We are delighted that you will be joining the Department of Physics at Drexel University.

Physics Graduate Orientation Program

All new full-time students must attend this program, held during the two weeks before classes start. Most mornings include a scientific computing workshop that will introduce you to programming tools needed for future class work. Afternoons feature short talks by faculty members and students in which they will describe their research. University-wide orientation activities include a graduate activities fair and training sessions for new teaching fellows. Orientation is a good time to meet your fellow students and the faculty. By the end of this period you will be on your way to tackling computing problems and have an idea of the range of research possibilities in the department. The program also includes activities with the other graduate students, including a camping trip on the final weekend.

Fall Quarter Course Registration

Please follow the instructions below to make sure that you register for the correct classes and number of credits. First-year PhD students should register for nine credits of required physics courses, as follows. (Incoming post-master’s students should contact the Associate Head for Graduate Studies for instructions.)

• PHYS 501 Mathematical Physics I
• PHYS 506 Dynamics I

In addition, choose one topics course (these courses are offered in alternate years)

Even years:

• PHYS 626 Solid State Physics I
• PHYS 540 Big Data Physics

Odd years:

• PHYS 531 Galactic Astrophysics
• PHYS 561 Biophysics
• PHYS 558 Quantum Information

How to Register

All full-time students must register online via DrexelOne in each term in which they are active for a total of 9 credits of required courses. Make sure that you register for the correct courses and number of credits. Failure to follow instructions may result in a financial hold that will (a) cause you to be billed, (b) prevent you from registering in the future, (c) damage your visa status, (d) cause you to lose your health insurance, (e) cause your student loan to be called in.

Here are the steps to remember when registering for courses:

• Student Financial Obligation (SFO) Statement – Reading and completing the SFO is done via DrexelOne once time tickets have opened for the following term. You will be prompted to complete the SFO before you are allowed to register. If you opt to disagree with the SFO, a hold will be placed on your account preventing registering. Students graduating, going on vacation or completing a leave of absence or university withdrawal have the option to indicate "No Interest" to the SFO for the term they will not be registering for.
• Complete Your Course Registration – Student Guide: New Registration Interface [PDF] – Download the guide as a reference for navigating the new registration interface.
• Confirm Your Enrollment – Make sure you confirm your enrollment each term you are scheduled for courses. Learn more about the process.

International Students and Scholars Services

Physics Graduate Advising

Housing

• Drexel University Off-Campus Housing
• Penn Off-Campus Services

Admitted Students Checklist

Congratulations on your admission to Drexel University! Please refer to this page as you prepare for your first term.

Confirm Your Enrollment
Confirm your intent to enroll by submitting your Enrollment Form along with the nonrefundable tuition deposit through Discover Drexel.

Review Your New Student Checklist
Once you've received confirmation from Drexel that your enrollment form and tuition deposit have been processed, you may continue the enrollment process. We compiled this list to help you prepare for the first day of class.

Note: International students should visit the International Students and Scholars Services website for additional information.

Registration
Register for courses following the instructions described under Course Registration and How to Register on the Drexel Central Website. Refer to the following resources as you plan for your first term at Drexel:

• Drexel Term Master Schedule of Classes
• Physics Graduate Course Descriptions

Student Services

• Pick up your computer accounts. As a Drexel student, you are entitled to computer accounts, such as email and DrexelOne. Visit the Information Technology (IT) New Accounts page to pick up your accounts.
• Submit final transcripts prior to enrollment. If you are currently enrolled in a college or university, you must submit official final transcripts. International students must submit degree conferral. If final transcripts are not received prior to the start of coursework at Drexel, a registration hold may be placed on your account. If other materials were requested at the time of your admission, these must be submitted as well.
• Comply with Drexel's Immunization and Health Insurance policies. All international and full-time graduate students must comply with these policies. For details, visit the Health Insurance and Immunizations website.
• Pick up your DragonCard University ID. Once you have registered for your classes, you are eligible for the DragonCard, which you will need to access certain buildings on campus. Visit the DragonCard Office located in Room 124 of the Creese Student Center on the University City Campus or in Room 1603 of the New College Building on the Center City Campus to have your ID photo taken. You must show a valid state-issued ID (driver's license or passport). Visit the DragonCard website for more information.
• Notify Disability Resources if you have any physical or learning disabilities. Drexel University is committed to providing equal access to its programs and services to qualified students. Visit the Disability Resources website for more information.

Financial Aid/Billing

• Apply for financial aid. U.S. citizens and permanent residents should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using Drexel's school code (003256) in order to be considered for federal aid. Additionally, certain graduate programs require the completion of the Institutional Financial Aid Application. For more information about the financial aid process, visit the Drexel Central website. Note that students who have been offered full support as teaching or research fellows do not need to complete any application to receive the support described in their offer letter.
• Complete any outstanding financial aid requirements (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only). Students who have confirmed their attendance can check their status on DrexelOne.
• Notify Drexel Central of any changes in your enrollment status. A change in enrollment status (from full- to part-time, for example) could affect your financial aid award. Visit AskDrexel to report changes to your enrollment status.
• Review your billing information. Familiarize yourself with Drexel's billing system and set up any features (such as text message notification) so that you are ready when your first eBill is issued. Information about Drexel tuition, fees, and billing processes can be found on Drexel Central's Billing webpage. You should also review the different payment options available, including payment plans and the employer reimbursement plan on the Drexel Central Payments webpage.