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.
Pay or defer 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.) Enrollment deposits are due by May 1, 2027.
Plan for on-campus housing
If you plan to live on campus, the Housing & Residence Life application will open in November. Applying for housing does not commit you to KU; it places you in a room selection lottery group based on your admission and housing application dates. To receive a group number, students must pay or defer the enrollment deposit by May 1. Room selection begins in mid-May. For details and the timeline, visit the housing website.
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA will be available starting in early October 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.
Register for KU Orientation
Orientation registration will open in February 2027. Orientation is held the summer before you begin classes and is required for all incoming students. You will need to submit your enrollment deposit to register for Orientation. Students enrolling for the spring 2027 semester can register for spring Orientation in early October. Please allow a minimum of two hours after payment for registration access. Pro tip: Submitting your enrollment deposit by Jan. 15 will give you early access to orientation registration!
Submit final transcripts and test scores
After you graduate, you’ll need to have an official copy of your final high school transcript sent to the Office of Admissions by July 1, 2027. Transcripts must include a graduation date. If you have AP, IB, ACT, and/or SAT scores, submit these for math placement assistance.
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