Newly admitted students

Congratulations on your admission to Wayne State University. Now what? Follow the checklist below to make sure you're prepared for your first day of classes.

Congratulations and welcome to Wayne State University!

Which one are you?

First-year

Enrollment deposit

As a first-year student admitted for 2025, you must pay a $50 enrollment deposit to secure your spot as a Warrior by May 1.

Accept your offer of admission

Log in to your admitted student portal to let us know you’re ready to become a Warrior.

Apply for financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your first step when applying for loans, grants or scholarships. Log on to FAFSA and use the WSU school code 002329 when applying. Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA, check your aid status on Academica.

Reserve your place at New Student Orientation

You'll connect with other new students, discuss academic advising, and register for classes during this mandatory, on-campus event. Sign up for a session that fits your schedule, and remember to contact your academic advisor in advance to determine if you should consider course placement testing or enroll in our signature first-year seminar to ensure a successful transition.

Live on campus

Explore our many residence halls and apartment-style housing options. Living on campus offers added convenience and enhances your Wayne State experience by creating a home away from home. The First Year Residential Experience (FYRE), offered in several residence halls, is a supportive community for first-year students that helps ease the transition from high school to college.

Set up your WSU account

Log in to Academica, your Wayne State student portal, using the credentials found in your admitted student portal. Your new Wayne State email account, as well as financial aid award details, are found in Academica. Be on the lookout for important information about orientation, housing, financial aid and upcoming events on campus.

Consider placement testing

Your SAT/ACT scores can be used to determine placement into appropriate math and biology courses. If you were admitted via the test-optional pathway or feel your score does not accurately reflect your ability, placement exams will ensure appropriate college-level coursework. Placement testing is free for incoming first-year students and must be completed before orientation for most majors. Explore which placement tests are required by major and schedule a placement test.

Take a campus tour

Experience the life of a Warrior and our unique campus through our various tour options. Visit with us in person, virtually or take a self-guided tour.

Share your Warrior pride

Show the world you are proud to be a Wayne State Warrior — use one of our custom cover photos or post on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X).

Submit your pictures and videos celebrating your admission for a chance to be featured as the WSU Spotlight of the Day.
Transfer

Accept your offer of admission

Log in to your admitted student portal to let us know you’re ready to become a Warrior.

Enrollment deposit

As an admitted transfer student, you must pay a $50 enrollment deposit by June 1 to secure your spot as a Warrior.

Set up your WSU account

Log in to Academica using the credentials found in your admitted student portal. Your new Wayne State email account, as well as your financial aid award details, are found in Academica. Be on the lookout for important information about orientation, housing, financial aid and upcoming events on campus.

Reserve your place at Transfer Student Orientation

Sign up for an on-campus Transfer Student Orientation session to ensure a strong start. You’ll learn about campus resources and how to successfully navigate the university, as well as network with students, faculty and staff.

Apply for financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step when applying for loans, grants or scholarships. Be sure to use the WSU school code 002329 when applying. Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA, check your aid status on Academica.

Meet with your academic advisor

Before attending orientation, schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your academic plan and register for classes. While advisors are available during orientation, upper-division courses can fill up quickly. Find your academic advisor or schedule an appointment online as soon as possible.

Submit your final transcripts

If you are still in your current semester at another institution, be sure to have your most recent transcripts sent to WSU upon completion of the semester so we can update your transfer credit information.

Review your transfer credit evaluation

You will be notified via your WSU email when your evaluation is complete. Review your evaluation by logging into Academica using your AccessID and password. Under Student Resources, click on Degree Works to view your Degree Worksheet, which outlines all of your degree requirements.

Live on campus

Explore our many residence halls and apartment-style housing options. Living on campus offers added convenience and enhances your Wayne State experience by creating a home away from home.

Take a campus tour

Experience the life of a Warrior and our unique campus through our many tour options. Visit with us in-person or virtually or take a self-guided tour.

Share your Warrior pride

Show the world you are proud to be a Wayne State Warrior — use one of our custom cover photos or post on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X) using the hashtags #WarriorPride or #WarriorStrong.

Submit your pictures and videos celebrating your admission for a chance to be featured as the WSU Spotlight of the Day.
International

Accept your offer of admission

Log in to your undergraduate application portal to let us know you’re ready to join the Wayne State family.

Enrollment deposit

International students admitted for the fall semester will need to pay a $50 enrollment deposit to secure their spot as a Warrior.

Start checking your WSU email

We will be sending you important information about orientation, housing and financial aid. Log in to Wayne Connect.

Review your I-20/DS-2019

Check your status, complete the I-901 SEVIS form and pay the accompanying fee. Immediately print your receipt, as you may need it later to show proof of payment. If changes are necessary, email I20unit@wayne.edu. If you have not applied for an I-20/DS-2019, visit the Office of International Students and Scholars forms page to download the application. Transfer students should complete the Transfer In Clearance form.

Apply for a student visa

Locate the U.S embassy or consulate in your country and follow the instructions provided for applying. Students from all countries except Canada are required to submit an online nonimmigrant visa application (Form I-160) and schedule a visa interview. When you go to your visa interview, bring your SEVIS receipt, WSU admit letter, I-20/DS-2019 form, documents showing financial support and your passport.

Canadians entering the U.S. are visa-exempt

Canadians may apply for the F-1/J-1 status admission directly at the U.S port of entry. Bring your I-20/DS-2019 form, SEVIS receipt, documents showing financial support and your passport. A cash processing fee of $6 USD will be required when you enter the U.S via bridge or tunnel.

Check out on-campus housing

Housing applications are available beginning in February. Visit the housing website for more information.

Plan your arrival

Arrive to campus no more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20/DS-2019. Please note that you may not receive your paper form I-94 at the port of entry. If this occurs, visit U.S Borders and Customs to learn how to obtain your I-94 number.

Schedule orientation

You are invited to attend orientation. Choose a date and time that work best for you.

Learn about placement testing

Prior to orientation, visit our testing website to determine whether placement exams in English, math or science will be required. You are required to meet the university’s English proficiency requirement, indicated by minimum scores of 79-80 TOEFL IBT and IELTS 6.5. If you do not meet the university English proficiency requirement, you must apply to the university’s English Language Institute.

Register for classes

Get detailed registration instructions and sign up as early as possible to ensure course availability.

Sign up for OISS check-in

All international students must check in with the Office of International Students and Scholars when they arrive on campus. Sign up for a mandatory New International Student Check-in.

Purchase health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students. Visit the student insurance website to enroll and pay for yours. This is a requirement for the duration of your time at Wayne State.

Share your Warrior pride

Use one of our custom cover photos on Facebook or Twitter to tell the world you're proud to be a Wayne State Warrior.
Veterans

Accept your offer of admission and scholarships

Log in to your admitted student portal to let us know you're ready to become a Warrior.

Enrollment deposit

As an admitted veteran student, you must pay a $50 enrollment deposit by June 1 to secure your spot as a Warrior.

Start by checking your WSU email

We will be sending you important information about orientation, housing and financial aid. Log in to Wayne Connect.

Apply for financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid will be available at fafsa.gov beginning Jan. 1. Use the WSU school code 002329 when applying. You can check your financial aid status on Academica after you apply.

Review your transfer credit evaluation

You will be notified via WSU email when your evaluation is complete. To see it, log in to Academica using your AccessID and password. Click on the Student tab, then on STARS for degree audit. You can then log in using your AccessID and password and select Transfer/PvEd.

Check out on-campus housing

Housing applications are available beginning in February. Visit the housing website for more information.

Register for orientation

You will sit down for a personalized academic advising session and register for classes. Sign up for orientation.

Learn about placement testing

After reviewing your transfer credit evaluation, determine whether placement exams in English, math, biology or chemistry will be required by visiting the testing website. We recommend taking tests at least two weeks prior to your orientation date.

Submit your final transcripts

WSU must have proof of graduation before you can start classes. Be sure your transcripts are sent to the Undergraduate Admissions office once you have graduated.

Get assistance activating your VA Educational Benefits

The GI Bill ® provides educational benefits to veterans and their dependents. You can explore your benefits or contact our Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence for assistance.

Attend an Informational Meeting

We have monthly informational meetings for our new incoming veteran, military and dependent students.

Share your Warrior pride

Use one of our custom cover photos on Facebook or Twitter, and tell the world you're proud to be a Wayne State Warrior.

Enrollment deposit

As a first-year student admitted for 2025, you must pay a $50 enrollment deposit to secure your spot as a Warrior by May 1.

Accept your offer of admission

Apply for financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your first step when applying for loans, grants or scholarships. Log on to FAFSA and use the WSU school code 002329 when applying. Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA, check your aid status on Academica.

Reserve your place at New Student Orientation

You'll connect with other new students, discuss academic advising, and register for classes during this mandatory, on-campus event. Sign up for a session that fits your schedule, and remember to contact your academic advisor in advance to determine if you should consider course placement testing or enroll in our signature first-year seminar to ensure a successful transition.

Live on campus

Explore our many residence halls and apartment-style housing options. Living on campus offers added convenience and enhances your Wayne State experience by creating a home away from home. The First Year Residential Experience (FYRE), offered in several residence halls, is a supportive community for first-year students that helps ease the transition from high school to college.

Set up your WSU account

Log in to Academica, your Wayne State student portal, using the credentials found in your admitted student portal. Your new Wayne State email account, as well as financial aid award details, are found in Academica. Be on the lookout for important information about orientation, housing, financial aid and upcoming events on campus.

Consider placement testing

Your SAT/ACT scores can be used to determine placement into appropriate math and biology courses. If you were admitted via the test-optional pathway or feel your score does not accurately reflect your ability, placement exams will ensure appropriate college-level coursework. Placement testing is free for incoming first-year students and must be completed before orientation for most majors. Explore which placement tests are required by major and schedule a placement test.

Take a campus tour

Experience the life of a Warrior and our unique campus through our various tour options. Visit with us in person, virtually or take a self-guided tour.

Share your Warrior pride

Show the world you are proud to be a Wayne State Warrior — use one of our custom cover photos or post on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X).

Submit your pictures and videos celebrating your admission for a chance to be featured as the WSU Spotlight of the Day.

Accept your offer of admission

Enrollment deposit

As an admitted transfer student, you must pay a $50 enrollment deposit by June 1 to secure your spot as a Warrior.

Set up your WSU account

Log in to Academica using the credentials found in your admitted student portal. Your new Wayne State email account, as well as your financial aid award details, are found in Academica. Be on the lookout for important information about orientation, housing, financial aid and upcoming events on campus.

Reserve your place at Transfer Student Orientation

Sign up for an on-campus Transfer Student Orientation session to ensure a strong start. You’ll learn about campus resources and how to successfully navigate the university, as well as network with students, faculty and staff.

Apply for financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step when applying for loans, grants or scholarships. Be sure to use the WSU school code 002329 when applying. Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA, check your aid status on Academica.

Meet with your academic advisor

Before attending orientation, schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your academic plan and register for classes. While advisors are available during orientation, upper-division courses can fill up quickly. Find your academic advisor or schedule an appointment online as soon as possible.

Submit your final transcripts

If you are still in your current semester at another institution, be sure to have your most recent transcripts sent to WSU upon completion of the semester so we can update your transfer credit information.

Review your transfer credit evaluation

You will be notified via your WSU email when your evaluation is complete. Review your evaluation by logging into Academica using your AccessID and password. Under Student Resources, click on Degree Works to view your Degree Worksheet, which outlines all of your degree requirements.

Live on campus

Explore our many residence halls and apartment-style housing options. Living on campus offers added convenience and enhances your Wayne State experience by creating a home away from home.

Take a campus tour

Experience the life of a Warrior and our unique campus through our many tour options. Visit with us in-person or virtually or take a self-guided tour.

Share your Warrior pride

Show the world you are proud to be a Wayne State Warrior — use one of our custom cover photos or post on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X) using the hashtags #WarriorPride or #WarriorStrong.

Submit your pictures and videos celebrating your admission for a chance to be featured as the WSU Spotlight of the Day.

Accept your offer of admission

Enrollment deposit

International students admitted for the fall semester will need to pay a $50 enrollment deposit to secure their spot as a Warrior.

Start checking your WSU email

We will be sending you important information about orientation, housing and financial aid. Log in to Wayne Connect.

Review your I-20/DS-2019

Check your status, complete the I-901 SEVIS form and pay the accompanying fee. Immediately print your receipt, as you may need it later to show proof of payment. If changes are necessary, email I20unit@wayne.edu. If you have not applied for an I-20/DS-2019, visit the Office of International Students and Scholars forms page to download the application. Transfer students should complete the Transfer In Clearance form.

Apply for a student visa

Locate the U.S embassy or consulate in your country and follow the instructions provided for applying. Students from all countries except Canada are required to submit an online nonimmigrant visa application (Form I-160) and schedule a visa interview. When you go to your visa interview, bring your SEVIS receipt, WSU admit letter, I-20/DS-2019 form, documents showing financial support and your passport.

Canadians entering the U.S. are visa-exempt

Canadians may apply for the F-1/J-1 status admission directly at the U.S port of entry. Bring your I-20/DS-2019 form, SEVIS receipt, documents showing financial support and your passport. A cash processing fee of $6 USD will be required when you enter the U.S via bridge or tunnel.

Check out on-campus housing

Housing applications are available beginning in February. Visit the housing website for more information.

Plan your arrival

Arrive to campus no more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20/DS-2019. Please note that you may not receive your paper form I-94 at the port of entry. If this occurs, visit U.S Borders and Customs to learn how to obtain your I-94 number.

Schedule orientation

You are invited to attend orientation. Choose a date and time that work best for you.

Learn about placement testing

Prior to orientation, visit our testing website to determine whether placement exams in English, math or science will be required. You are required to meet the university’s English proficiency requirement, indicated by minimum scores of 79-80 TOEFL IBT and IELTS 6.5. If you do not meet the university English proficiency requirement, you must apply to the university’s English Language Institute.

Register for classes

Get detailed registration instructions and sign up as early as possible to ensure course availability.

Sign up for OISS check-in

All international students must check in with the Office of International Students and Scholars when they arrive on campus. Sign up for a mandatory New International Student Check-in.

Purchase health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students. Visit the student insurance website to enroll and pay for yours. This is a requirement for the duration of your time at Wayne State.

Share your Warrior pride

Use one of our custom cover photos on Facebook or Twitter to tell the world you're proud to be a Wayne State Warrior.

Accept your offer of admission and scholarships

Enrollment deposit

As an admitted veteran student, you must pay a $50 enrollment deposit by June 1 to secure your spot as a Warrior.

Start by checking your WSU email

We will be sending you important information about orientation, housing and financial aid. Log in to Wayne Connect.

Apply for financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid will be available at fafsa.gov beginning Jan. 1. Use the WSU school code 002329 when applying. You can check your financial aid status on Academica after you apply.

Review your transfer credit evaluation

You will be notified via WSU email when your evaluation is complete. To see it, log in to Academica using your AccessID and password. Click on the Student tab, then on STARS for degree audit. You can then log in using your AccessID and password and select Transfer/PvEd.

Check out on-campus housing

Housing applications are available beginning in February. Visit the housing website for more information.

Register for orientation

You will sit down for a personalized academic advising session and register for classes. Sign up for orientation.

Learn about placement testing

After reviewing your transfer credit evaluation, determine whether placement exams in English, math, biology or chemistry will be required by visiting the testing website. We recommend taking tests at least two weeks prior to your orientation date.

Submit your final transcripts

WSU must have proof of graduation before you can start classes. Be sure your transcripts are sent to the Undergraduate Admissions office once you have graduated.