Checklist

It's time to get ready for URochester! Before we welcome you to campus and you begin your first semester, there are some tasks that you need to complete.

Incoming Spring 2027 students

Below are tasks for students beginning their studies in January 2027. If you are beginning your studies in August 2027, this checklist will be updated with tasks relevant to you in May 2027.

Enrollment tasks

First things, first! Before completing any of the tasks on this checklist, set up your online accounts and update your family's contact information.

Questions? Email univithelp@rochester.edu.

Activate your online accounts

About two business days after you make your enrollment deposit, you will receive an email requesting that you activate your NetID and enroll in Duo.

  • NetID: your unique personal identifier for securely accessing a variety of online services, including your Rochester email address
  • Duo: the University's two-factor authentication tool to protect your and the University's data
Instructions
  1. Navigate to the University Account Initialization page.
  2. Enter your eight-digit University ID number (included in the email you received from Admissions), the CAPTCHA, and your date of birth.
  3. Tap Continue.
  4. Follow the directions to create your NetID password. You will also be asked to set up password recovery questions in case you forget your password, as well as connect your phone number or mobile device to your account to enable Duo two-factor authentication.
Complete your UR Student onboarding tasks

After activating your NetID and enrolling in Duo, you'll need to complete your onboarding tasks in UR Student, the University's student information system. UR Student is where you will register for your courses, manage your student financial account, and update your personal information.

Instructions

Log into UR Student with your Active Directory (AD) credentials, and select the My Tasks icon (left of your profile picture). Select each item in the All Tasks pane and follow the instructions to complete the following tasks:

  1. Review your home contact information and update your address(es) and/or phone number(s) as needed.
  2. Review your friend and family contacts listed and make any necessary updates, including their contact information. Make sure to have at least one contact labeled as your emergency contact.
  3. Review your settings for AlertUR, the University's emergency notification system. As a new student, you are automatically enrolled in AlertUR with your Rochester email address. However, if you would like to receive alerts on your phone as well, make sure to update those settings during this step.
  4. Review the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement and note that you consent to the agreement with your electronic signature.
  5. Consent to receive your IRS Form 1098-T electronically. This is a tax form that the University generates each year for you, if you have qualifying financial activity on your student account.
Access your URochester email account

As a student, you will be provided with a Gmail account to use during your time at URochester. The format of your student email address is: netID@u.rochester.edu

Your email account is set up for you automatically—all you need to do is navigate to the login page and enter your NetID and password to access your account.

Confirm/update your parent or guardian's email address

If you didn't update your parent and guardian's contact information when completing your onboarding tasks in UR Student (see Complete your UR Student onboarding tasks above), make sure to verify that all the information is correct. The University will be using the contact information provided in your UR Student account to send your parent(s) or guardian(s) important communications ahead of your arrival to campus.

Review IT resources for incoming students

Technology is a vital part of your experience at URochester. University IT has put together a list of items you can complete ahead of your arrival to campus, as well as right after you arrive, to ensure you and your devices are best prepared for your first semester.

Academic advising and course registration

Ahead of your arrival to campus, you will be able to register for your classes online in UR Student, the University's student information system, after connecting with your college advisor. Follow the steps below to prepare for your advising discussions and registration.

Questions? Contact the Center for Advising Services at cascas@ur.rochester.edu.

December tasks

In December, you'll apply for on-campus housing and submit your meal plan selections submit a photo for your campus ID card, and submit your required health forms.

Due December 15: Submit your housing and dining contract form

This form is required for all new students (including those living in off-campus housing, as you will need to make your dining meal plan selections). Follow the instructions listed on the Residential Life and Housing Services website to complete your contract form in the StarRez portal.

There are separate instructions for first-year students and transfer and exchange students. You will need your Active Directory credentials (which you should have set up during your enrollment tasks) in order to complete the contract form.

If you need to apply for housing accommodations due to a disability, review information and instructions on the Residential Life website.

Helpful resources

Questions? Email housing@reslife.rochester.edu.

Due December 21: Register for Spring Welcome Week

Registration for Welcome Week is required for all incoming students and any family members/guests planning to attend. If you are arriving to campus from a location outside of the U.S., you'll also be able to indicate your interest in purchasing a dorm pack on this form. 

A dorm (linen) pack is intended for your first few nights in Rochester or until you able to purchase linens locally. The dorm pack includes the following items in neutral colors:

  • One pillow
  • One blanket
  • One twin XL sheet set (includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and one pillowcase)
  • One laundry bag
  • One bath towel

Questions? Email orientation@rochester.edu. 

Beginning December 21: View your housing assignment

Spring housing assignments and information on your assigned roommate will be sent to your URochester email address beginning Monday, December 21, directly from Residential Life.

Questions? Email housing@reslife.rochester.edu.

Due December 27: Submit your campus ID photo

Your URochester campus ID card is not just your official student identification! It also offers you access to secure campus buildings (including your residence hall!) and links to your online accounts to campus services including libraries, dining centers, the bookstore, laundry machines, copiers, and vending machines.

In order to have your campus ID card available for pickup on arrival day, you will need to submit a photo of yourself to be printed on your card by the date listed above.

Beginning Tuesday, November 17, the ID Office will send you an email with instructions for submitting a photo online. (The email will be sent from id-photo-submissions@notices.rochester.edu.)

Please note: If you do not submit a photo, you will need to visit the ID Office on Spring Arrival Day to have your photo taken and your ID card printed on-site, which may result in long wait times.

Questions? Call (585) 275-3975. 

By December 31: Finalize your travel to Rochester

Review transportation options and area accommodations to book your travel to Rochester.

Due December 31: Set up your PathwayU account

Choosing a career path or program of study can be difficult. PathwayU offers personalized insights into your interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences, allowing you to make informed decisions by identifying meaningful education and career paths supported by ongoing conversation with your advisor.

Instructions
  1. Log into PathwayU using your URochester email address.
  2. Take the Interests, Values, Personality, and Workplace Preferences assessments.
  3. View your individual assessment reports, career matches, favorite career pathways, and connections to University of Rochester majors.
  4. On the Assessments tab, click download to save your report for your upcoming meeting with your academic advisor.

Questions? Email career.center@rochester.edu.

Due December 31: Register for UHSConnect

UHSConnect is a secure web portal that gives you easy access to your University health records and allows you to securely message your healthcare team at the University Health Service and University Counseling Center.

You will be able to complete this task beginning Monday, November 16.

Questions? Email hhf@uhs.rochester.edu.

Due December 31: Upload your required health forms

Once you've set up your UHSConnect account, you'll need to complete the Health History & Immunization Form and Allergy & Medication Form as part of the University's health requirements for all full-time students.

You will be able to complete this task beginning Monday, November 16.

Questions? Email hhf@uhs.rochester.edu.

Spring 2027

Tuition bill

Your Spring 2027 tuition bill will be available to view beginning Wednesday, November 11. You will be billed each semester and charges are due on the tenth of the month unless otherwise specified. You (and your authorized family or friends) will receive an email notification to view your bill in your UR Student account before it is due.

January tasks

In January, you'll confirm your textbooks and course materials through the UR Essentials program and get ready to travel to campus.

By January 6: Request a parking permit (if eligible)

If you fall into one of the following student types, you are eligible for a student parking permit. Please see below for specific instructions for obtaining the type of permit available to you.

Commuter student parking permits
  • Eligibility: Available to sophomore, junior, or senior transfer students living off-campus; first-year students living at home in Rochester
  • Cost: $301 for the 2026-27 academic year
  • Instructions: Please contact the Parking Office directly to request your commuter student parking permit.
Residential student parking permits
  • Eligibility: Available to sophomore, junior, or senior transfer student living in on-campus housing
  • Cost: $500 for the 2026-27 academic year
  • Instructions: Please contact the Parking Office directly after receiving your housing assignment to request your residential student parking permit.

Please note: First-year residential students cannot bring a car to campus and therefore, are not eligible for a parking permit.

Questions? Email parking@rochester.edu.

By January 7: Complete international student pre-arrival module (international students only)

All incoming international students are required to complete the International Services Office's online training module on preparing for studies and life in the U.S. and Rochester.

Questions? Email iso@rochester.edu.

Due January 8: Complete your writing self-placement survey

This module is required for all incoming students and will help you discern which writing course best suits your experience. We strongly recommend that you complete the survey before you register for your spring classes, but you the final deadline is Friday, January 8.

Instructions
  1. Log into your Blackboard account.
  2. Navigate to the organization titled Rochester Ready: Spring 2027 under My Organizations.
  3. Select Writing Self-Placement Survey in the menu.
  4. Follow the prompts to read through the instructions and begin the survey.

Questions? Email writingplacement@ur.rochester.edu.

On January 8: Attend webinar on arrival and immigration compliance (international students only)

Time: 9 a.m. (EST)

Register for this required webinar, hosted by the International Services Office, to prepare for your arrival to the U.S. and review important visa compliance information, building upon the pre-arrival orientation you already reviewed in Homebase. This webinar is required for all new international students at the University of Rochester, even if you've previously studied at another school in the United States.

Due January 10: Submit your AP and/or IB exam scores (if needed)

URochester allows you to use Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Program examination scores for placement in more advanced courses in a subject area. If you're interested in submitting your scores to the University, contact your secondary school's counselor or IB program coordinator.

Questions? Email cascas@ur.rochester.edu.

Due January 10: Submit your final transcript

You'll need to submit a final transcript from your previous institution (high school for first-year students and a college or university for transfer students) before you begin your studies at URochester.

Admissions will send you a reminder email if you have not yet submitted the final transcript from your secondary school or previous higher education institution to the University. If you are unable to submit your final transcript by the deadline listed, please do so as soon as possible.

Questions? Email admit@admissions.rochester.edu.

Beginning January 11: Mail packages to the Campus Mail Center

You can begin having packages delivered to the University on the date listed above. To send a package to campus ahead of your arrival, simply put your name above the University's mailing address to ensure that the Campus Mail Center can correctly identify your package:

Student Name
500 Joseph C Wilson Blvd
Rochester, NY 14627

Questions? Email cmc@facilities.rochester.edu.

Due January 13: Confirm your textbooks and course materials

UR Essentials is a program in partnership with Barnes & Noble that ensures you receive all required textbooks and course materials before your first day of classes.

Instead of buying your textbooks separately, the cost for all required materials will now be covered through your tuition payment. Physical books will be bundled for easy pick-up and digital materials will be available through Blackboard.

Beginning Sunday, December 20, Barnes & Noble will contact you at your URochester email address. You will receive two emails:

  1. 24 hours after registering (or on December 20, whichever comes first): account setup and confirming your materials
  2. Once your items are ready: notification that your materials are ready for pickup

Please note: If the Barnes & Noble email gives you the option to have the materials shipped directly to you at home, please make sure to select in-store pick-up instead, as the materials will likely be delivered after you've already left home for campus.

Questions? Email bookstorecustomercare@bncollege.com.

Due January 13: Complete the academic honesty tutorial

After you watch the required resource video, this tutorial will help you learn the principles and practical applications of the University's academic honesty policy and process. 

Instructions
  1. Log into your Blackboard account with your Active Directory credentials.
  2. Navigate to the organization titled Rochester Ready: Spring 2027 in the title under My Organizations.
  3. Select Academic Honesty Tutorial in the main menu to begin the module.

Questions? Email honestyliaison@ur.rochester.edu.

Due January 13: Watch all required resource videos

As part of Rochester Ready, your online orientation program, you must watch all required resource videos by Wednesday, January 13.

Due January 15: Complete the Parents Program Information Form

This required form enables the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement and the Parents Program to send them information on upcoming family events and engagement opportunities.

Instructions
  1. Log into your MyROC account.
  2. Click the Parents Program Information Form listed under Required Forms for Enrolling Students on your dashboard.
  3. Complete all applicable sections of the form. You may need your parent or guardian to help in completing the parent/guardian information section(s).
  4. Submit the form.

Questions? Email admit@admissions.rochester.edu.

By January 31: Complete the online health insurance process

Every year you are enrolled at the University, you must document your health insurance coverage during the appropriate open enrollment period by either enrolling in the UR Student Health Insurance Plan or waiving the plan if you are already enrolled in a qualifying healthcare plan.

You will be able to complete this task beginning Tuesday, November 17.

Please note: If you are planning to waive the UR Student Health Insurance Plan because you are already enrolled in a qualifying healthcare plan, we encourage you to complete this process as soon as you submit your enrollment deposit to avoid having the health insurance plan fee added to your tuition bill. If you do not waive the plan, the fee will show on your spring tuition billing statement until you complete the waiver process. 

Questions? Email insurance@uhs.rochester.edu.