First-Year Students
Congratulations on your acceptance to CU Boulder! 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!
- ·¡³¾²¹¾±±ôÌýwelcome@colorado.edu
- Call or text 303-492-4431.
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.
Get Started
Your IdentiKey (your CU login name and password) is used to access online services and applications at CU Boulder.ÌýIt typically takes three to five business days after you activateÌýbefore you can access these services.
Deadline: Complete as soon as possible
All CU Boulder faculty, staff and students receive a CU Boulder 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 SurveyÌýand let us know what you think about CU Boulder, why you decided to come here and your expectations about your first semester.
The first step in the financial aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include CU Boulder’s School Code: 001370. After the Office of Financial Aid receives your FAFSA, they will be in contact with you.
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, 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.
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
CU Boulder 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
Advising and registration
You are encouraged to complete placement assessments as soon as you can as results may impact registration.
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.
Before arriving on campus
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
All students must completeÌý,ÌýimmunizationÌýand health questionnaire requirements beforeÌýtheir first semester at CU.Ìý
Deadline: Due dates vary
After arriving on campus
Join us for orientation! You'll learn about campus resources and meet other new Buffs.
Undergraduate Student Orientation is Jan. 10, 2025.