Undergraduate Students
Congratulations on your acceptance to CU Boulder! We are excited to have you join our Buff family and begin your CU journey.
New Student & Family Programs is your go-to resource as you begin college. Our team is here to help with anything you need in your transition to campus. We want to make sure you have a smooth transition to CU Boulder and are here if you need us!
- Email welcome@colorado.edu
- Call or text 303-492-4431
Orientation
All students who will be starting their first semester at CU Boulder in fall 2026 are required to attend orientation in June or July, where they will get to know other new Buffs, begin acclimating to the campus environment and register for their first semester classes.
Learn more about what to expect and how you can sign up.
Fall Welcome
Fall Welcome takes place throughout move-in and the first weeks of the semester and is a great way to meet other new Buffs and begin getting involved in campus life. We offer a variety of events both large and small to cater to many different interests and energy levels. Explore the Fall Welcome schedule and pick out a few events to attend. Most events are optional; however, a few may be required for you.
Welcome to Our Herd is your official welcome to the university. You’ll hear words of wisdom from key leaders, such as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs D’andra Mull and CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz, and you’ll take part in the recognition of colleges and receive your CU pin.
This program is required for all new first-year students and optional for all new transfer students.
College Day takes place immediately after the conclusion of Welcome to Our Herd and is a chance for you to begin meeting faculty, staff and other students in your academic program. You will hear more about resources available to you, expectations and requirements, co-curricular opportunities and any other success tips you need to know before the semester begins.
This program is required for all new first-year students.
New transfer students are instead strongly encouraged to participate in Transfer Student College Day.
You will learn about requirements and expectations, as well as tips for acclimating to US classroom culture and the city of Boulder.
This program is hosted by International Student Scholar Services and is required for all new international students.
Your Next Steps
Now that you have been accepted to CU Boulder, there are a few steps you can begin to complete. Sign in to your Buff Portal for a full checklist of everything you are required to complete before the semester begins, and check your CU email often for important reminders and updates.
Need to change your major?
Students wishing to change majors can log in to their CU Boulder Admissions Application Status page. There, you will see an option to submit a major change request form. Please complete that form to be considered. Major changes are not guaranteed, and there are typically additional steps needed when requesting to change from one college or school into another. If you have previously requested a major change and are requesting to change again, please contact your admission counselor.
Get started
The first step in the financial aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include CU Boulder’s School Code: 001370. After the Office of Financial Aid receives your FAFSA, they will be in contact with you.
First-year students: Explore your living options to find the space that is right for you. The housing application is available beginning in March.
Transfer students: Off-Campus Life can help with your housing search. CU Boulder students can use Ralphie's List to search for available rentals.
All incoming students for fall 2026 must attend New Student Orientation (NSO) or Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) in June or July. During your NSO or TSO session, you will learn more about life as a CU Buff, register for fall classes and have the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff and other new students on campus.
CU Boulder assigns holds or to-dos to inform you of steps you may need to complete. A hold prevents you from taking some kind of action (such as registering for classes) until it is resolved. A to-do is a recommended action that certain students need to complete.
Deadline: Complete as soon as possible
Before arriving on campus
Make sure to submit your final official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Official transcripts are mailed or sent electronically directly to the Office of Admissions by the issuing institution or by the student if the transcript is still in its original sealed envelope.
Transcripts can be emailed to transcripts@colorado.edu or mailed. We highly recommend submitting your official transcripts prior to orientation.
Deadline: Complete as soon as possible. Please allow 3-5 weeks for processing.
All students must complete health insurance, immunization and health questionnaire requirements before their first semester at CU.
Deadline: Due dates vary
All new international students in F-1 or J-1 status MUST arrive no later than the date reflected on their form I-20/DS-2019.
Review the International Student Late Arrival Policy:
Make sure to review the following information prior to your arrival in the U.S. You must complete the Immigration Check-in requirements prior to the first day of fall 2026 coursework!
Check the ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs website for updates on federal actions that could affect your visa appointment, approval and travel to the U.S.
After arriving on campus
International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation is required for all new international students. Join us to learn about campus resources, meet other new Buffs and find out all about resources available to you on campus!
New student resources
If you’re a new transfer student, check out the Transfer Student Community website to find additional resources, events and opportunities to start building your community here at CU Boulder. You can also use this website to find information for any step in the transfer process, from admissions to transfer credit evaluation.
Visit the ISSS New Student webpage which includes Boulder Community Resources and ISSS New Students Frequently Asked Questions. Then check out the resources below for additional information.