Visit campus to make your final decision about enrolling

Many of our academic programs hold their own visitation weekends in the spring, before the acceptance-of-offer deadline. If you have not received information about visiting your program, ask your director of graduate studies. Visiting campus after you've been accepted is optional but strongly encouraged.

Look for extra financial support

• If you are seeking federal loans, be sure to fill out your FAFSA by March 1st for priority consideration by Mizzou.
• Stay in touch with your academic program for details about assistantships and other funding.
• Search campus-wide assistantship listings at hiremizzoutigers.com. [You'll need your username (pawprint) and password to log in. See below for details about your pawprint.]
• Review the information about seeking funding from the Mizzou Student Financial Aid Office.
• Check the Graduate School's external funding database for opportunities outside the University.

Inform your academic program that you officially accept your offer of admission

Let your program know as soon as possible whether you have decided to enroll or decline admission. This assures that, if you decline, other talented prospective students will have a chance at filling your spot. As a member of the Council of Graduate Schools, Mizzou has agreed to give prospective students until April 15th to finalize acceptance of financial support offers. Learn more about acceptance by April 15th from the Council of Graduate Schools.

Look for housing

We recommend that you start looking for a place to live as early as possible. Only the very lucky manage to find suitable housing in August, and it's much easier to begin your search in May or June. You can check up on your prospective landlord at the Tenant's Association, located in the Student Activities Office in the basement of Brady Commons.

• University-operated housing options
• Columbia Chamber of Commerce Relocation Guide

Find out about school or daycare for the kids

• The Mizzou Student Parent Center is a state-licensed, full-service child care facility available to student parents who attend the University of Missouri.
• The Columbia Chamber of Commerce lists schooling and daycare options in Columbia.

Help your spouse or significant other find a job

University positions are advertised through MUHR. In addition to national job listing websites, local listings can be found in the Columbia Daily Tribune.

Activate your university username (We call it a pawprint.)

Memorize your pawprint and password — they allow you to register for classes, request transcripts online, check grades, access e-mail and more.

• Activate your pawprint (You don't have to be on campus.)
• Access your e-mail with your pawprint and password
• You may also be able to personalize your University e-mail address

Get your student ID card (We call it a TigerCard.) at the University Bookstore

The TigerCard is used for meal plans, checking out library books, charging or debiting University purchases to your University account, and more. You can get your card as soon as you're officially enrolled as a student.

Make sure you have the necessary immunizations

Check information about immunizations from the MU Student Health Center

Consider your transportation options

• Learn about the Columbia bus and transportation system
• Apply for a University parking pass
• Register your bike

Identify your academic program adviser to discuss course registration

Many academic programs require you to consult with your adviser before you register for classes.

Get your health insurance in order

Investigate the University's insurance requirements and Mizzou's insurance plan, and find out if you qualify for a subsidy to offset the cost. Each academic year graduate students should enroll in a health insurance plan. You can enroll in MU's student health insurance program by calling the cashier's office at (573) 882-3097. For graduate students with a 20-hour per week (sometimes called “50 percent FTE”) assistantship, insurance rates are fully subsidized. Subsidies do not take effect automatically, however; in order to activate the health insurance subsidy, contact the coordinator, Karen Gruen (GruenK@missouri.edu) or stop by 210 Jesse Hall. Insurance for children and spouses is also available for a semesterly or yearly fee.

Check the Mizzou TigerTech store for educational deals on computer hardware and software

TigerTech is part of the University Bookstore, and many of its deals can be accessed online. To see a list of software with prices, click the “Site License Software” link and input your pawprint (student username) and password.

See a list of the textbooks you'll need for your classes

All textbooks can be purchased at the University Bookstore.

Access your bill online

The Cashier's Office allows you to view and pay your bill online.

Attend the New Graduate Student Orientation

The New Graduate Student Orientation occurs the week before fall classes begin. Additional details about the orientation will be sent to you.

Attend the Graduate Assistant Teaching Orientation if you plan to teach

The Teaching Orientation (register online or the day of) occurs the week before fall classes begin and is strongly encouraged but not mandatory.

Get Involved

• Search the University's student organizations
• MU's graduate and professional student government (Graduate Professional Council)
• Mizzou Graduate Student Association

Explore Mizzou's diversity resources

The Chancellor's Diversity Initiative site lists resources and opportunities for underrepresented students, people with disabilities and more.