New Student Task List

Welcome to Illinois! This New Student Task List outlines the key steps you’ll need to complete before attending New Student Registration and starting your journey as an Illini. Tasks are organized by timing and deadline, so be sure to read through the entire list and return to it throughout the summer to stay on track.

You're an Illini, Now What?

Two admissions tour guide students pose in front of the Alma Mater statue with arms stretched out.

1. Say Yes! (by May 1)

Follow the steps in your admissions offer. You can accept your offer of admission any time until May 1. To do so, you must submit a nonrefundable acceptance fee of $150 using a credit or debit card. If you were approved for an application fee waiver, the acceptance fee will be waived.  

Accept Your Offer of Admission

Hands typing on a computer keyboard at a desk.

2. NetID and Technology (before arriving on campus)

Claim and set your NetID and NetID password, and enroll in multi-factor authentication by completing the Student Technology checklist before arriving on campus in the fall.

Complete the Student Technology Checklist

Exterior of Wassaja Hall with courtyard and sculpture during fall.

3. Apply for Housing (24 hours after accepting offer)

First-year students and transfer students who have completed less than 30 credit hours must live in University Housing or Private Certified Housing. You can apply for University Housing 24 hours after accepting the university's offer of admission. At that time, you may complete your contract online with your housing advance payment, or apply online with a Private Certified Housing facility. University Housing's priority deadline is May 8. Private Certified Housing halls fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so deadlines to guarantee space vary.

Apply for University Housing Explore Private Certified Housing

Silhouette of a student studying in the atrium of the Grainger College of Engineering Electrical & Computer Engineering building (ECE).

4. Complete your FAFSA (ASAP)

If you're interested in financial aid, we encourage you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible and have it sent to us. Financial Aid Notifications are generally available beginning in mid-March. International students are not eligible for financial aid and don't submit the FAFSA.

Submit the FAFSA

A student works on her laptop under a tree on the Main Quad with Foellinger Auditorium in the background.

5. Register for New Student Registration (begins mid-March)

New Student Registration sign-ups begin in mid-March. To sign up, you'll need to log in to myIllini.

Sign Up for NSR About NSR NSR FAQs

Computer lab with rows of desktop computers and individual workstations.

6. Complete the following two weeks before your New Student Registration date (all open beginning of May)

  1. Complete your placement test(s) through Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL).
  2. Complete your college-level worksheet in myIllini.
  3. Complete Part 1 of your online orientation in Canvas. 

Placement Testing Information Complete College-Level Worksheet Complete Online Orientation (Part 1)

McKinley Health Center flu shots sign outside campus building.

7. Complete the following (by July 1) 

  1. Upload your immunizations records 
    Review immunization requirements from the McKinley Health Center.
  2. Submit final transcripts (by July 1) 
    You must send official documentation of all courses and grades submitted through the application, including year 12 and high school graduation, by July 1. Transcripts need to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Review official transcript requirements for more information.
  3. ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test (must be received by July 1) 
    We highly recommend that official scores are submitted prior to your New Student Registration appointment.

Review Immunization Requirements Review Transcript Requirements

Exterior of the Illini Union in the morning light.

8. Attend New Student Registration  

Attend New Student Registration to meet other new students, connect with your academic advisor, register for classes, and learn about campus resources that will support your transition to Illinois. 

Sign up for NSR

Silhouettes of students seated in a classroom discussion.

9. Submit AP and IB scores 

Score reports will need to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Any AP or IB scores should be sent through the testing agency to receive credit.

Proficiency Testing Information

Student sitting a desk with a laptop and headphones on.

10. Complete Part 2 of your online orientation (opens beginning of August) 

Complete Part 2 of your online orientation to explore campus life, student support resources, and important information to help you prepare for your arrival at Illinois.

Complete Online Orientation (Part 2)

Large circular lecture hall with students seated and an instructor presenting.

11. Complete Expected Programming (opens by August) 

The university expects all first-year students (freshmen and transfers) to complete orientation programming: ACE IT, FYCARE, I-Connect, SOS for Higher Ed, and Sex-Base Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Training.

Expected Programming Information

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12. Attend Welcome Week (August 17–23)

Participate in Welcome Week events to connect with other students, explore campus, and learn about opportunities and traditions that will help you start strong at Illinois.

Welcome Week Information