Transfer Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to CU Boulder! We are excited to have you join our Buff family and begin your CU journey. Now that you have been accepted to CU Boulder, here are the next steps for you to complete.

We want to make sure you have a smooth transition to CU Boulder and are here if you need us!

Learn more about the Transfer Student Community at CU Boulder 


Get Started     Advising and registration     Before arriving on campus     After arriving on campus  

Need to change your major?

Students wishing to change majors can log in to their CU Boulder Admissions Application Status Page. There, you will see an option to submit a major change request form. Please complete that form to be considered. Major changes are not guaranteed, and there are typically additional steps needed when requesting to change from one college or school into another. If you are requesting a second major change, please contact your admission counselor.

Get Started

Activate IdentiKey

Your IdentiKey (your CU login name and password) is used to access online services and applications at CU Boulder. It typically takes three to five business days after you activate before you can access these services.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible

Activate your IdentiKey 

Log in to your CU Boulder email

All CU Boulder faculty, staff and students receive a CU Boulder email account. We will use this account to communicate with you, so please use your IdentiKey to log in and start using it.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible and check regularly

Log in to your CU Boulder email 

Complete the New Student Survey

Complete the New Student Survey and let us know what you think about CU Boulder, why you decided to come here and your expectations about your first semester.

Incoming fall students will be able to access the survey in early-April. Incoming summer students can now access the survey.

Complete the New Student Survey

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The first step in the financial aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include CU Boulder’s School Code: 001370. After the Office of Financial Aid receives your FAFSA, they will be in contact with you.

Keep applying for scholarships! 

Housing

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations can help with your housing search. You can use Ralphie's List to search for available rentals and complete the Off-Campus Living Orientation to learn about living off campus, communicating with property owners and more.

Check out Ralphie's List 

Sign-up for Transfer New Student Orientation

All incoming students must attend Transfer New Student Orientation (TSO) in June or July. During TSO you will learn more about life as a CU Buff, meet with academic advisors and register for fall classes.  

Note: You must complete the Online Experience before attending TSO. 

Sign-up for TSO will begin in early-March. 

Learn more about New Student Orientation

Complete the Online Experience

All new students must complete the Online Experience. You’ll learn more about advising, registering for classes, health and wellness and more.

You must complete the Online Experience before you can register for classes.

The Online Experience will be available beginning April 1, 2025.

Submit your Buff OneCard photo

Your Buff OneCard serves as your campus identification and therefore you must submit your Buff OneCard photo. Depending on your student status and choices, it may also carry your meal plan, allow you to pay for laundry, access to your residence hall and more!

Submit your Buff OneCard photo

Check your Holds & To-Dos

CU Boulder assigns holds or to-dos to inform you of steps you may need to complete. A hold prevents you from taking some kind of action (such as registering for classes) until it is resolved. A to-do is a recommended action that certain students need to complete.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible

Check your Holds & To-Dos 

Stay connected

Follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Advising and registration

Complete your placement assessments

You are encouraged to complete placement assessments as soon as you can as results may impact registration.

Learn more and complete placement assessments 

Academic Advising

New students will meet with an academic advisor during Transfer Student Orientation. Advisors will be able to assist with question about your first semester schedule, transfer credit and finding the academic path that is right for you. 

Class registration

You will register for classes during Transfer Student Orientation in June or July.

Note: You must complete the Online Experience before you can register for classes.

Before arriving on campus

Submit final transcripts

Make sure to submit your final official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Official transcripts are mailed or sent electronically directly to the Office of Admissions by the issuing institution or by the student if the transcript is still in its original sealed envelope.

Transcripts can be emailed to transcripts@inkatana.com or mailed. We highly recommend submitting your official transcripts prior to new student orientation.

Deadline: Complete as soon as possible. Please allow 3-5 weeks for processing. 

Submit your transcripts 

Complete the health requirements

All students must complete health insuranceimmunization and health questionnaire requirements before their first semester at CU. 

Deadline: Due dates vary

New student health requirements 

After arriving on campus

Undergraduate Student Orientation

Join us for orientation! You'll learn about campus resources and meet other new Buffs.

Transfer Student Orientation is Aug. 19, 2025. 

Learn more about Transfer Student Orientation

Fall Welcome

Fall Welcome gives new students the opportunity to connect with fellow Buffs, faculty and staff, learn CU traditions and learn more about campus resources. 

Learn more about Fall Welcome

New Student Resources

Before the semester begins, be sure to check out New Student Resources to learn more about campus services, ways to get involved and important things to know about life as a Buff.

Find New Student Resources