Next Steps for Accepted
First Year Students
From housing to student ID cards, to orientation and the first day of class -- here are the next steps for new, incoming first year students after being accepted to West Chester University for Fall 2025.
FALL 2024:
1
Commit to Being a Golden Ram
Start your college journey at West Chester University! Log in to the Admissions Portal to pay the $200 enrollment deposit.
WHEN: After you've been accepted and you decide to attend WCU (congrats!).
2
Celebrate and Share
Download printable signs, Snapchat filters, IG Stickers, phone backgrounds and more!
3
Set up your West Chester University account (@wcupa.edu)
Your West Chester University Account is your access to student portals such as myWCU/RamPortal, D2L, Webmail and more!
Follow these steps to Set-up Your New Student Account
4
Upload a photo for your Ram Card
Your Ram Card (student ID card) provides you access to your residential building, library, printing, campus events, paying for meals from your meal plan, and more. Learn more about Ram Card
5
File your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. The FAFSA also helps WCU's Financial Aid Office determine how much additional financial aid students may receive.
WHEN: The 2025-2026 FAFSA form will be available on or before December 1, 2024.
Learn more about FAFSA updates from the U.S. Department of Education
Learn more about FAFSA updates from WCU's Financial Aid Office
WINTER 2025:
6
Apply for Scholarships
West Chester University offers scholarships based on academic pursuits, research activities, artistic and athletic talents, as well as to community service, financial need, and leadership.
WHEN: Scholarship Applications will open in February 2025. Many scholarships have an application deadline in May 2025 including the general scholarship application, however, some scholarship applications are open throughout the spring and summer.
SPRING 2025:
7
Register for Orientation
Ten student orientation days will be offered in June and July (you will attend one). At orientation, you will meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: Registration will open in March 2025.
8
Apply for Housing
Did you know 90% of first year students live on campus? West Chester offers two options for on-campus living: WCU Managed Housing (traditional) and USH Affiliated Housing. Explore the housing options at WCU
WHEN: The 2025-26 Housing Application for First Year & Transfer Students will open in March 2025.
HOW: Visit the First Year & Transfer Student Housing Application
9
Visit Campus
There's lots to learn about West Chester University and coming to campus is one of the best ways to do so! WCU's Admissions Office offers several ways to explore and connect on campus:
- Admitted Student Tour
An information session and q&a with current students followed by a walking tour of campus (60-90 minutes). - Accepted Student Days: Saturday, March 29 and Saturday, April 12
A half-day event to further explore student life and answer any questions you may have about becoming a Golden Ram.- Meet with the professors, academic departments, admissions staff, the financial aid office, the housing team and more
- Tour campus including WCU Managed Housing and USH Affiliated Housing
- Plus fun activities, giveaways and free WCU swag
- Visit campus online through our virtual campus tour
10
Complete the First-Year Placement Assessment
Classes for first year students are scheduled by WCU faculty/staff for the first semester. The First-Year Placement Assessment/Portal includes surveys and questions which help us to determine the best classes for you. The sooner you successfully complete of the First-Year Placement Assessment, the sooner you will receive your class schedule. Learn more about First Year Class Scheduling
WHEN: First-Year Placement Assessment will be available in May 2025.
HOW: By logging into myWCU
11
Complete the Housing Checklist
Living on campus? If so, you must complete the Housing Checklist including the on campus prerequisite form, selecting a meal plan, selecting a move-in timeslot and more.
WHEN: March 2025
HOW: Visit the Housing Checklist
12
Explore On Campus Meal Plans
With a variety of dining locations on campus, meal plans are the convenient way to eat and snack on campus.
First year students living on campus are required to select the Ultimate, Purple, or Gold meal plan.
View meal plan options: WCU Dining Services
WHEN: Meal plan selection opens in May 2025. If you are living on campus and do not select a meal plan by August 1, 2025, the Gold Meal Plan will automatically be selected for you.
HOW: Login to RamPortal and select to MyHousing card.
SUMMER 2025:
13
Receive your class schedule
WCU faculty/staff create your first semester class schedule based on your First Year Placement Assessment (#9 on this list).
WHEN: Class schedules will be released beginning June 2025 and continue to be released throughout the summer. The sooner you successfully complete of the First-Year Placement Assessment (open in spring 2025), the sooner you will receive your class schedule.
14
Complete your Pre-Orientation
The Pre-Orientation is an online introduction to West Chester University including videos about academic programs, student support services, student life, need-to-know information and tools to help make your time at college successful.
WHEN: Online Pre-Orientation is available in early June. Complete the online Pre-Orientation before your scheduled orientation day.
15
Attend Orientation
WCU's on-campus orientation is one full day packed with info and fun! Meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: Orientation days run late June through mid-July. Orientation days are organized by your selected major.
16
Select a move-in timeslot
First year students and transfer students move in on Thursday, August August 21 and Friday, August 22, 2025. Move-in days and times are based on your residence hall, floor, and class year.
WHEN: Move-in timeslot selection opens in July 2025.
17
Submit your final high school transcript
Your final, official high school transcript should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from your high school guidance office and must include full credit for senior year classes, a graduation date, and an official signature.
If you have completed college course(s) while in high school, you must also send an official college transcript to the Office of Admissions if you wish to have the course(s) evaluated for credit.
WHEN: Transcripts must be received before the start of the fall semester 2025 to avoid future holds on your WCU account.
HOW: Transcripts should be sent from your high school electronically (via ugadmissions@wcupa.edu or via Naviance) or via mail (Office of Admissions mailing address here).
18
Pay your fall semester tuition bill
WCU recognizes students are facing unprecedented conditions that impact their ability to secure timely financial aid and other funding to pay their fall bill. The Department of Education's postponement in FAFSA processing has impacted all institutions and is delaying students' access to funds to pay for their education.
More information is forthcoming. Learn more about your tuition bill, payment plans, and more on the Bursar's site.19
Provide Student Health Information
All entering students should provide information about immunity to certain communicable diseases. There are five forms to complete in the Student Health Services Portal:
- Consent for Treatment Form
- Health History
- Immunization History
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
In addition, students living on campus are required to complete the On Campus Living Prerequisite Form. This form includes the Housing Eligibility Questionnaire (a state-mandated criminal conduct and disciplinary history screening) and the Meningitis Waiver questions.
WHEN: Summer 2025.
20
Move-in to your new home at WCU
Welcome to your new home! Living on campus means your steps away from classes, the dining hall, the library, and campus events.
WHEN: First year students and transfer students move in dates: Thursday, August 21 or Friday, August 22, 2025.
21
Connect to Wifi (RamNet)
Wifi (RamNet) is included for all WCU students. All buildings, including residence halls, and most outdoor locations on campus have dense wireless coverage.
WHEN: While on campus
22
Attend Welcome Week
Welcome Week includes events and activities that will help you get connected, feel supported as you navigate college, and prepare for successful years at West Chester. A selection of Welcome Week events are mandatory for first-year students. Learn more about Welcome Week
WHEN: Thursday, August 21 - Sunday, August 24, 2025
23
It’s here! The first day of class!
WHEN: Monday, August 25, 2025
You're officially on your way as a West Chester University student! Don't forget there are hundreds of resources and supports on campus to help you be successful inside and outside the classroom. Helpful links for you: