First-Year Student Next Steps

Brochures and Materials for New Students

Administrative

• Pick up your computer and email accounts
  As a Drexel student, you will gain access to computer accounts, such as email and DrexelOne. You must check your Drexel email account regularly for important updates regarding placement tests, financial aid status, and your eBill. Visit Drexel's Information Technology (IT) New Accounts page to pick up your accounts as soon as possible.
• Monitor your Student Checklist
  You can find your Student Checklist on the Welcome tab of DrexelOne. Be sure to check your Checklist regularly, as new items will appear over the course of the summer.
• Submit required I-20/DS-2019 application documents (International Students Requiring F-1 or J-1 Visas)
  Review the information for New International Students on the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) website to learn about the I-20/DS-2019 application process, including how to electronically upload your documents via the New Student Checklist on DrexelOne before the I-20 deadline.
• Review Drexel's computer and software recommendations
  View them on IT's Computers and Software website before the term starts.
• Pick up your DragonCard University ID
  Before you start at Drexel, you can upload a photo for your DragonCard online. Visit the DragonCard website for more information. DragonCards will also be distributed at Move-In (for resident students) or can be picked up at the DragonCard Office.

Academics

• Complete placement tests
  Placement examinations are used to assess your academic preparation for critical courses. They enable your advisor to build a schedule for your first term and place you into the courses for which you are ready and have the best chance of completing successfully. Depending on your major, you may be required to take an examination electronically before June 26 in one or more of the following areas: mathematics, English, chemistry, physics, and/or modern languages. More information will be sent by email at the end of May. Learn more about Drexel's Placement Exams.
• Forward your final transcripts
  New first-year students are required to submit final high school transcripts, as well as transcripts from any colleges or universities attended prior to Drexel. High school transcripts must be received from your high school counselor. International students, please refer to our Transcript Requirements for International Applicants for additional information.
  
  Final transcripts are due by June 30. We recommend that you submit all official transcripts and supporting documentation electronically to enroll@drexel.edu. If your school is not able to send official transcripts electronically, please mail to:
  
  Transcript Processing
  Drexel University
  PO Box 34789
  Philadelphia, PA 19101
  
  Students outside the United States, please mail transcripts to:
  
  International Undergraduate Admissions
  Transcript Processing
  Drexel University
  3141 Chestnut Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19104-2876
  USA
• Submit AP/IB scores and transcripts for college coursework
  Students should arrange to have their AP or IB scores sent directly to Drexel. Scores will be evaluated by your academic advisor after you have confirmed your enrollment. Refer to our Enrollment Policies for Admitted Students for additional details. Official transcripts from the college(s) an applicant attended should be sent to the Office of Admissions along with a High School Dual Enrollment Verification form [PDF] by June 30 in order to receive an evaluation. 
• Notify Disability Resources
  If you have any physical or learning disabilities, notify Disability Resources by September 1. Drexel University is committed to providing equal access to its programs and services to qualified students. Visit the Disability Resources website for more information.
• Review information about Your Student Success Team
  The Student Success Team is a group of Drexel professionals that are specifically dedicated to assisting you throughout your entire time here. Once your student success team is assigned in July and listed in DrexelOne, we encourage you to reach out to the members of your team, as they are dedicated to helping you figure out at you want to do with your future and how you will get there.

Financial Aid & Billing

• Review financial aid and billing information
  There are important steps and planning you and your family should complete in order to ensure you are financially ready for the beginning of the year. View the New Student Financial Checklist to learn more.
• Complete the FAFSA (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)
  If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have not already done so, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using Drexel's school code (003256). You should file the FAFSA by February 15.
• Notify Drexel Central if your status changes
  If there are any changes in your enrollment status, you must notify Drexel Central. A change in enrollment status could affect your financial aid. To report changes in your status, use AskDrexel.
• Review outstanding financial aid requirements
  You can check your status on DrexelOne. Drexel Central will send email notifications to your Drexel email address when you have requirements that need to be completed by June 15.
• Determine authorized user access
  You can provide eBill access to your parents, guardians, and anyone else you wish to be an authorized user. Set up an authorized user. 
• Sign up for eRefunds
  You can sign up to receive refunds from your student accounts as direct deposits into the bank account of your choice. View more information about eRefunds and sign up before June 30.
• Review the Family Education Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy
  FERPA protects your student record and personal information. Learn about what FERPA means for you before July 15, and how your family can access your information once you start via the Drexel University Family Portal.
• Ensure your eBill is paid
  Before August 15, you should review the first eBill you were sent in July to determine if you have a balance due and learn more about the various methods of payment in the New Student Financial Checklist.

Campus Life

• Complete the Housing and Residence Life (HRL) and Dining Agreement
  Your $200 housing deposit must be submitted by June 1. You must also submit your Housing and Residence Life (HRL) and Dining Agreement by June 10. You can read more about the process on the Housing and Residence Life page.
• Select Your Dining Plan
  As a first-year student living in a Drexel residence hall, you are required to select one of three First-Year Dining Plans for the fall 2024, winter 2025, and spring 2025 terms. If you do not select a plan by July 5, 2024, you will be automatically assigned the "All-Access Plan+225 Dining Dollars" plan for the fall term. To change your Dining Plan selection (changes permitted through Oct. 1, 2024), visit DrexelOne and select Housing+Dining from the Campus+Community tab, then select "First Year Dining Plan Change."
• Register for Welcome Week
  You will receive an email through your Drexel account in the spring with information about Welcome Week. Be sure to register for Welcome Week by September 1.
• Comply with Drexel's immunization policies
  All full-time students must complete the Immunization Record Form by September 1. Visit the Forms page on the Health Insurance and Immunizations website to download the form. For more information, visit Health Insurance and Immunizations.
• Comply with Drexel's health insurance policies
  All students must demonstrate proof of health insurance each year and either waive or enroll in the Drexel Health Insurance Plan at the beginning of each academic year before September 30. For more information, visit Health Insurance and Immunizations.
• Download the Drexel Guardian App
  Before you begin your time at Drexel, download Drexel Guardian App, which will immediately connect you with Drexel Public Safety in times of need by text message or one-touch dialing, and unlock other safety features, including the emergency GPS locator, virtual escorts, and utilizing the app's safety timer. Search "Rave Guardian" in the Apple App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android phones and register using your Drexel email address.