Now that you’re part of the Ram Family, there are a few more steps to take to prepare for the first day of class. Below you’ll find detailed information that will guide you through the enrollment process. We’re here for you if you have any questions.
Click on each step to jump to detailed information about why each step is important and the actions you need to take to check it off the list.
Reserve your spot in our incoming class by paying your $300 enrollment deposit, which covers new student charges and a portion of your first semester tuition. You’ll be able to access Ram Orientation sign-up and the on-campus housing application after you deposit.
Once you have accessed the “Tell Us Your Plans” module, you’ll be prompted to take one of the following actions.
Depositing on time helps us plan for your arrival and ensure your spot in the incoming class. If your plans change, contact us to update your application to a future term or to cancel your confirmation (refund policy).
Orientation registration for students starting classes in summer or fall 2023 opens January 25, 2023.
All new students are required to attend Ram Orientation to meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, learn about CSU traditions, and get introduced to campus services. It’s an important time to connect with others in your class and to meet the current students, faculty and staff who will help you be successful.
Many of the other steps for admitted students are important to complete before attending Ram Orientation so that your advisors are able to help you plan for the upcoming year.
In addition to the general transfer orientation track, an Adult Learner and Veteran Student Track is available to non-traditional students who qualify based on characteristics such as family status, work situations, time away from college, or military background.
It’s important to sign up for an orientation session early so that the Registrar’s Office has time to complete your transfer evaluation before you meet with your advisor. While the evaluation can take up to 30 business days after you’ve been admitted (international work may take longer), your evaluation will be prioritized to meet your orientation session if possible. The Registrar’s Office will email your university email account when your evaluation is complete, and your evaluation will be posted to RAMweb.
CSU offers a wide selection of housing and dining options to ensure all students feel at home on campus. Transfers are welcome but not required to live on campus. There are designated floors in our residence halls and on-campus apartments specifically for transfers, juniors, and seniors.
Learn more about Residence Halls and University Apartments now or check your Find Your Place housing guide in your admit packet. Questions about living on campus, the housing application, or the $350 housing deposit can be directed to Housing & Dining Services. (The housing deposit is waived for students who qualify for a need-based enrollment deposit deferral.)
Off-Campus Life offers resources to help you make a successful transition to the Fort Collins community beyond finding a place to live. You are encouraged to start your search for off-campus housing early; while turnover is common at the beginning and end of each academic term, leases may need to be secured several weeks in advance.
Finding your financial fit is an important part of choosing the right university, and one of the most important aspects of your financial fit is aid. We recommend pursuing as many types of funding as possible including grants, scholarships, loans, work study, and student employment to help offset the investment of college.
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the full range of financial aid at Colorado State. All students are encouraged to apply because some merit-based aid requires FAFSA information. The FAFSA opens in December.
Be sure to check RAMweb and your university email account regularly once you submit the FAFSA in case additional information or verification is required to complete your financial aid award.
You automatically will be considered for admissions-based scholarships if you submit a complete application by June 1 for fall semester or November 1 for spring semester, and award notification generally is sent out within one month of admission. To be considered for fall-entry only awards offered through CSU academic departments and the Office of Financial Aid, submit the Colorado State University Scholarship Application (CSUSA), available in RAMweb between October 1 and March 1.
You also are encouraged to research available state and federal need-based grants.
There are several types of loans that you can apply to your cost of education. These are provided by the government, University, and private lenders. Many loans require you to complete the FAFSA.
Work study and student employment may provide you with valuable work experience through the University while helping offset the cost of education. Learn more about work study and student employment opportunities and requirements.
There are some key placement steps to complete before Ram Orientation.
You do not need to complete the Composition Directed Self-Placement Survey (DSP) if:
Be sure to submit official test scores for placement and transfer credit purposes. If you have completed college work that hasn’t yet been evaluated for transfer credit, bring a copy of your transcript with you to Orientation.
When in doubt, complete the placement steps; your results do not bind you to a particular course of action, but they can help you keep your options open.
When you review the placement procedures, you’ll see information about two additional placements:
Your admission is provisional until we receive a final, official college transcript showing satisfactory completion of any work in progress at the point of admission.
To avoid possible delays or holds on your financial aid or course registration, submit your final transcript by July 1 for a fall semester start or January 2 for a spring semester start. Transcripts for summer work should be submitted as soon as available.
Complete the steps on CSU Health Network’s New Student Checklist to support our commitment to a safe and healthy campus. Steps include submitting required health and immunization records, completing the online Alcohol EDU and Haven Sexual Assault Prevention programs, and documenting insurance coverage.
You can take care of this step any time before you enroll; many students bring health records with them to Orientation.