Dream Big.

Welcome to Chicago's public research university. 

We promise to help you cultivate your potential and reach your goals. But before we get to that, let's set you up for success. The following checklist and deadlines items are for new first-year students admitted for the fall semester. 

Checklist and timeline

The checklist and timeline will help you make sure you're on track to enroll at the university. 

Checklist Filter

  • Show All
  • Required Only
  • Optional Only

Secure your spot

ID and portal access

  • required

Immediately

Start by setting up your NetID to access the my.uic.edu portal and other enrollment functions.

ACTIVATE ACCOUNT

You'll need your UIN and token. They are included on admitted student emails.

Accept your offer

  • required

Any time after you are admitted, but no later than May 1

To submit a late Intent to Enroll, use the appeal form on the bottom of your application status portal.

You have until May 1 to accept your offer of admission. Submit your Intent to Enroll at the my.uic.edu portal. UIC does not have an enrollment fee or deposit.

ACCEPT OFFER

Orientation and Class Registration

It’s important to complete all of the following steps before registration.

 


Placement exams

  • required

February - July (as soon as possible)

Starting in February, you will be prompted to take placement exams in the my.uic.edu portal. Completing these tests will help guide your course selection for your first semester.

PLACEMENT EXAMS

New Student Orientation

  • required

Early June (Fall)

Please check your UIC email account regularly for updates about orientation, academic advising, and registration procedures timelines.

SIGN UP

MORE INFORMATION

Class Registration

  • required

Registration begins after you complete orientation and placement tests

Upon completion of online orientation,you will receive an email from your academic college with instructions about the advising process. Advisors will work with you to register for classes on the my.uic.edu portal.

REGISTRATION

Paying for college

Funding your education can be one of the most difficult parts of earning your degree—but there are resources available. Take advantage of everything we have to offer.


Apply for financial aid

  • optional

After October 1 and before February 1 (or as soon as possible).

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for need-based federal and state grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. Students who submit FAFSA will also be considered for any institutional aid for which they may be eligible. 

FAFSA FORM

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

UIC’s federal school code is 001776.

Tuition & payment options

  • optional

January 1

Tuition is assessed in August, but students can review payment options and set up optional payment plans beginning in January. 

PAYMENT PLANS

TUITION & FEES INFORMATION

Student employment

  • optional

Over the summer

The university employs thousands of students in a variety of campus positions. There are many different jobs available, including office support aides, tutors, gym personnel, tour guides, call center employees, researchers, production assistants, etc.  UIC Student Employment maintains a job board of available positions.

Student Employment

Living arrangements

UIC students can live on campus in a residence hall, or commute from the area. Check out the available resources whether you plan to live on or off campus.


Apply for housing

  • optional

Before March 15, or as soon as possible

Placement for student housing is first come, first served. If you are considering living on campus, you should apply early to maximize your chances for your preferred residence. 

CAMPUS HOUSING

Learn more about commuting

  • optional

Anytime

UIC considers anyone who is not living in university housing a commuter. Students who are considered commuters can live just five minutes away in an apartment or at home with their parents.  The Commuter Student Resource Center can help connect you with other commuting students and provide you with information to improve your experience. 

COMMUTER INFORMATION

Wrapping things up

Send us official test scores and transcripts

  • required

Before August 1

Send any AP exam scores, official ACT or SAT scores, and your final transcripts once you have graduated from high school. 

Consider Summer College

  • optional

Registration begins in May

Get ahead by joining us for Summer College. Our programs are tuition free and fun, but they also prep you for the fall. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UIC have an enrollment deposit?

UIC does not currently have an enrollment deposit. You can secure your space in the incoming class by responding "yes" to the Intent to Enroll section in the my.uic.edu student portal.

When do you let me know about scholarships?

Scholarships are one of several forms of assistance that may be offered to applicants as part of their financial award. Scholarships may be included in the award package, or may come independently from different sources (the Honors College, a particular college or department, an outside organization, etc.). There is not a single schedule that determines when these awards are announced. Generally, most scholarship notifications will be sent by the end of April.  See the Office of Financial Aid for more information. 

When do I pick my classes? And how?

Recommended courses will depend on the results of your placement tests, your major and your availability. Classes are selected in the my.uic.edu portal. Prepare for registration by reviewing the undergraduate catalog.

Will I get credit for AP or IB classes?

Advanced placement credit is awarded as a result of the scores received on the appropriate exams, not by taking the class alone. Please review our Credit by Examination page for detailed information. 

I didn’t receive my admission packet in the mail. Can you help?

No need to worry! All the necessary information to begin at UIC is available on this website. Additionally: 

  • A copy of your admission letter is available in the my.uic.edu portal. 

Why is the cost of attendance different than tuition and fees?

Cost of attendance is a term used by federal government to capture all costs associated with attending a university. The amount is a total of both billable fees (costs that are charged by the university, like tuition and fees), and costs that a student is expected to incur like transportation, living expenses, books and others. It is used primarily for the calculation of your financial aid.

When is tuition due?

Student tuition is assessed beginning in mid-August but is not officially billed to your account until after the end of the add/drop period (the second week of classes). Tuition and fees are due at the end of September for the fall semester.

I forgot to apply to the Honors College on my application, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply to the Honors College even after you've been admitted! If you applied to UIC without indicating your interest in the Honors College, please visit the Honors College website for requirements and a link to a secondary Honors College application. View the Deadlines page for the latest Honors College priority and final deadlines.

Can I defer admission to a future term?

Admitted students may request a deferral to a future term by submitting information on the application appeals and petitions form, accessible at the bottom of the application status portal.