New Student Timeline — Fall 2026
An infographic with important dates for new student experiences.
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.
Deposit Due for Admitted First-Year Students
To accept our offer of admission, pay the nonrefundable $500 enrollment deposit with an electronic check or major credit card.
Deposit Due for Admitted MassTransfer Students
In order to receive priority course registration, students must accept our offer of admission, pay the nonrefundable $500 enrollment deposit with an electronic check or major credit card.
Last Day to Change Major with Admissions
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
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.
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.
Residential Academic Programs (RAP) Lottery Opens
Joining a RAP is a multi-step process that begins after a student commits to attending UMass.
Residential Academic Programs (RAP) Lottery Placement
Joining a RAP is a multi-step process that begins after a student commits to attending UMass.
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.
Housing Preference Application Opens
New undergraduate students will request on-campus housing using the Housing Preference Application.
Residential Academic Programs (RAP) Registration
Joining a RAP is a multi-step process that begins after a student commits to attending UMass.
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.
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.
Students attending on-campus Ready for the must submit an approved UCard photo in order to receive in during Ready for the U.
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.
Ready for the U Sessions Begin
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.
Immunization Records Due for student attending On-Campus Ready for the U
Students attending On-Campus Ready for the U must submit their immunization records early. Massachusetts law requires that college students have certain immunizations before coming to school, and submit proof of completion.
AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates Modules Opens
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.
Housing Preference Application Due
New undergraduate 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.
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.
Students attending online Ready for the must submit an approved UCard photo in order to have their UCard mailed to their domestic permanent address.
Residential Assignment Notification
All applicants will receive an Assignment Notification with their On-Campus assignment and roommate information on SPIRE on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Tuition Bills Due
To pay the student bill online, use QuikPAY in SPIRE.
Move-In Reservations Available
Starting on August 10, 2026 students may log into SPIRE under Main Menu > Housing > Move-In Reservation > Key Agmt to make or view their Move-In Reservation and print their boarding pass.
Students who do not make a Move-In Reservation will be assigned a Move-In time from the remaining available options.
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.
Fall Move-In
There are many different days that students can move in. Please reach out directly to Residential Services at 413-577-7777 for questions.
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.
First Day of Classes
Immunization Records 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.