Join the Jayhawks at the University of Kansas
You’ve earned freshman admission to the University of Kansas — congratulations! In the weeks that lead up to your first day, you’ll take crucial steps that will shape your KU experience. Find a comprehensive list of those steps below.
First-time freshmen: Pay your enrollment deposit
If you are an incoming first-year student, you can pay your $275 enrollment deposit starting in mid-September once you've created your KU Online ID. This deposit confirms your place in the next KU class, covers the costs of Orientation and first-year programming, and pays for your KU Card. (Certain students may qualify for deferred payment.)
Additional steps for admitted students
Set up your KU Online ID and email address
Log in at this link and follow the instructions to obtain your assigned KU online ID and email address, set up account security, and create additional email aliases. You'll need your 7-digit student ID number (KUID) — not the username you used to apply online — you can find it at admissions.ku.edu/status and it is also in your admit packet (be sure to keep both your 7-digit student ID number (KUID) and KU online ID and password handy as you will use them often for next steps).
Plan for campus housing
Students who apply to KU by Dec. 1, 2025, and are admitted can complete the Housing and Residence Life application by Jan. 15, 2026, to qualify for the first room selection lottery groups. Students who apply after Dec. 1 and are admitted can still apply for housing but will be placed in the second set of lottery groups. To receive a group number, students must pay or defer the enrollment deposit by May 1. Room selection begins in mid-May.
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is available Oct. 1 at studentaid.gov. You must file the FAFSA to be considered for federal loans, grants, work-study, and some state and university aid. To qualify for financial aid with limited funds, file your FAFSA as soon as possible. The priority date is Feb. 1 for fall admits. KU’s school code is 001948.
Review your financial aid package
If you have been admitted for the fall semester and filed a FAFSA, we will email you a financial offer in March. The financial aid offer outlines your KU costs and how they’ll be covered. Review it carefully and refer to it during conversations with your family and your financial aid counselor.
Register for KU Orientation
If you complete or defer your deposit by Jan. 15, 2026, you’ll receive early access to Orientation registration on Jan. 30. Registration opens Feb. 2 for students who pay or defer their deposit after Jan. 15. Students enrolling for the spring semester can register in early October for spring orientation sessions. Please allow a minimum of two hours after payment for registration access.
Submit final transcripts and test scores
After you graduate, have an official copy of your final high school transcript sent to the Office of Admissions. Transcripts must include a graduation date. (Transcripts for spring enrollees should be sent in December.) If you have AP, IB, ACT, and/or SAT scores, submit these for math placement assistance. Please submit before your Orientation date or by July 1.
Next steps for admitted transfer students
If you’ve been accepted to KU and you're transferring from another institution, you have a short list of things to do before your first day of classes.
See next steps