SPRING SEMESTER 2027 Fall SEMESTER 2026
Next Steps for Accepted
First Year Students
First Year Students Admitted for SPRING 2027
From housing to student ID cards, to orientation and the first day of class – here are the next steps for new, incoming first year students after being accepted to West Chester University and beginning classes Spring Semester 2027.
1
Set up your RamNet ID Account
Your RamNet ID Account is your West Chester University student account (@wcupa.edu username and password) which provides you access to WCU email, RamPortal and more.
Follow these steps to Set-up Your RamNet ID, New Student Account
2
Commit to Being a Golden Ram
Start your college journey at West Chester University! Log in to the Admissions Portal to pay the $200 enrollment deposit.
WHEN: After you've been accepted and you decide to attend WCU (congrats!).
3
File your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. The FAFSA also helps WCU's Financial Aid Office determine how much additional financial aid students may receive.
For students beginning classes in Spring 2027: Complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA
4
Apply for Spring Semester Housing
West Chester offers two options for on-campus living: WCU Managed Housing (traditional) and USH Affiliated Housing. Explore the two housing options.
The first step to apply for WCU Managed or USH is to complete the Application for On Campus Living. The Application includes several steps including reviewing community guidelines, selecting a meal plan, answering meningitis questions, and selecting a housing provider.
WHEN: The 2027 Spring Semester Housing Application is now open! First-year and transfer students can apply for both WCU Managed Housing and USH Affiliated Housing for the spring semester (January 2027 - May 2027).
Learn more about the Spring Semester Application and Living on Campus
5
Explore On Campus Meal Plans
With a variety of dining locations on campus, meal plans are the convenient way to eat and snack on campus.
First Year Students living on campus are required to select the Rammy's Meal Plan or the Gold Meal Plan. Commuter students can purchase a meal plan through RamPortal by selecting the "Housing and Dining" card.
View meal plan options: WCU Dining Services
6
Complete the First-Year Placement Assessment
Classes for first year students are scheduled by WCU faculty/staff for the first semester. The First-Year Placement Assessment/Journey includes surveys and questions which help us to determine the best classes for you. Surveys and questions are unique to each student, so students will get different components depending on their major.
WHEN: The First-Year Placement Assessment/Journey is open.
HOW:
- Log in to Navigate using your RamNet ID login. Locate the "Journeys" button on the left-hand side of your screen.
- It is recommended to use a desktop or laptop computer. Mobile devices are not recommended.
- It takes about 2 hours to complete.
- See step-by-step instructions in this Guide to Completing & Viewing Placement Assessments
7
Pay your Spring Semester Tuition Bill
Spring semester tuition, fees, and charges (e-bill) will be available to view December 10, 2026. Spring semester tuition, fees, and charges are due January 5, 2027.
Learn more about your tuition bill, payment plans, and more Bursar: Billing and Tuition Payments.
8
Upload a Photo for your Ram Card
Your Ram Card (student ID card) provides you access to your residential building, library, printing, campus events, paying for meals from your meal plan, and more.
Before your Ram Card can be printed, you must:
- Upload proof of identification. For example: driver's license, learner's permit, Passport/Visa.
- Upload a photo of yourself to be used as your ID photo.
9
Apply for Scholarships
West Chester University offers scholarships based on academic pursuits, research activities, artistic and athletic talents, as well as to community service, financial need, and leadership.
In addition to scholarships offered by WCU, PASSHE and various businesses, foundations, and civic organizations offer student scholarships.
Looking Ahead: 2027–28 WCU Scholarships
WCU scholarship applications for the 2027–28 academic year open in February 2027. These scholarships are for the following academic year and are not available for Spring 2027.
Explore Current Opportunities
Visit WCU GROW to see if your major qualifies for the GROW scholarship for 2026–27 academic year. Applications are open through January 7, 2027.
10
Register for Winter Orientation
Winter Orientation is offered for all new students beginning classes in Spring 2027. At orientation, you will meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources, and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: Registration for Spring orientation opens in December 2026.
Orientation dates and more information is forthcoming.
11
Celebrate and Share
Download printable signs, Snapchat filters, IG Stickers, phone backgrounds and more!
12
Receive your Class Schedule
WCU faculty/staff create your first semester class schedule based on your First-Year Placement Assessment.
The sooner you successfully complete of the First-Year Placement Assessment the sooner you will receive your class schedule. Class schedules will begin to be released in December 2026 and continue to be released throughout December and January.
13
Attend Orientation
WCU's on-campus orientation is one full day packed with info and fun! Meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: January 2027
14
Move-in Time Slots
First-year and transfer students moving into campus housing for Spring 2027 will move in on January 17 or 18, 2027. Your assigned move-in day and time will depend on your residence hall, floor, and class year.
WHEN: Move-in time slots will be assigned in early January 2027.
What to Bring
- WCU-Managed Housing: What to Bring/What Not to Bring
- US Housing (USH)-Affiliated Housing: What to Pack
15
Transfer College Credits Earned in High School
If you earned college credits while in high school (dual enrollment credits), you must request that an official college transcript be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. This allows your previous courses/credits to be evaluated for transfer credit.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Transcripts should be sent from your high school electronically (via ugadmiss@wcupa.edu or via Naviance) or via mail (Office of Admissions mailing address here).
16
Provide Student Health Information
All entering students are requested to review and complete the following forms in your Health & Wellness Portal:
- Health History Form
- Immunization Entry Form
- Insurance Information
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- TB Screening
- Treatment Agreement
WHEN: Forms are available and should be completed during the winter before you arrive at WCU.
HOW: Log into your Health & Wellness Portal. Once signed in, click the pending forms link message or My Forms button. Under My Forms, click on the Form Name to complete and submit the form. Supporting documents may be added on the forms as appropriate or sent via Document Upload.
Required housing health documentation, including the meningitis vaccination record or signed waiver, must be processed before you can check in to your residence hall.
17
Move-in to your new home at WCU
Welcome to your new home! Living on campus means your steps away from classes, the dining hall, the library, and campus events.
WHEN: First year students and transfer students move in dates: January 17 and January 18, 2027.
18
Connect to Wifi (RamNet)
Wifi (RamNet) is included for all WCU students. All buildings, including residence halls, and most outdoor locations on campus have dense wireless coverage.
WHEN: While on campus
19
Attend Winter Welcome Day
Designed especially for new first year students and new transfer students beginning classes in Spring Semester 2027, Winter Welcome Day offers opportunities to help you connect to your campus and classmates.
Welcome Week includes events and activities that will help you get connected, feel supported as you navigate college, and prepare for successful years at West Chester. A selection of Welcome Week events are mandatory for first-year students.
WHEN: January 2027
20
Access WCU Portals and Systems
- Admissions Portal: View your admission information and RamNet ID, register for Orientation, access your acceptance letter, and request a major change.
- RamPortal (Student Information System): Apply for housing, pay your tuition bill, view your class schedule, access student records, and more.
- Webmail (WCU Email): Access your official WCU email through Outlook. This is where the University sends important communications about your classes, financial aid, billing, and other campus updates.
- D2L (Learning Management System): Access your coursework, view syllabi, complete course assignments, participate in class discussions, and check grades.
- Navigate (Student Success Portal): Complete the First-Year Placement Journey, including placement exams and course placement requirements.
21
It's here! The first day of class!
WHEN: Tuesday, January 19, 2027
You're officially on your way as a West Chester University student! Don't forget there are hundreds of resources and supports on campus to help you be successful inside and outside the classroom. Helpful links for you: