Now that you’re part of the Ram Family, there are a few more steps to take to prepare for the first day of class. Below you’ll find detailed information that will guide you through the enrollment process. We’re here for you if you have any questions.
Click on each step to jump to detailed information about why each step is important and the actions you need to take to check it off the list.
Want a checklist you can hang on the refrigerator? Just download the PDF and print.
Reserve your spot in our incoming class by paying your $300 enrollment deposit, which covers new student charges and a portion of your first semester tuition. You’ll be able to access the Housing Application and Ram Orientation sign-up after you deposit.
Once you have accessed the “Tell Us Your Plans” module, you’ll be prompted to take one of the following actions.
Depositing on time helps us plan for your arrival and ensure your spot in the incoming class. If your plans change, contact us to update your application to a future term or to cancel your confirmation (refund policy).
CSU offers a wide selection of housing and dining options to ensure all students feel at home on campus. With a few exceptions, freshmen are required to live on campus, and all freshmen required to live on campus are guaranteed housing in the residence halls.
On-campus apartments are open to first-time students who are committed couples, couples with children, single parents, and single undergraduate students 23 or older.
Learn more about residence halls and university apartments now or check your Find Your Place housing guide in your admit packet. Questions about living on campus, the housing application, or the $350 housing deposit can be directed to Housing & Dining Services. (The deposit is waived for students who qualify for a need-based enrollment deposit deferral.)
Off-Campus Life can help you identify housing in the Fort Collins community if you are not required to live on campus.
All new students attend Ram Orientation to learn about our traditions, to get introduced to campus services, and to register for classes. It’s an important time to connect with others in your class and to meet the current students, faculty, and staff who will help you be successful at CSU.
Many of the other steps for admitted students on this list are important to complete before attending Ram Orientation so that your advisors are able to help you plan for the upcoming year.
In addition to the traditional freshman track, an Adult Learner and Veteran Student Track is available to non-traditional, first-time students who qualify based on characteristics such as family status, work situations, time away from college, or military background. This track is offered through the Transfer Ram Orientation program.
Finding your financial fit is an important part of choosing the right university, and one of the most important aspects of your financial fit is aid. We recommend pursuing as many types of funding as possible including grants, scholarships, loans, work study, and student employment to help offset the investment of college.
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the full range of financial aid at Colorado State. All families are encouraged to apply because some merit-based aid requires FAFSA information. The FAFSA opens October 1.
Be sure to check RAMweb and check your university email account regularly once you submit the FAFSA in case additional information or verification is required to complete your financial aid award.
You automatically will be considered for admissions-based scholarships if you submitted a complete application by February 1 for fall semester or November 1 for spring semester, and award notification is generally sent out within one month. To be considered for awards offered through CSU academic departments and the Office of Financial Aid, submit the Colorado State University Scholarship Application (CSUSA), available in RAMweb between October 1 and March 1 (awarded for fall semester only).
You are also encouraged to research available state and federal need-based grants.
There are several types of loans that you can apply to your cost of education. These are provided by the government, University, and private lenders. Many loans require you to complete the FAFSA.
Work study and student employment may provide you with valuable work experience through the University while helping offset the cost of education. Learn more about work study and student employment opportunities and requirements.
There are some key placement steps to complete before Ram Orientation.
You do not need to complete the Composition Directed Self-Placement Survey (DSP) if:
To receive advanced standing credit for transfer or test out work in mathematics, composition or any other college-level course work you’ve completed, be sure to submit your official college transcript and/or official test results and bring a copy of your results to orientation for your advisor’s reference.
If you haven’t yet received your grade/test score, mention the pending result to your advisor at orientation. Note that some colleges/departments still require that you complete the Math Placement Exam (MPE) before orientation even if you expect to receive transfer or test-out credit.
When in doubt, complete the placement steps; your results do not bind you to a particular course of action, but they can help you keep your options open.
When you review the placement procedures, you’ll see information about two additional placements:
Admission to CSU is provisional until a final, official high school transcript reflecting graduation has been submitted and reviewed. To avoid possible delays or holds on your financial aid or course registration, submit final transcripts by July 1 for a fall semester start or January 2 for a spring semester start.
If you completed college-level work prior to high school graduation, be sure to submit all official transcripts to be reviewed for advanced-standing credit.
Complete the steps on CSU Health Network’s New Student Checklist to support our commitment to a safe and healthy campus. Steps include submitting required health and immunization records, completing the online Alcohol EDU and Haven Sexual Assault Prevention programs, and documenting insurance coverage.
You can take care of this step any time before you enroll; many students bring health records with them to Orientation.