New Student Checklist

Transition smoothly to WSU Vancouver by completing this checklist.

Veterans—Check out the New Student Veteran Checklist for a step-by-step guide to joining the ranks of WSU Vancouver.

International students—Complete the mandatory International Student Tutorial.

  1. Confirm your enrollment
  2. Check your financial aid status
  3. Take math and writing placement assessments
  4. Complete online pre-orientation modules
  5. Complete your admission file
  6. Meet with an advisor and register for classes
  7. Attend in-person orientation program
  8. Access your official WSU email account
  9. Coordinate transportation and housing
  10. Apply for accessibility accommodations
  11. Purchase books
  12. Pay your tuition and fees
  13. Check your class schedule
  14. Get connected now!

Your checklist


1. Confirm your enrollment

Make it official! Confirm your plans to enroll at WSU Vancouver so you can connect with academic advising and registration.

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2. Check your financial aid status

View your status in the “Finances” tile in myWSU, including your financial aid award summary, to-do list and student account activity.

Attend an A – Z of Paying for College Workshop to learn more.

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3. Take math and writing placement assessments, if required

Depending on your major and/or prior courses in college-level math, you may need to take a math placement assessment. If you haven’t earned credit for a college-level writing course, you must also take the writing placement assessment. Check exam websites for details. You may not be able to register for classes until you have taken placement assessments.

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4. Complete online pre-orientation modules

This online course is mandatory for all incoming students. These modules should be completed prior to attending the in-person New Coug Orientation program. Most students take about 1 – 2 hours to complete the course.

You will be given access to the modules via email.

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5. Complete your admission file

Once your final grades have posted, submit final official transcripts from high school and/or college. If you have AP, IB, or other exam-based credit you want to use, order official score reports to be sent to WSU.

Running Start and dual enrollment students: final college transcripts are the only way to transfer your college credit to WSU, so we strongly recommend you submit them! Learn how to submit transcripts.

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6. Meet with an advisor and register for classes

You will receive information about the advising and registration process via email after you confirm your enrollment.

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7. Attend in-person orientation program

Attending orientation is mandatory for all new students.

Information about orientation will be emailed to you after you confirm your enrollment. Keep an eye out for more information!

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8. Access your official WSU email account

Log into office365.wsu.edu with your Network ID and password.

All official university emails will be sent to your WSU email address starting on the first day of the term.

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9. Coordinate transportation and housing

Parking permits are required for campus parking.

C-TRAN Bus Passes may be ordered from the Cashier at the Cougar Center.

Although WSU Vancouver does not offer housing on campus, there are many local options for living nearby.

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10. Apply for accessibility accommodations

WSU Vancouver Access Center serves students with physical, health, learning, sensory, or psychological disabilities that are temporary, chronic or permanent. If you have a disability or medical condition and need accommodations or services to remove barriers to your education, familiarize yourself with the Access Center and complete the Access Center New Student Application, or contact van.access.center@wsu.edu or 360-546-9739 for more information.

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11. Purchase books

After registering for classes, you can purchase or rent your textbooks at The Bookie on campus or online. You may also purchase books from other vendors, but remember: The Bookie will price match!

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12. Pay your tuition and fees

WSU does not mail billing statements

Log into myWSU and click on “Finances” to view your student account balance. Bills, charges and financial aid will post the week prior to the start of classes. Pay through myWSU or at the Cashier in the Student Services Center.

Recommended actions to take before your bill posts:

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13. Check your class schedule

Confirm class locations and times a few days before classes begin. They may have changed from when you originally registered. Log into myWSU to view your schedule.

Pro tip: visit campus before your first day of class and find your classrooms so you know exactly where to go!

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14. Get connected now!

You can get connected on campus in many ways—attend upcoming events, such as the Back to School BBQ or guest lectures; go on trips and join student organizations. Jumpstart your student experience. Create your Coug Presence account to browse clubs and upcoming events.

Check out the events calendar for upcoming listings. Learn about student organizations offered on campus.

Start your VanCoug Journey today to explore your campus opportunities and for guidance on making the most of your time at WSU Vancouver.

Login to Handshake with your WSU Network ID and password to start building your career profile. Search for jobs on and off campus, learn about career events, schedule an appointment with career staff, and network with employers.

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Extra credit: learn the WSU Fight Song!

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