The steps between being admitted to college and starting your first day of class may seem daunting, but once you break them down to manageable tasks, you’ll see how simple of a process it is. And to help you on your way, here’s everything laid out from acceptance to your first day of class. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact the Admissions Office through either a phone call or an email.
Hot Tip: If you’re not sure if you’re completing these tasks at the right time or in the right way, check your email. Students and their families will get frequent emails about preparing for registration from the admissions office. So, when in doubt, check your email, even your junk folder.
Tell Us Your Plans
Once you are admitted to the University of Montana, completing your Admitted Student Checklist is next big step to becoming a Griz. Learn more about your Admitted Student Checklist here, then log into your personalized checklist and tell us if you plan to enroll at UM.
Apply for Housing
One of the first things students will have to fill out is their housing application through the housing portal. The priority deadline for turning in housing applications is March 17th. All first-year students are required to live on campus for their first year in one of the residence halls. If you want to learn more about each residence hall, check out our Guide to UM’s Residence Halls.
Getting into a residence hall that you like with a community you connect with is vital. This allows you to be comfortable and create good relationships with roommates during your first year. There is also a housing deposit needed for your application, which is the only firm financial commitment before registering for classes.
Hot Tip: Residence hall room choices are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The earlier you apply the better chances you’ll get the room of your choice.
Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships are available through UM’s scholarship portal and open to students mid-January. Some scholarship deadlines depend on different groups, such as the Davidson Honors College, or the Forestry program. Scholarships are awarded on need rather than a first-come, first-served basis. However, it is still important to apply for scholarships as promptly as possible.
Read More: How Do I Pay for College?
Fill Out the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required before registration, but it is still a very important step for students to receive as much aid as possible. Parents and students fill out the FAFSA together, with aid provided based on last year’s tax returns.
FAFSA can be a difficult process and can cause some stress when preparing for your first year as a college student. To help ease some of this tension and answer some common questions about this application, here is a link to our blog article Five Tips for Filling out the FAFSA.
Visit Campus
Visiting campus is a great way to get excited about attending the University of Montana and to start thinking about what being on campus as a student is like. Even if you’re a local and have visited the university previously, once you’ve been accepted, campus feels like a different space when you’re visiting as a future student.
To schedule a campus tour, check out this campus tour blog to get the inside scoop of different tours available and schedule a campus tour. There are tours specifically for admitted students led by current students who can answer any questions you may have.
Prep for Class Registration
Your admissions advisor will create your first-year schedule based on your completion of the Academic Interest Questionnaire. It’s important to fill out this form promptly. You’ll find it in a personalized student checklist available to you after you’ve applied and committed to attending UM. Check your email for the link to this checklist. After your advisor registers you for classes, you are able to contact them to change your class schedule.
Big Sky Experience
Right before classes start, students will do online orientation and a Big Sky Experience. Big Sky Experiences are ways for students to spend a week with a group of people learning about something or doing something they’re interested in. There are many different types of Big Sky Experiences, including Breakfast Cookie Basics with the Missoula College culinary arts program, KGBA College Radio with the student radio station, and more!
The Big Sky Experience is a great way for students to get to know other people with similar interests to themselves. It also allows you to get used to being on campus and finding where buildings are that might be helpful to know about, like the University Commons, the Lodge, or the Library.
First Day of Classes
At the end of all this preparation, your college education begins! The first day of classes can be both exciting and stressful, with meeting new professors and students and trying to find the correct classrooms around campus. With the app Navigate, you have quick and easy access to your schedule, making this hunt for classes just a bit easier.
In addition to your class schedule, you can schedule appointments with your advisor through Navigate, meet with fellow students to study for a class, and access other useful resources to make the beginning and duration of your college experience easier. Something as simple as knowing what to expect for your classes on the first day can be helpful.
Hot Tip: To make sure you know where your classes are, take a bit of time before the first day of classes to find the classrooms your classes will be in. This will help alleviate some stress about the unknown of the first day.
Madison Knapp majors in creative writing at the University of Montana and minors in French. She is an out-of-state student from Bellingham, Washington, and has thoroughly enjoyed her time at UM. She is also a DHC student and a proud member of the Grizzly Marching Band.
