The University of St. Thomas

Incoming Student Checklist

Your first year at the University of St. Thomas is very important, as we want you to experience the best education and ease your transition to the St. Thomas community. For this reason, we have developed a checklist to help you succeed  throughout your O&R experience, as well as your first weeks at UST. Whether you are a new first-year student, transfer student, international student, or parent or family member of a student, this information can be of assistance in transitioning to UST. We pride ourselves on providing individualized service; so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

What you should do before coming to Orientation & Registration (for first-year students):

  • Thoroughly read the information packet you received from Academic Counseling
  • Discuss the First-Year Registration Guide with your family
  • After receiving your O&R Invitation, confirm your attendance at a session as soon as possible. Sessions fill quickly!
  • Consult with parents or guests so you can confirm the number of guests you will be bringing with you
  • If you wish to stay on campus the night before your O&R session, confirm this on your reservation form and include payment (off-campus accommodations are also available).
  • After you submit your reservation request, watch for a confirmation mailing (it will include your confirmed O&R session date)
  • Complete placement tests online
  • Submit your course preference worksheet online
  • Plan on staying for your entire O&R session. Students who do not stay for the full schedule will be unable to register for classes at their O&R session 

What you should do before the start of your semester (for first-year and transfer studdents):

  • Email your summer Orientation Leader, or call/email an orientation staff member, with any additional questions you may have. We’re here to help!
  • If you will be living at home, discuss with your family whether/how you can spend evenings and weekends on campus to build relationships with students, faculty and staff outside the classroom.
  • If you will be living on campus, call your new roommate and ask him/her what he/she plans on bringing for your room.
  • Find your classrooms so you know where to go on your first day (campus map)
  • Get your textbooks
  • Enter health requirement information in Murphy Online
  • Meet with your financial aid counselor to make sure everything is in order
  • Make a budget for your first-semester.  Check out CashCourse for helpful reminders and tips.
  • If you plan on working during your first-year, find on-campus jobs through Human Resources or off-campus jobs through the Career Development Center.
  • Get a parking permit if you plan to commute to campus
  • Make plans to regularly stay in touch with friends and family

What you should do within your first few weeks at St. Thomas (for first-year and transfer students):

  • Activate your UST email account
  • If you didn’t get your UST ID card at orientation, stop by the Card Office on the 2nd floor of MHC.
  • Attend Welcome Events and the Activities Fair on campus
  • Review the syllabus from each of your courses
  • You sould have a campus mailbox assignment and combination from Admissions. If not, stop by the post office in the lower level of MHC to get this information.
  • Verify your address in Murphy Online
  • Review the online conduct codes to familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities.
  • Get to know your professors. Visit each of them 1-2 times during the semester.
  • Go to class. Some classes may not have attendance requirements, but it is still important to attend!
  • Involvement on campus broadens knowledge of the university, develops leadership skills, adds to a resume and helps connect to the campus community. Join a club or organization, work on campus, or conduct research with a faculty member!
  • Check your UST email account for messages from your Summer Orientation Leader or Transfer Orientation Leader. They will send you updates on exciting activities and on-campus events!
  • Transfer students should make sure to have completed transferring of credit procedures correctly. Ask your Academic Counselor about any questions or concerns.
  • Know how to manage stress...there are many wellness resources on campus to help.