etc.