Registering for Orientation
Once you’re admitted, you’ll need to register for an Orientation session. For freshmen, that starts with their enrollment deposit.
Pay the deposit
All freshmen are required to pay a $221 deposit. The deposit secures your spot at KU, and, beyond enrollment, covers Orientation, your KU ID card, and first-year programs and events. If you or your family are unable to pay your deposit at this time, you may request a deferment at the link below, or contact the Office of Admissions at adm@ku.edu.
Transfer students are not required to pay an enrollment fee before Orientation. Instead, they’ll have a one-time, $171 new-student fee added to their bill after enrollment.
Set up your KU online ID
You’ll need your KU online ID and password to register. If you haven’t already done so, set up your KU student account to create those credentials.
Register for an in-person or online Orientation
With your deposit paid and account created, you’ll now be able to register for an in-person or online session. The sooner you do, the wider the selection of session dates you’ll have to choose from.
Once you’ve registered, you can log back in at any time to update your information, see available dates, or register guests. Be sure to select “SUBMIT” for your registration to be finalized.
What happens at Orientation?
Orientation really begins a week before your session, when you take your online pre-Orientation course. After completing that — which covers important topics related to Orientation and your first year — you’ll attend your session. There, you’ll connect with other new Jayhawks, faculty, and staff. Finally, you and your advisor will meet to discuss goals and enroll in your first-semester courses.
When is Orientation?
Orientation is a half-day event, which you’ll choose to attend either in- person or online. Students admitted for fall will attend their session in the summer. Exact dates are based on your major or academic interest. Students admitted for the spring term will attend Orientation in November, December, or January.
Orientation changes, alternatives, and cancelations
Orientation is a requirement for all incoming undergraduate students, both freshmen and transfer. However, we recognize that every student’s availability is unique to their circumstances. If you are unable to attend any of the dates provided in the registration website or no dates are showing for you, please contact us at orientation@ku.edu or 785-864-4270.
If you need to change your session date, you can log in to the registration website to view other available dates and make changes to your reservation. Date changes must be made by 5 p.m. CT one week prior to your original session date.
Make changes
If you no longer plan to attend KU or will be attending in a future semester, please notify the Office of Admissions by updating your application. Completing the form will serve as cancellation of your Orientation session.
If you’re unable to attend Orientation, you’ll need to enroll during Open Enrollment, which is an abbreviated Orientation program that occurs on the Thursday prior to the first day of classes each semester. Contact our office for more information.
If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from attending Orientation or Open Enrollment, you may submit an Exception Request form for consideration.
Before registering for Orientation, students may request accommodations for themselves and guests in the registration portal. To request after registration, submit the following form at least two weeks prior to your Orientation date. If you’re unable to access the form, contact us at kuorientation@ku.edu or 785-864-4270.
Orientation and COVID-19
In an effort to provide a healthy, equitable experience for all future Jayhawks, KU will offer students and guests their choice of either in-person or online sessions.
Visit the Protect KU site for more information about the university’s response to COVID-19: