Student Life
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Getting Started: Your Next Steps

Winter Entry Student Next Steps

We are excited for you to arrive at Drexel University! As a Winter Entry Student, your first term at Drexel will start during the winter quarter, which begins on January 5, 2026.

It is important to note that while your enrollment for your first year will differ from your classmates who started in the fall term, you will be at the same point in your progression toward graduation by the beginning of your second year. Your enrollment for your first year will consist of classwork in the winter, spring, and summer quarters. 

Next Steps

Here are some important items you must complete before your first day of class.

Administrative

Academics

  • Complete placement exams
    The required examinations for your program will appear on your New Student Checklist on DrexelOne Welcome tab. Completion of these electronic examinations enable your academic advisor to enable your advisor to build a schedule for your first term, placing you into the courses for which you are ready. Students are encouraged to complete exams by December 1 in order to receive an optimal winter schedule; all exams must be completed no later than December 15. Learn more about 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. Please have all documents submitted by December 5.

    Electronically:
    Documents can be sent by a school official via email to enroll@drexel.edu or via your high school's electronic document database.

    OR

    By Mail:
    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 by December 5 in order to receive an evaluation. 
  • Notify Disability Resources
    If you have any physical or learning disabilities, notify Disability Resources by December 15. Drexel University is committed to providing equal access to its programs and services to qualified students. Visit Disability Resources 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 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. Visit the New Student Financial Checklist page to learn more.
  • Complete the FAFSA (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)
    If you 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 as soon as possible.
  • 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 should review your status on DrexelOne before December 5. Drexel Central will send email notifications to your Drexel email address when you have requirements that need to be completed.
  • 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 before December 5.
  • 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 by December 5.
  • Review the Family Education Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy
    FERPA protects your student record and personal information. Learn about what FERPA means for you, and how your family can access your information once you start via the Drexel University Family Portal.
  • Ensure your eBill is paid
    Before January 10, review the first eBill you were sent in December 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

  • Get to know our housing options
    Familiarize yourself with our traditional, hybrid, and suite-style housing options; our communities; and resources by visiting Housing and Residence Life.

  • Submit the housing deposit and complete the Housing Application
    Your $200 housing deposit and Housing Application must be submitted by November 30 in order to receive priority. Read more about applying for housing. 
  • 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 winter 2026 and spring 2026 terms. If you do not select a plan by November 30, you will be automatically assigned the "All-Access Plan+225 Dining Dollars" plan for the fall term. View more details on changing your Dining Plan selection.   
  • Review our commuter resources
    If you are commuting to campus, you're encouraged to get to know our commuter resources. All requests to commute must be approved by the Office of Admissions.
  • Comply with Drexel's immunization policies
    All full-time students must complete the Immunization Record Form. Visit the Forms page on Health Insurance and Immunizations to download the form and submit it by January 31. 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. For more information, visit Health Insurance and Immunizations.
  • Download the Drexel Guardian App
    Before you begin your time at Drexel, download the 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 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.

View Your Personalized Student Checklist

Log in to DrexelOne to make sure you've got all of your bases covered regarding registration, transcripts, housing, and financials.

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