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New Student Checklist

A female orientation leader in maroon and gold leads a group of students on a campus tour near the Central Michigan University seal in Warriner Mall

Now that you've signed up for New Student Orientation, here are a few things you need to do before attending your Orientation Day and beginning your first semester.

Complete online requirements 

Once you register for new student orientation, you'll have some requirements to complete online. If you have already registered for orientation, make sure to check your personal email (email on your CMU application) for more information.

In addition to those online requirements, be sure you take care of the following items:

Being a student

  • Activate your CMU Account. Your CMU account provides you access to your CMU email, housing application, financial aid package, and just about everything you need as a CMU student. Set up your account using your New CMU Account PIN found at the bottom of your admissions letter and in your applicant portal.

  • Get your CMU ID card. Once you register for classes, you have the option of having a physical ID or setting up a mobile ID. You can get started visiting the Central Card webpage. 

  • Learn about CMU Technology. Get familiar with all the technology you use as a CMU student. This page contains some of the most important technology-related topics and frequently asked questions from a new CMU student's perspective.

Living on campus 

  • Apply for housing and/or complete the housing process (if applicable). Check your mail and email for information on the housing process. It will be sent to you soon after your enrollment deposit is processed and continue as you complete each step of the process. Contact the Office of Residence Life with questions. 
  • Register your vehicle. If you're bringing a car to campus, make sure it's registered with Parking Services.

Academics 

  • Send your official transcripts. In order to have your academic history evaluated and applied to your Central Michigan University record, send your final transcripts from your prior schools as soon as you have completed classes. If you are just finishing high school, be sure to have your high school send your final transcript after your graduation date. Please email apply@cmich.edu or mail them to the following address:

Central Michigan University
Attn: Transcript Department
802 Industrial Drive
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

Verify transfer credits, along with credits from AP, CLEP and IB, on Degree Progress.

  • Purchase textbooks and course materials. New, used, rental and digital options are available at the CMU Bookstore. You can also compare prices from other retailers.
  • Not sure about your major? Explore career options and find out more about yourself with resources available from the Career Development Center.

  • Explore academic and student resources. Start to explore all the academic resources you have available as a student (tutoring, Writing Center, Math Center, and many more!)

Finances

  • Double-check your finances. If you filed your FAFSA, the government may require you to upload certain documents or provide additional information to complete the process. Log into the Financial Aid Portal (Cmich login required)  to check on the status of your financial aid and plan finances for the year. 

  • Schedule a financial meeting. Take some time to schedule an appointment with a financial advisor in CMU's OneCentral office. 

  • Submit your Authorized Payer Form. You must complete this form if you want anyone besides you to be able to talk about your bill or finances with CMU staff.

Online resources and publications

We have many online resources available to you 24/7 to answer the questions you may have about CMU and life in Mt Pleasant. And if not, feel free to connect with us for more information!