Visit MU and your degree program prior to enrolling

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

Seek extra financial support

• If you are seeking federal loans, complete a FAFSA form by March 1 for priority consideration.
• Contact your academic degree program about assistantships and other funding.
• Follow up on tips from the Grad School's Financial Support and Information page.
• 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 MU Student Financial Aid Office.

Inform your degree program that you officially accept the offer of admission

Contact the degree program as soon as possible to inform them if you have decided to enroll or decline admission. This assures that, if you decline, other talented students may be admitted. As a member of the Council of Graduate Schools, MU 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.

Locate appropriate housing

We recommend that you start looking for a place to live as early as possible. It is difficult to find suitable housing in August, so begin your search in May or June. Check information on prospective landlords at the Tenant's Association, located in Brady Commons.

• University-operated housing options
• Off-campus living
• Chamber of Commerce Relocation Guide

Learn about school or daycare options (if needed)

• 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

MU job vacancies are advertised through the Human Resources department. Beyond national job serach engines, local job postings may be found in the Columbia Daily Tribune and the Missourian.

Activate your MU 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

Obtain a student ID card (TigerCard) at the MU 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.

Confirm that you have all required immunizations

Check information about immunizations from the MU Student Health Center

Consider transportation options

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

Contact your academic adviser to discuss course registration

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

Explore graduate student health insurance options

Graduate students should enroll in a health insurance plan. Investigate MU's insurance requirements and insurance planFind out if you qualify for a subsidy to help offset costs. Enroll in MU's student health insurance program by calling the cashier's office at (573) 882-3097. Graduate students with a half time assistantship (20 hours per week) are eligible for a subsidizy. However, subsidies do not take effect automatically. In order to activate a qualified 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. Fees are paid by year or semester.

Visit TigerTech for hardware and software needs

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.

Find the textbooks you'll need for classes

Textbooks can be purchased at the University Bookstore, ordered online or purchased from retail vendors. To locate required texts, go to the online locator and search by course and semester.

Access your bill online

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

Attend Graduate Student Orientation

The Graduate Student Orientation for all new students occurs the week before classes each fall. A virtual orientation Web site is available for new students arriving in the spring and summer .

Graduate Teaching Assistants' Orientation

If you plan to teach at MU, Teaching Orientation is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. It is held the week before classes begin. Register online or walk in registration available.International Teaching Assistants are required to attend a specialized session called ONITA

Get Involved!

• Graduate & Professional Career Services
• Graduate & professional student groups
• Search all MU student organizations