NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST
Take these steps to make a smooth transition to the University. Click the links for detailed instructions.
Get Connected: Your Electronic Accounts
Memorize your UIN.
Activate your MIDAS ID (and student email account) and learn to check your email.
Sign up for campus safety alerts and check out our safety website.
Download ODU mobile apps for your phone. You can also subscribe to the ODU YouTube channel.
Like our Facebook pages to stay updated: Preview (students), Family Connection (parents), Sophomore Success
Get Ready for Preview
Freshmen: Register online for Preview.
Transfers: Complete the online orientation and sign up for Preview. If you're eligible to opt-out of Preview, make an appointment with your academic advisor to have your hold removed.
Make necessary arrangements for travel and overnight accommodations. You can stay in a residence hall, if you'd like! Click here for the reservation form.
Take your Writing Sample Placement Test (required of all new students). Take it after you've confirmed your Preview plans (including your specific Preview date). If you change your Preview plans, your name will be moved to a different Blackboard group and your ungraded test may be lost.
Bring your UIN, MIDAS ID and passwords to Preview. Dress casually and don't forget a jacket (it's cold in the venue) and a pen!
Do you have a smart phone? If so, you can enhance your orientation experience with a few free apps. We suggest ODU Mobile, a Twitter app, a QR code reader, Bump, Google Voice, and Voxer.
Turn in Important Paperwork
Send your final high school or college transcripts to Admissions, as well as your AP/IB test scores (posted mid-July).
Send your immunization records to Student Health Services. If you miss the deadline, you'll have trouble registering for second-semester classes.
Interested in working on campus? You can submit employment paperwork at Preview (during the services fair). Bring your original social security card, driver's license, voided check or direct deposit form. Later, when you've found a job, your paperwork will be on file, making it easier to hire you!
Take Care of Business
Pay the Admissions Fee. You can't take the online orientation or register for Preview until you've completed this step.
Apply for Financial Aid. Don't forget to accept the awards you want!
Apply for on-campus housing and pay the housing deposit.
Select a meal plan. Commuters can sign up for meal plans early so bills are assessed to their student accounts.
Send a photo for your student ID card and it will be waiting at Preview
Know the tuition payment plan deadlines.
Purchase a parking decal online.
After you register for classes, purchase your books through Leo Online.
Complete These Placement Tests and Surveys
Take the required Writing Sample Placement Test (3 weeks prior to Preview) in Blackboard.
Take the required Transition to College Inventory (freshmen) or Transfer Student Survey (transfers) in Blackboard.
Complete the 'Preparing for Registration' modules in Blackboard.
Take the optional COMPASS Math Placement Test or Foreign Language Achievement Test to place higher these subject areas.
Explore Your Academic Options
Still exploring majors? Check out general education courses you can take.
Have a major in mind? Check out the curriculum.
Review the University catalog.
Debating which major is right for you? Check out these videos, which help explain the disciplines and career opportunities.
Get Involved On Campus Early
Military-Affiliated Students: Register for our free Transition to ODU program!
Check out opportunities such as TENTS (Team Expeditions for New and Transfer Students), FSI (Freshman Summer Institute), and FSE (Freshman Service Experience)
Start your co-curricular transcript, a tool that tracks your involvement in student organizations, campus events, student leader training, and more!
