First-Year Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ! We are excited to have you join our Buff family and begin your CU journey. Make sure to complete these important steps before the semester begins.

We want to make sure you have a smooth transition to CUÌýBoulder and are here if you need us!


Get Started Ìý Ìý Advising and registration Ìý Ìý Before arriving on campus Ìý Ìý After arriving on campus Ìý

Need to change your major?

Students wishing to change majors can log in to their . There, you will see an option to submit a major change request form. Please complete that form to be considered. Major changes are not guaranteed, and there are typically additional steps needed when requesting to change from one college or school into another. If you are requesting a second major change, please contact your admission counselor.

Summer & Fall 2024 Dates

May 4:ÌýÌýandÌýPlacement AssessmentsÌýavailable

May-June: Students are encouraged to complete the Online Experience and Placement Assessments

May 20-June 13: Transfer student registration

June-July: Advising appointments (group or individual)

July - Aug.: First-year student registration (by enrollment window)

July 15-Aug. 18: Transfer student registration

July 17: Buff OneCard photoÌýdeadline

Aug. 12: Immunizations due

Aug. 19-22: New student move in

Aug. 19-Sept. 6: Fall Welcome

Aug. 19: International Student Orientation

Aug. 21:ÌýCommuter Student Orientation

Aug. 22:ÌýTransfer Student Orientation

Aug. 25:ÌýFirst-Gen Student Orientation

Aug. 26: First day of classes

Sept. 15:Health insurance and HealthyBuffs Check-in due

Get Started

Activate IdentiKey

Your IdentiKey (your CU login name and password) is used to access online services and applications at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ.ÌýIt typically takes three to five business days after you activateÌýbefore you can access these services.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible

Log in to your ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ email

All ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ faculty, staff and students receive a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ email account. We will use this account to communicate with you, so please use your IdentiKey to log in and start using it.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible and check regularly

Complete the New Student Survey

Complete the New Student SurveyÌýand let us know what you think about ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ, why you decided to come here and your expectations about your first semester.

Deadline: Aug. 15, 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The first step in the financial aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ School Code: 001370. After the Office of Financial Aid receives your FAFSA, they will be in contact with you.

Keep applying for scholarships!

Campus Housing

Explore your living options to find the space that is right for you and check out all of our living experiences.Ìý

The housing application process for new incoming studentsÌýopens March 4, 2024.

Priority deadline: June 5, 2024

New Student Housing Application Process

Complete the Online Experience

Complete the Online Experience, our virtual orientation program. You’ll learn more about health and wellness, advising, registering for classes and more.Ìý

Deadline:ÌýEncouraged to complete by June 30.ÌýIt must be completed before you can register for classes.

Submit your Buff OneCard photo

Your Buff OneCard serves as your campus identification and therefore you mustÌýsubmit your Buff OneCard photo. Depending on your student status and choices, it may also carry your meal plan, allow you to pay for laundry,Ìýaccess to your residence hall and more!

Deadline:ÌýJuly 17, 2024

Submit your BuffOne Card photo

Buffalo Summer Experience

The Buffalo Summer Experience is your opportunity to connect with campus and fellow Buffs before the fall semester begins. Choose the experience that best meets your needs and interests.ÌýÌý

All incoming students are encouraged to participate in one summer experience.Ìý

Deadline:ÌýRegister between May and June

Learn more about the Buffalo Summer Experience

Check your Holds & To-Dos

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ assigns holds or to-dos to inform you of steps you may need to complete. A hold prevents you from taking some kind of action (such as registering for classes) until it is resolved. A to-do is a recommended action that certain students need to complete.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible

Stay connected

Follow @CUBoulderLife on , , and .

Advising and registration

Complete your placement assessments

You are encouraged to complete placement assessments as soon as you can as results may impact registration.

Deadline: Encouraged to complete by June 13

Learn more and complete placement assessments

Advising appointment

Connect with your academic advisor for questions about your first semester schedule, transfer credit and finding the academic path that is right for you. Be sure to complete the Online Experience before scheduling an appointment.

Deadline: Encouraged to complete May-July

Class registration

You must complete the Online Experience before you can register for classes.ÌýYou do not have to come to campus to register.ÌýAfter completing the Online Experience, you will be able to choose a registration window.

Deadline: Registration windows are in July and August

Before arriving on campus

Submit final transcripts

Make sure to submit your final transcripts to the Office of Admissions. These must be submitted directly by your high school or previous institution.

Transcripts can be emailed to transcripts@colorado.edu.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible

Submit your transcripts

Complete the health requirements

All students must completeÌý,ÌýimmunizationÌýand health questionnaire requirements beforeÌýtheir first semester at CU.Ìý

Deadline: Due dates vary

New student health requirements

After arriving on campus

Fall Welcome

Fall Welcome gives new studentsÌýthe opportunity to connect with fellow Buffs, faculty and staff, learn CU traditions and learn more about campus resources.Ìý

Fall Welcome takes place Aug. 19 - Sept. 6

Learn more about Fall Welcome

New Student Resources

Before the semester begins, be sure to check out New Student Resources to learn more about campus services, ways to get involved and important things to know about life as a Buff.

Find New Student Resources