New Student Checklist
Whether you’re a first-year or transfer student, this checklist will help you get ready for your first semester. Each step is marked Required, Recommended, or If Applicable so you can stay organized and on track.
Getting Started
Required
Deadline: As soon as possible to access orientation and advising
Confirm your spot in the FutureCoug Portal to secure your place at WSU Vancouver. Once you confirm, you’ll be able to:
- Access academic advising
- Register for classes
- Sign up for orientation
Required
Deadline: As soon as possible after confirming enrollment
Okta is WSU’s required multi-factor authentication system. You’ll need it to access myWSU, your WSU email and other accounts. To activate:
- Log into your FutureCoug portal
- Click “Activate Okta” next to your Network ID
- Follow the instructions to set up multi-factor authentication
You must activate Okta before you can fully use your WSU login credentials.
If you run into issues with logging in, passwords or account access, contact the Crimson Service Desk
Required
Deadline: As soon as possible after confirming enrollment
You’ll use your myWSU account to register for classes, check financial aid, and access your student record. Your WSU email is how the university will reach you.
- Activate your account at account.wsu.edu
- Check your WSU email at outlook.office365.com/mail
Tip: Make sure you check your WSU email regularly starting the first day of classes.
If you run into issues with logging in, passwords, or account access, contact the Crimson Service Desk.
Recommended
Deadline: As soon as possible, before classes start
Send your official final transcripts from high school and any college courses (such as Running Start) to WSU to make sure your credits transfer and your enrollment is complete.
You can register for your first semester without final transcripts, but they must be submitted before you can register for your second semester.
If applicable
Deadline: As soon as your scores are available
If you want to earn credit for AP, IB, or CLEP exams, ask the testing agency to send your official scores to WSU:
- Send AP scores (WSU AP code: 4705)
- Send IB scores
- Send CLEP scores
Note: Credit cannot be awarded without official scores.
If you have completed college coursework through programs such as Running Start, be sure to also submit official college transcripts — see the Submit final transcripts task.
Recommended
Deadline: Before the academic semester begins
Your CougarCard is your WSU Vancouver student ID. You’ll use it for:
- General university identification
- Library privileges
- Building access
- Using the Fitness Center
- Getting a free C-TRAN Educational Opportunity bus pass
Submit your photo online through the CougarCard portal.
After you get the confirmation email, your card will be printed and ready for pickup at the Cougar Center.
Recommended
Deadline: Before classes start
Keep your emergency contacts current and add a preferred name if you want it shown on class rosters and university systems.
Log in to myWSU and update your profile under “Personal Details.”
Financial Tasks
Required (if you applied for financial aid)
Deadline: As soon as possible after confirming enrollment
Monitor your financial aid package, complete any outstanding tasks, and review your award summary in “Financial Aid” on myWSU.
Make sure to complete any outstanding documents to avoid delays in aid disbursement.
Questions? Reach out to van.finaid@wsu.edu
Recommended
Deadline: Varies by scholarship; check early and often
Scholarships can help cover costs. WSU Vancouver and external sources offer many options. Applying early increases your chances of receiving aid.
Complete the WSU General Scholarship Application by Jan. 31 to be considered for multiple scholarships with a single application.
WSU Vancouver also offers other cost-saving programs such as: College Bound, Vancouver Academic Achievement Award, Transfer Achievement Award, and PDX Tuition Advantage.
Find these awards, application deadlines, and guidelines on the Scholarships page.
Questions? Reach out to van.finaid@wsu.edu
Recommended
Deadline: Before classes begin
Get your refunds faster by setting up direct deposit to your U.S. bank account. This avoids mailing delays and lost checks.
Follow instructions on how to set up direct deposit (refund method) using TouchNet:
Note: Financial aid posts about 10 days before the term starts. Refunds are mailed about a week before classes start.
Required
Deadline: Due by the first week of classes
WSU does not mail paper bills, so it’s important to check your student account balance regularly.
To avoid holds on your account—which can prevent you from registering for classes or accessing other services—make sure to log in to myWSU and select “Financial Account” to view your current balance.
Paying your balance on time helps you stay on track with registration and keeps your account in good standing.
Recommended
Deadline: Whenever you want
Load money onto your CougarCard for printing, snacks, vending machines, and other purchases around campus.
Academics
If applicable
Deadline: Before registering for your first math class. If you plan to take math courses at WSU Vancouver but haven’t completed college-level math elsewhere, you’ll need to take the ALEKS math placement assessment. Some students are exempt based on transfer credit or test scores. Check with your advisor. Find details and complete the assessment:
If applicable
Deadline: Before registering for first-year writing courses. Planning to take English 101 or an equivalent writing course? You’ll need to complete the writing placement assessment, which includes writing a short essay and reflecting on your skills. This helps place you in the right English class to support your success. This helps place you in the right English class to support your success. Some students are exempt based on transfer credit or test scores. Check with your advisor. Learn more and complete the placement:
If applicable
Deadline: Before enrolling in foreign language courses. If you want to take foreign language classes, you might need to take a placement exam to find the best starting level for you. Get details and schedule your exam:
Required
Deadline: Before registering for classes. An academic advisor is your go-to resource for planning your degree, choosing classes, and answering your questions. Once you confirm your enrollment, check your personal email for instructions on how to schedule your advising appointment and book yours early! It may take up to a week to receive your advisor’s contact information after confirming enrollment.
Required
Deadline: Check your registration window in myWSU. After meeting with your advisor, it’s time to register for classes. Log in to myWSU, pick your classes, and make sure your schedule works for you before the semester starts.
Housing and Transportation
If applicable
Deadline: Start your search early to find the best fit. WSU Vancouver does not offer on-campus housing, but there are plenty of housing options nearby. Check the Housing Bulletin Board featuring current apartment listings, roommate ads, and other opportunities: If you plan to live away from home, be sure to find a place that fits your needs and budget.
Recommended
Deadline: Available anytime
WSU Vancouver students are eligible for a free Education Opportunity Pass, which provides unlimited C-TRAN bus service within Clark County, including access to The Current, C-TRAN’s on-demand rideshare service. Pick up your pass at the Cougar Center, or email van.cougarcenter@wsu.edu for more information.
If applicable
Deadline: Before the academic year begins. You must have a paid parking permit to park on campus. Permits are virtual—your vehicle’s license plate acts as your permit. Permits can only be purchased online and are valid upon purchase.Refer to the campus map to find parking lot locations.
Refer to the campus map to find parking lot locations.
Health and Support Services
Required
Deadline: Before your second semester on campus
You must submit your vaccination records once through the WSU Patient Portal.
Go to for:
- A detailed list of required immunizations for all WSU students
- How to submit your records through the WSU Patient Portal
- How to request an exemption
- Additional requirements for certain programs, such as nursing
Questions?
Phone: 509-335-3575
Email: cougarhealth.immunizations@wsu.edu
Important note: If you do not submit your records before the start of your second semester, a hold will be placed on your account and you will not be able to register for classes for that semester.
If applicable
Deadline: Start the process over the summer to ensure your accommodations are established before classes begin.
If you have a disability or medical condition and need accommodations to succeed at WSU Vancouver, your first step is to submit a Student Accommodations Application through Student Accommodations and Disability Resources.
They provide the support and services you need to fully access your education, campus programs, and activities.
Submit your application and any required documentation as soon as possible so your accommodations can be arranged before classes start.
If you have questions or need help, email van.accommodations@wsu.edu or call 360-546-9739.
Recommended
Deadline: Before the academic semester begins.
WSU, including WSU Vancouver, does not administer student health insurance plans, so make sure you have health coverage for the upcoming semester. If you have coverage through a parent, employer, or private plan, you may need to submit a health insurance waiver.
Visit the WSU Pullman Cougar Health Services website for information about insurance plans, waivers, and deadlines.
Get Ready for Orientation and Classes
Required
Deadline: Before New Coug Orientation (first-year and transfer)
You’re required to complete the pre-orientation onboarding form that will help you get familiar with your myWSU portal, understand your financial aid, and prepare for advising and class registration.
This form may take an hour to complete. You can go at your own pace, save and pause anytime, and return later.
You’ll receive an email reminding you to complete this form. To access it, log in to your Future Coug Portal using your WSU Network ID and password (the same credentials you use for your WSU email and myWSU).
Required
Deadline: Dates vary by student type; see below
New Coug Orientation is mandatory for all new students. This is your opportunity to meet your academic advisor, register for classes, learn about student resources, and connect with fellow VanCougs. Watch your email for your invitation to register.
Questions about New Coug Orientation? Email van.nextsteps@wsu.edu
Recommended
Deadline: As soon as possible, before the first week of classes
After registering for classes, order your textbooks and course materials. You may order online through The Bookie and choose to have your books shipped to your home or pick them up on campus.
The Bookie offers price matching to help you get the best deal.
Check The Bookie’s hours and location before visiting.
How do I order books?
Use the online tool to find required and recommended materials by entering your course information.
Recommended
Deadline: Before the first week of classes
Before the semester starts, log in to myWSU to confirm your class times, locations, and instructors. If you notice issues or conflicts, contact your academic advisor as soon as possible to make adjustments.
Checklist for New Student Veterans
Review the following checklist to learn what to do before you join the ranks. Whether you are using GI Bill® benefits or other VA educational programs, these steps will ensure your benefits are processed correctly and you are ready for your first semester.
Learn more and apply for VA educational benefits today at va.gov/education/how-to-apply. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility as confirmation of your benefits.
Learn about the admissions application process and explore programs offered at WSU Vancouver by meeting with an admissions counselor.
Meet with the Veterans Coordinator to discuss using your benefits at WSU Vancouver. To schedule, email van.veterans@wsu.edu.
Apply for admission today! Veterans using VA educational benefits must provide their Joint Service Transcript as part of the application process.
Did you know you can apply for financial aid and use VA benefits? File your FAFSA at fafsa.gov to put extra money in your pocket. FAFSA code for all WSU campuses is 003800.
Once you’ve been admitted, accept your offer and complete the Vancouver VMAS Information Sheet for our team to learn more about you.
Make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor to plan and register for classes.
Once you are registered for classes, submit the Enrollment Certification Request. This is used to create your enrollment in the VA system and trigger your benefits. You MUST submit this form every term for which you are using VA educational benefits.
Review next steps for new students using the New Student Checklist.
New Coug Orientation is mandatory for all new students.