ID and portal access
Immediately
Start by setting up your NetID to access the my.uic.edu portal and other enrollment functions.
You'll need your UIN and token. They are included on admitted student emails.
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.
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Secure your spot
Orientation and Class Registration
It’s important to complete all of the following steps before registration.
Placement exams
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.
Online Pre-Orientation
Starting in March
Completing the online pre-orientation allows you to attend orientation where you learn about campus and register for classes. You’ll receive an invite to your UIC email when they are available.
New Student Orientation
Starting in April
You’ll select a date over the summer to attend orientation where you will learn more about the UIC community and how to register for classes.
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
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.
UIC’s federal school code is 001776.
Aid notifications for those that submit a FAFSA or Illinois Rise Act Alternative Application are generally processed in the beginning of March and then on a continuing basis as they are recieved. Once you're notificaiton is ready, it will be available in the my.uic.edu portal.
Tuition & payment options
January 1
Tuition is assessed in August, but students can review payment options and set up optional payment plans beginning in January.
Student employment
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.
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
Before March 14, 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.
Learn more about commuting
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.
Wrapping things up
Send us official test scores and transcripts
Before August 1
Send any AP exam scores, official SAT or ACT scores, and your final transcripts once you have graduated from high school.
Consider Summer College
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 a request through the application appeals and petitions form, accessible at the bottom of the application status portal. Deferral of admission decisions are typically approved only in cases of military and medical reasons. All other requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and if we are unable to defer the admission, we will create a new application for you, waive the application fee, and you will undergo the review process for the future term. If you attend another institution before enrolling at UIC in the deferred term, transcripts will be required and you will be changed to a transfer student.