SPRING SEMESTER 2026 Fall SEMESTER 2026
Next Steps for Accepted
First Year Students
First Year Students Admitted for SPRING 2026
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 2026.
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
Celebrate and Share
Download printable signs, Snapchat filters, IG Stickers, phone backgrounds and more!
3
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!).
4
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. Learn more about Ram Card
5
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.
WHEN: The 2025-2026 FAFSA Application is open and available.
Learn more about FAFSA updates from the U.S. Department of Education
Learn more about FAFSA updates from WCU's Financial Aid Office
6
Apply for Spring Semester Housing
West Chester offers two options for on-campus living: WCU Managed Housing (traditional) and USH Affiliated Housing. Explore the housing options at WCU
The Spring Semester Housing Application is for on-campus housing for one semester, Spring Semester 2026 (January 18, 2026, through May 9, 2026).
WHEN: The Housing Application for Spring Semester Housing is open.
7
Register for Winter Orientation
Winter Orientation is offered for all new students beginning classes in Spring 2026. 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.
In-person Orientation: Friday, January 9, 2026
Virtual Orientation: Friday, January 16, 2026
WHEN: Registration will open in mid-November 2025.
8
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.
View meal plan options: WCU Dining Services
First year students living on campus are required to select a meal plan.
HOW: Login to RamPortal and select the Housing and Dining card.
9
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 opens in April 2026.
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
10
Complete the Housing Checklist
Living on campus? If so, you must complete the Housing Checklist including the on campus prerequisite form, selecting a meal plan, selecting a move-in timeslot and more.
HOW: Visit the Housing Checklist
11
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: In-person Orientation: Friday, January 9, 2026. Virtual Orientation: Friday, January 16, 2026
12
Receive your class schedule
WCU faculty/staff create your first semester class schedule based on your First Year Placement Assessment (#9 on this list).
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 early December 2025 and continue to be released throughout December and January.
13
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.
WHEN: The 2026-2027 WCU Scholarship Applications will open on February 9, 2026. Many scholarships have an application deadline in May 2026 including the general scholarship application, however, some scholarship applications are open throughout the spring and summer.
14
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 ugadmissions@wcupa.edu or via Naviance) or via mail (Office of Admissions mailing address here).
15
Pay your spring semester tuition bill
Spring semester tuition, fees, and charges (e-bill) will be available to view December 9, 2025. Spring semester tuition, fees, and charges are due January 5, 2026.
Learn more about your tuition bill, payment plans, and more Bursar: Billing and Tuition Payments.
16
Provide Student Health Information
All entering students should provide information about immunity to certain communicable diseases. There are five forms to complete in the Student Health Services Portal:
- Consent for Treatment Form
- Health History
- Immunization History
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
In addition, students living on campus are required to complete the On Campus Living Prerequisite Form. This form includes the Housing Eligibility Questionnaire (a state-mandated criminal conduct and disciplinary history screening) and the Meningitis Waiver questions.
WHEN: Summer 2025.
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 January 18, 2026.
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 2025, 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: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
20
It’s here! The first day of class!
WHEN: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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: