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 $221 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 student ID number — 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 student ID number and KU online ID and password handy as you will use them often for next steps).
Apply for on-campus housing
The 2023 Housing application will open in early November. If you applied for admission by KU’s Nov. 1 early action deadline and sign your housing contract by Dec. 1, then you’ll be among the first group to select rooms, floor plans, and roommates. Those who applied for admission after Nov. 1 will be in a lottery selection. If you’re interested in a scholarship hall, apply for it by March 1 to be part of the priority review. (Note that going through the housing selection process does not commit you to attending KU and you can cancel until June 1 without any additional fees.)
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA becomes available online on Oct. 1. You must file this form to be considered for federal loans, grants, work-study, and some state and university aid. To qualify for financial aid with limited funds, file by the Feb. 1 FAFSA priority date. You may still file the FAFSA after the Feb. 1 priority date, but awards may be smaller and notification of those awards may come later. 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 link to a digital financial prospectus in the spring. This prospectus outlines your KU costs and how they’ll be covered. Review it carefully and refer to it during conversations with your family and financial aid counselor.
Register for KU Orientation
Orientation registration opens on Jan. 31 for early action freshmen and Feb. 1 for everyone else (it will unlock two hours after you make your enrollment deposit). Freshmen students entering in the fall will attend summer Orientation. Enrolling for the spring semester? Register in early October for spring orientation sessions.
Submit final transcripts and test scores
Official or unofficial high school transcripts are required for KU scholarship eligibility. Transcripts must include a graduation date. (Transcripts for spring enrollees should be sent in December.) Although we encourage students to submit their ACT or SAT scores, they are not required for general admission or scholarships and will not negatively impact KU’s decision.
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