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Once admitted, check out the next steps.

Admitted Students

Visit MU and Your Degree Program Prior to Enrolling

We encourage you to visit before you enroll.


Many of our academic programs hold visit weekends in the spring before the acceptance-of-offer deadline.

If you have not received information about visiting your degree program, ask the program’s director of graduate studies.

Seek Extra Financial Support

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 other talented students may be admitted if you decline.

As a member of the Council of Graduate Schools, prospective students who have been offered financial support have until April 15 to finalize acceptance of financial support offers. No University should put pressure on accepted students to accept an offer of financial support prior to the April 15 deadline.

Contact the Graduate School if you experience any undue pressure to accept a financial offer prior to the deadline.

Find a Place to Live

We recommend that you start looking for a place to live as early as possible after being admitted. Waiting until July or August will make it difficult to find suitable housing. Visit our Housing in Columbia page to learn more about off-campus as well as on-campus housing options and resources for graduate students.

Housing in Columbia

Activate Your MU Account

Memorize your username and password — they allow you to register for classes, request transcripts online, check grades, access email and more.

Register for Courses

Contact your academic advisor to discuss course registration.

Consult your academic program before you register for classes. After you have determined your program’s registration requirements, please check the registration dates.

Learn About School or Daycare Options

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce lists schooling and daycare options in Columbia.

Help Your Spouse, Partner, or Significant Other Find a Job


Columbia offers a range of job opportunities both on and off campus.

University employment databases contain job postings for faculty and staff, health-related professions, and students.  Faculty and staff positions may be available at six other nearby universities and colleges. Local job postings may be found on the city’s HR site or in the Columbia Daily Tribune and the Missourian. The state capitol is only a half hour’s drive and provides additional state and federal job opportunities.  See the State of Missouri and federal government sites for their job search engines.

Obtain a Student ID Card (TigerCard)

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 at the MU Bookstore in the MU Student Center as soon as you’re officially enrolled as a student.

Confirm You Have All Required Immunizations

Make sure you meet all medical requirements to ensure you can enroll at MU.

Explore Graduate Student Health Insurance Options

Graduate students should enroll in a health insurance plan.

Investigate MU’s insurance requirements and insurance plan to find out if you qualify for a subsidy to help offset costs. Enroll in MU’s student health insurance program through MyZou.

If you qualify for an insurance subsidy and have questions, contact coordinator  or visit 210 Jesse Hall.

Insurance for children and spouses is also available. Fees are paid by semester.

Visit TigerTech for Hardware and Software Needs

TigerTech is a part of the University Bookstore and offers many of its deals online.

To see a list of software with prices, click the “Site License Software” link and input your 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. If you have a qualifying assistantship, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on many items in the bookstore.

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.

Graduate Assistant Teaching Orientation (GATO)


We aim for all graduate teaching assistants and graduate instructors to attend GATO before teaching at MU for the first time. If you plan to teach at MU, Teaching Orientation is strongly encouraged.

It is held the week before classes begin, and you should register in advance. Register for GATO 2021 by August 15.

DATE/TIME: Friday, August 20, 2021, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

LOCATION: Zoom (registrants will receive links 48 to 72 hours in advance of event)

International Teaching Assistants are required to attend a specific teaching orientation called ONITA.

Get Involved!

Join the Graduate Professional Council (GPC), our graduate student government.
Participate in one or more of over 60 graduate student organizations.
Visit the GPC Website
Search All MU Student Organizations

International Students

International students have additional requirements to meet before coming to MU.

Veterans

Students who are veterans can learn about benefits or can visit in the MU Veterans Center on campus.

There you can receive G.I. Bill information and certification for eligible veterans, dependents, and vocational rehabilitation veterans. The office also furnishes information on military service educational assistance programs.

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