Prepare For Your First Semester
There are several actions to take to prepare for your transition to NDSU. The following checklist will guide you through each step from admission to the start of your first semester here.
Admitted Student Checklist
Be sure to complete the steps outlined in the admitted student checklist. Many of these steps will assist you in completing the following tasks.
Prepare for Class Registration
- Complete math and English placements
Read more about math and English placements by clicking on your student type on our homepage. - Schedule a virtual class registration appointment
You will meet individually with an academic advisor via Zoom to talk about class selection and register. - Check Campus Connection for holds or to-do items
Some holds may prevent you from registering for classes, so it's best to check and complete any necessary tasks before your class registration appointment. - Make an Orientation reservation
Instructions to reserve your Orientation spot will be sent to your email on October 20.- First-year students are required to attend Orientation on January 12, and transfer students are highly encouraged to attend.
- Students who will complete their degrees entirely online are invited to attend a December 22 virtual panel that answers new students' most frequently asked questions.
- Complete the You Belong Here online modules
You Belong Here modules provide foundational information about student life, finances, academics, and more. Completion is estimated to take one hour, and you may stop and return as often as you wish. You must submit the completion survey at the end of You Belong Here. - Apply for Minnesota Reciprocity (for Minnesota residents)
Minnesota residents may qualify for a reduced tuition rate that is comparable to the North Dakota tuition rate. Beginning in Fall 2025, all Minnesota residents attending NDSU must apply for reciprocity through the MN Office of Higher Education. - Send your final documents to NDSU
- All first-year students must have their high school send an official transcript including all final grades and graduation date to the NDSU Office of Admission. Official college transcripts must also be sent directly from the college or university to NDSU. This includes PSEO, Dual Credit, or College in the Schools (CIS) credits attempted during high school. High schools cannot report college credits.
- All transfer students must have their college(s) send official final transcripts to the NDSU Office of Admission.
- Update Your Email Address and Check It Regularly
If you listed your high school email address on your NDSU application, please update it by contacting ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu because most high schools will discontinue the email account after graduation. We encourage you to change it to your NDSU email account because it is the official means of communication at NDSU. Check your NDSU email account regularly so you don't miss important information. - Upload a Photo for Your NDSU ID Card
Upload a digital photo and get your card when you're on campus. You will need a government issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, military or tribal ID when you receive your card on campus. Proof of identify is needed before you may receive your NDSU ID card. - Update Your Preferred First Name
Your legal name will be what is used in classes unless you update your preferred first name.
Steps to Complete After Class Registration
Complete the following tasks after you have registered for your first semester classes.
- Complete a FERPA Release Form
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student privacy and takes effect on the first day of classes during your first semester of enrollment at NDSU. FERPA prevents NDSU from sharing student account information with anyone else unless you have identified them on a completed FERPA release form. - Review Course Materials
Bison Ready program provides students all required course materials for one flat fee. To review your book list, visit ndsubookstore.com and log in with your Bison Login. Undergraduate students are automatically opted into Bison Ready at the Complete level and will see a charge reflected in their student account.- Information for spring semester available December 1st
- Contact the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources
Staff will answer your questions about accommodations at NDSU. Students who have utilized a 504 plan or IEP in high school are especially encouraged to learn what accommodations may be available. You can also find an application for accommodations on the website. - Contact the NDSU Military and Veterans Certification Office
If you intend to use the GI Bill educational benefits, you will want to know the steps needed. - Complete Steps in the Financial Aid Guide
Check out all steps to receiving aid and frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions about your financial aid, please contact the NDSU Office of Admission at 1-800-488-NDSU or ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu - Set Up an Authorized Payer
If someone else will make payments to your student account, you will need to grant them authorized payer access. An authorized payer may make student account payments but does not have access to FERPA protected information. - Search for A Job
Looking for a job? Search and apply for on-campus and off-campus employment on Handshake. - Purchase a Parking Permit
You must be registered for classes at least 24 hours to be eligible to purchase a parking permit.- The 2025-2026 annual permit price is reduced to half ($92.50) beginning on December 22th.
- Summer 2026 permits may be purchased online starting May 18th.
- 2026-2027 annual permits may be purchased online starting July 15th.
Prepare for a Successful Transition
Complete the following tasks prior to arriving for your first semester.
- Log Into the Wellness Center Portal and Sign the Waiver
The Wellness Center has many ways for you to maintain well-being. All users must sign the waiver before utilizing the Wellness Center. Use your Bison Login to access the portal. - Check Out Involvement Opportunities
Explore a great variety of student organizations as well as campus events on myNDSU. Use your Bison Login to access myNDSU. - Explore Degree Map
Degree Map is a tool that allows you to compare majors, explore careers, and track your degree progress. - Bring Employment Documentation
If you will have a job on- or off-campus, you will need to bring documentation as proof of identification when you complete a Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) prior to starting the job. The documentation must be originals, not photocopies or photos of the documents.