Information for Admitted Students
Congratulations - You're In!
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Your Next Steps Start Here
Congratulations on your admission to CU Denver—we're excited to welcome you to our Lynx community.
This page is your central guide to everything you need to prepare for your first semester. Whether you're a first-year student, transfer student, or supporting your student as a parent or family member, you'll find the key steps, important decisions, and essential resources all in one place.
Below, you'll see sections tailored specifically to each population. Each section outlines what to do, when to do it, and why it matters, so you can move forward with confidence and stay on track.
From confirming your enrollment and attending orientation to exploring housing, reviewing financial aid, and preparing for your first day of classes, each step brings you closer to starting your CU Denver experience.
Hear from Crysta Diaz, Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Operations, and Ashley Weatherspoon, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Recruitment & Admissions, as they share their excitement:
First-Year Students: Build Your Foundation
Starting college is an exciting milestone. These steps will help you prepare for your first semester, connect with your community, and set yourself up for success.
Submit your FAFSA so CU Denver can determine the financial aid you may qualify for. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, as some grant funding is limited and awarded on a first-come basis. CU Denver's FAFSA code is 004508.
After you submit your FAFSA, it typically takes 3–5 business days for your information to be received and processed by CU Denver. Once it is received, our financial aid team will begin reviewing your eligibility and will follow up with next steps if additional information is needed.
2. Reply to Your Offer of Admission
Log into your admissions portal. Select your application and click "Reply to Your Offer." You must accept your offer before you can do any of the following steps. If you don't remember your username, you can use the email address you used to apply.
3. Claim Your CU Denver Account
This is an important step that you must take to gain access to your CU Denver email, which is how the university will communicate with you in the future. Please allow up to 48 hours after accepting your offer to be notified about this step.
4. Start Your New Student Orientation Process
Orientation is a multi-step experience completed throughout the spring and summer, including online modules, an advising appointment, and an in-person orientation. Each step is designed to help you prepare for your first semester, understand important resources, and connect with the CU Denver community. Please allow up to 48 hours after accepting your offer to be notified about this step.
5. Explore Housing Options & Meal Plans
CU Denver offers a variety of on-campus housing options designed to support different student needs and lifestyles. Whether you live on campus or commute, flexible meal plan options are also available to help you stay fueled throughout the day.
6. Submit Your Required Documents
Official transcripts
This step can be done once you have completed your last semester at your current institution. Transcripts should be sent directly from your school to CU Denver. Find instructions in your admissions portal.
Immunization records or exceptions form
Visit the Health Center at Auraria’s dedicated webpage to see what immunizations you are required to show proof of.
7. Submit Disability Accommodation Requests
If you need academic or housing accommodations, we encourage you to submit your request early.
8. Review Your Tuition Statement, Apply for Scholarships, and Set Up a Payment Plan
Log into UCDAccess to review your student bill, confirm your payment arrangements, and explore available scholarships through scholarship universe. We encourage you to apply for scholarships to help reduce your costs. If you have questions or need assistance, our billing team is ready to help.
Transfer Student Next Steps: Prepare for Your First Semester at CU Denver
We're excited you're continuing your academic journey at CU Denver. Complete the steps below to finalize your enrollment and prepare for a successful start.
Submit your FAFSA so CU Denver can determine your financial aid eligibility. Even if you previously received financial aid, you must include CU Denver to be considered.
- CU Denver's FAFSA code is 004508
- After you submit your FAFSA, it typically takes 3–5 business days for your information to be received and processed
- Review your financial aid offer once available and complete any requested steps
2. Reply to Your Offer of Admission
Log in to your admissions portal and select "Reply to Your Offer."
You must accept your offer before you can do any of the following steps:
- Register for orientation
- Meet with an academic advisor
- Register for classes
If you don't remember your username, you can log in using the email address you applied with.
3. Claim Your CU Denver Account
Claim your CU Denver account to activate your university systems, including:
- Your CU Denver email (official university communication)
- Access to the student portal (UCDAccess)
- Class registration and billing systems
Be sure to check your CU Denver email regularly for important updates. Please allow up to 48 hours after accepting your offer to be notified about this step.
4. Complete the Transfer Student Orientation Process
Transfer orientation is designed to help you transition smoothly and build on your previous college experience. The process may include:
- Online orientation module
- Meeting with your academic advisor
- Registering for classes
- Optional campus engagement opportunities
You'll also learn how your transfer credits apply to your degree and what to expect in your first semester. Please allow up to 48 hours after accepting your offer to be notified about this step.
5. Submit Your Required Documents
Some documents may still be required to finalize your enrollment:
- Official final transcripts from all colleges you attended (if not already submitted)
- Immunization records or approved exemption forms. Visit the Health Center at Auraria’s dedicated webpage to see what immunizations you are required to show proof of.
Check your admissions portal for specific requirements and instructions.
6. Explore Housing and Meal Plan Options
Transfer students may choose to live on campus or commute. CU Denver offers:
- On-campus housing options
- Flexible meal plans for residential and commuter students
Review your options to determine what best fits your needs and lifestyle.
7. Review Your Tuition Statement, Apply for Scholarships, and Set Up a Payment Plan
Log in to UCDAccess to:
- Review your tuition and fees
- Confirm financial aid and account balance
- Set up a payment plan if needed
- Explore Scholarship Universe
The billing team is available to help answer questions and explain your options.
8. Request Disability Accommodations
If you need academic or housing accommodations, submit your request as early as possible. Early requests help ensure support services are in place before classes begin.
Parents and Families: Support Your Student's Success
Your support plays an important role in your student's transition to CU Denver. This page outlines key steps, important timelines, and ways you can help your student stay on track as they prepare to enroll.
Encourage Your Student to Complete Important Enrollment Steps
There are several required milestones your student must complete before starting at CU Denver. You can support them by encouraging them to:
- Submit the FAFSA so CU Denver can determine their financial aid eligibility (CU Denver’s FAFSA code is 004508).
- Reply to their offer of admission in their admissions portal. This step must be completed before they can move forward with orientation, housing, and registration.
- Claim their CU Denver account, which provides access to their university email and important student systems.
- Submit required documents, including official transcripts after graduation and immunization records or approved exemption forms.
Completing these steps early helps ensure a smooth transition.
Orientation is a Key Milestone
New Student Orientation is a multi-step process that includes online module, an academic advising appointment, and an in-person orientation session.
Orientation helps students:
- Prepare for their first semester
- Understand academic expectations
- Learn about campus resources and support services
- Connect with the CU Denver community
Families may also have opportunities to learn more about campus and how to support their student.
Housing and Meal Plan Decisions
Housing plays an important role in your student's experience. CU Denver offers a variety of on-campus housing options, and meal plans are available for both residential and commuter students. Reviewing options, deadlines, and costs together can help your student make the best decision for their needs.
Understand Financial Aid, Billing, and Payment Options
Families can support students by helping them:
- Submit the FAFSA and review financial aid offers
- Understand tuition, fees, and billing timelines
- Review their tuition statement in the student portal
- Set up a payment plan if needed
Students can also grant authorized access to allow families to view billing information and assist with payment planning.
Support Your Student's Academic and Personal Success
CU Denver provides many resources to help students succeed, including:
- Academic advising and mentoring
- Tutoring and academic support services
- Wellness and health resources
- Disability accommodation services for academic or housing needs
Encourage your student to request accommodations early if needed to ensure support is in place before the semester begins.
Stay Connected and Informed
CU Denver offers communication and resources specifically for families. Staying informed about deadlines, campus resources, and university updates allows you to confidently support your student throughout their transition and beyond.
Starting at CU Denver is more than enrolling in classes—it's the beginning of new opportunities, meaningful connections, and your future career.
Each step you complete brings you closer to your first day on campus and becoming part of a community dedicated to your success.
We're here to support you every step of the way. Review your next steps, stay on track, and get ready to begin your CU Denver journey.
If you need additional assistance, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at [email protected].