Before You Arrive

Wondering what you should be doing in order to prepare for your arrival to campus? Be sure to complete the following action items and review the rest of the New Students website to ensure you are as prepared as possible.

May 2024 Checklist

Enrollment

  • Submit your Room and Board Application via the WashU Pathway.
  • Have your high school submit your final transcripts. 
  • Send your official ACT/SAT scores (if applicable). 

Establish Access

  • Activate your WUSTL Key.
    • Your WUSTL Key is the set of login credentials (login ID and password) you’ll use to access most WashU online services, including WebSTAC, email, course registration, housing, portals, and more.
    • WUSTL Key activation information is emailed to incoming students by the University Registrar, sent on a rolling basis starting in mid-April. 
    • WUSTL Key activation emails are delivered to the email address listed on your Common Application.  The email comes from registrarwustlkey@email.wustl.edu with the subject line “Activate Your WashU WUSTL Key and Email.”   
    • If you did not receive your WUSTL Key activation email by June 1, contact the University Registrar at registrarwustlkey@email.wustl.edu. Please provide your full name and student ID number when you contact the University Registrar. 
    • If you already created your WUSTL Key but have forgotten it, you can retrieve your login ID and/or password through WUSTL Key Self-Service. 
    • If you did not create an alternate email and secret questions for WUSTL Key Self-Service you can contactStudent Technology Services for assistance.   
  • Enroll in DUO two-factor authentication.
    • Because passwords are increasingly easy to hack, WashU uses “two-factor authentication” to add a layer of security to your account and information stored at WashU. Enroll with Duo Mobile so you can easily access email, Canvas, WebSTAC, and other University applications.  
  • Activate your WashU email account.
    • All communication from the university will be sent here. Please check it regularly. 
    • Select the “Log in to Office 365” button. 

Prepare for Arrival

  • In the WashU Pathway, complete your Enrollment Checklist items. 
    • Complete the Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome Registration Form.
  • Beginning in June, you will use this web page to access information about your Before You Arrive Checklist items. 
June 2024 Checklist

Establishing Access

  • Review and edit your WebSTAC User Profile. 
    • Select “Student Information” and “User Profile” on the top navigation panel. 
    • Ensure you have an updated Home address. 
    • Check that all of your contact information is correct, including your mailing address(es) of any parent or family contacts you would like the University to be aware of. Only family email accounts included on your WebSTAC profile will receive university updates and announcements, including emergency notification emails. 
    • You can also add your preferred name so it can be reflected on your university records, including your student ID card.
    • This is the portal where you will later access course registration, housing information, billing statements, and more. 

Academics

  • Check your WashU email account several times a week for important messages from your academic division.
    • You will receive details about course registration and connecting with your academic adviser. You may also be asked to fill out important forms. 
  • Take any necessary online placement and diagnostic exams
    • Calculus and math 
    • Chemistry 
    • Computer science 
    • Dance  
    • Languages 
    • Music 
    • Writing 
    • You should complete the online placement and diagnostic exams prior to speaking with your academic adviser about fall course selection. When you take the exams, be sure to record your final scores and have them available when consulting with your adviser. 
  • Connect with Disability Resources if you require accommodations due to an identified disability or have questions about specific disability-related concerns.

Health & Well-being

Prepare for Arrival

July 2024 Checklist

Establish Access

  • Apply for your WashU ID Card.
    • You will need your 6-digit student ID number. You can find this in WebSTAC.
      • Due: July 31, 2024
    • By completing this process by the deadline, you will be provided your ID card along with room key at fall move-in. Your ID card opens your residential building.
    • If you plan to arrive to campus before August 9, 2024, please note this in your application.

Academics

  • Check your WashU email account several times a week for important messages from your academic division.
    • You will receive details about course registration and connecting with your academic adviser. You may also be asked to fill out important forms. 
  • Complete the Canvas course on subjects: 
  • Student Conduct Code
  • Academic Integrity
  • Hazing policies
  • Register for classes during your assigned registration time on July 9, 10, or 11, 2024. 
    • You must connect with your academic adviser and be approved to register before your assigned registration time. Your academic division will email you with information about how to connect with your adviser. 
    • Log on to WebSTAC and select “Courses & Registration” then “Registration” on the top navigation panel. 

Health & Well-being

Prepare for Arrival

  • Check your WashU email account for the fall semester bill.
  • Check your housing assignment and resgister for a move-in time slot.
    • Log on to WebSTAC and select “Housing” and “WashU Housing Portal” on the top navigation panel. 
  • Register your bike with WUPD.
  • Sign the first-year experience waiver to participate in off-campus activities during Fall Welcome and the academic year.
August 2024 Checklist

Academics

  • Check your WashU email account several times a week for important messages from your academic division. 
  • Confirm your AP, IB, and transfer credits were sent to the university.

Health & Well-being

  • Be sure you have completed your Habif health & well-being requirements:
    • Health history
    • Immunization documentation
    • Year one College Behavior Profile
  • Connect with the WashU Dining Services nutrition team if you have any dietary needs, including food allergies or religious and lifestyle preferences, to learn how to navigate dining on campus. 

Prepare for Arrival

  • Complete your Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates course.
    • You will receive an email to your WashU email account on August 1 with a link to complete the assignment.
    • Due: September 1, 2024.
  • Claim your profile on Handshake, your WashU internship and career management platform.
  • International students: Apply for F-1 or J-1 visa at U.S. Embassy or Consulate 
  • Pack for Move-In Day!