New Student Timeline — Spring 2026
An infographic with important dates for new student experiences.
Matriculation Begins
The process of an admitted student becoming an enrolled student, which occurs after an applicant accepts the offer of admission and pays any required deposit
Next for the U Newsletter Begins
Next for the U, our new student newsletter, is delivered to new student email inboxes each week for the first few months of a student's transition to UMass.
Housing Preference Application Opens
New undergraduate transfer students will request on-campus housing using the Housing Preference Application on SPIRE.
Residential Occupancy License Opens
The Residence Hall Occupancy License is signed electronically through SPIRE under Housing > Room Selection > Occupancy License.
Guide to the U Opens
Guide to the U is a series of self-paced, online modules that introduces new students and their families to the university: its community, resources, values, and expectations. Students must complete the Guide to the U before they can attend Ready for the U and schedule an advising and course registration appointment.
Last Day to Change Major with Admissions
Deposit Due for Admitted Transfer Students
To accept our offer of admission, pay the nonrefundable $500 enrollment deposit with an electronic check or major credit card.
Ready for the U Registration Opens
Ready for the U, new student orientation, is your opportunity to engage with the university: its community, resources, values, and expectations before the semester starts. During Ready for the U you will meet fellow new students, learn from experienced Orientation Leaders, network with university staff members, and get ready for the upcoming semester.
UCard Photo Upload Due
Incoming Students must pay their deposits before their information appears in the UCard System. Please note that after paying your deposit, it typically takes a business day (in rare cases, two business days) for your information to migrate to the UCard System.
Guide to the U Due
Students must complete the Guide to the U before they can attend Ready for the U and schedule an advising and course registration appointment.
Ready for the U Registration Due
Ready for the U, new student orientation, is your opportunity to engage with the university: its community, resources, values, and expectations before the semester starts. During Ready for the U you will meet fellow new students, learn from experienced Orientation Leaders, network with university staff members, and get ready for the upcoming semester.
Placement Assessments Due
To make sure you choose courses that are appropriate for your skill level, you will take placement exams before you register for classes.
Advising and Course Registration (Online)
You will meet online with an academic advisor to review placement assessment results, discuss academic requirements, and register for your classes for the upcoming semester.
Housing Preference Application Due
New undergraduate transfer students will request on-campus housing using the Housing Preference Application on SPIRE.
Tuition Bills are Ready
To pay the student bill online, use QuikPAY in SPIRE.
Online Ready for the U
All new students actively participate in a Ready for the U experience, either online or on campus.
Move-in for New Students Attending On-Campus Ready for the U
All new students participating in Spring Ready for the U on-campus will move in early at no additional cost.
On-Campus Ready for the U
All new students actively participate in a Ready for the U experience, either online or on campus.
Welcome to the U
Welcome to the U is series of immersive opportunities during the first several weeks of the semester for students to explore the university its community, resources, values, and expectations through social events, community building, and leadership opportunities.
AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates Modules Due
New students must complete the online modules and a registration hold will be placed on their account if the courses are not finished on time.
First Day of Classes
Tuition Bills Due
To pay the student bill online, use QuikPAY in SPIRE.
Immunization Records Due Date and SHBP Waiver Due
Massachusetts law requires that college students have certain immunizations before coming to school, and submit proof of completion.
- If you had a 504, IEP, or any accommodations for a disability in high school, please register with Disability Services and meet with an access coordinator to prepare for student success.
- Please research the available Residential Academic Programs and the How to Join details on their website.