First-Year Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ! 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.

Spring 2025 Dates

  • Jan. 10: Undergraduate Student Orientation
  • Jan. 10: Graduate Student Orientation
  • Jan. 13: First day of classes
  • Jan. 14: Immunizations due
  • Feb. 13: Health insurance and Healthy Buffs Check-in due

Get Started

Activate IdentiKey

Your IdentiKey (your CU login name and password) is used to access online services and applications at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ.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 ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ email

All ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ faculty, staff and students receive a ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ 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 ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ, why you decided to come here and your expectations about your first semester.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The first step in the financial aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ’s School Code: 001370. After the Office of Financial Aid receives your FAFSA, they will be in contact with you.

Keep applying for scholarships!Ìý

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 is coming soon!

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

You must complete the Online Experience 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:ÌýDec. 13, 2024

Submit your Buff OneCard photo

Check your Holds & To-Dos

¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ 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.

Learn more and complete placement assessmentsÌý

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.

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.

Class registration opens Dec. 2.

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

Undergraduate Student Orientation

Join us for orientation! You'll learn about campus resources and meet other new Buffs.

Undergraduate Student Orientation is Jan. 10, 2025.

Spring Welcome

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

Learn more about Spring 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 ResourcesÌý