Congratulations! You applied. You were accepted. Now it’s time to confirm your place.
Review the checklist below and complete each step when you’re ready (the sooner, the better). Completing these steps — especially paying your acceptance fee — helps you secure your spot in the incoming class and ensures a smooth start to your first semester at MSU.
A PDF of the checklist is also available to download or print.
Once you receive an email with your student ID number and Personal Access Number (PAN), you can activate your MSU NetID and email account. After this activation, you will begin receiving communications about New Student Orientation (NSO) and you can complete your housing contract if you plan to apply for on-campus housing.
Make sure to monitor your MSU email account regularly, as MSU will send important information to this email address.
The first step to secure your place in the incoming class is to accept the offer of admission and pay your $250 acceptance fee. If you qualified for an application fee waiver, a $200 portion of your acceptance fee will be deferred to your first tuition bill. Paying your acceptance fee holds your place in the incoming class and automatically registers you for the required New Student Orientation (NSO). If you have any questions about NSO, please contact orientation staff at +1 517-355-8490 or nso@msu.edu.
As a transfer student you are strongly advised to accept your offer and pay your acceptance fee within four weeks from your date of admission and no later than June 1 if starting in the fall semester. Learn more about transfer acceptance fee deadlines, including deadlines for students starting in the spring or summer semester. Note: The acceptance fee for transfer students is nonrefundable.
Your admission will be canceled if this step is not completed.
Log in to D2L (our online learning platform) and finish your New Student Orientation modules, covering campus resources and what to expect as a Spartan.
Transfer students have been waived from the two-year live-on requirement for 2026-27 and will not be required to live on campus.
On-campus housing
For students interested in on-campus housing, Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) will open a housing request form in April 2025. It’s important to note that most housing offers will be a double room with a roommate, although housing preferences will be honored whenever possible.
We aim to provide housing for the maximum number of students within the available space. If you apply and receive housing, you will pay the one-time, non-refundable $50 housing application fee in your My Housing account (unless you qualify for a fee waiver) and receive access to the housing contract. A $175 advance payment is also required to reserve your housing, unless you qualify for a fee waiver. This advance payment is applied toward your fall semester bill (like a deposit) and is refundable if the housing contract is canceled before July 15.
Off-campus housing
Transfer students are welcome to explore off-campus housing options via MSU’s off-campus housing website. In addition to housing listings, the website shares resources and tips for signing a lease and living in the Greater Lansing community.
Attend an admitted transfer student program to learn about admissions next steps, New Student Orientation and exciting opportunities as you prepare to transfer to MSU.
Students will be asked to log in to their account to sign up.
Before attending Michigan State University, all incoming transfer students must submit final, official transcripts. Transfer students starting in fall must submit transcripts by May 31 to remain eligible for scholarship consideration. For transcript deadlines for transfer students starting in the spring or summer semester, visit the transfer dates and deadlines page.
This step is required before you can register for your classes.
After you complete the New Student Orientation modules in D2L, your academic advisor will contact you at your MSU email address to schedule an appointment between June 1 and July 17.
Accept your aid package
In your student portal, click the "financial aid" tile to view and accept your aid package.
Submit FAFSA
If you require financial assistance and haven’t submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) yet, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. MSU does not require a separate financial aid application. However, aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner your FAFSA is submitted and processed, the more options you may have available.
For FAFSA opening dates, deadlines, timing of aid packages and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the financial aid website or contact the Office of Financial Aid for support.
Submit any additional transcripts
Make sure MSU receives your final, official college-level transcripts, including summer work, no later than July 31.
Take the Math Placement Assessment
Most students should take the online Math Placement Assessment.
Some majors may waive the university math requirement with a proctored score of 19 or higher. Check if your major qualifies.
Upload your student ID photo
Upload a photo for your Spartan Card, your official MSU student ID.
Get permits
If you plan to bring a car, bike or moped, take a minute to review MSU’s parking and permit requirements so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Review bus routes
You can also use the CATA campus bus system. On-campus routes are free for all students during fall and spring semesters.