FALL SEMESTER 2027 SPRING SEMESTER 2027
Next Steps for Accepted
First Year Students
First Year Students Admitted for FALL 2027
From housing to student ID cards, to orientation and the first day of class -- here are the next steps for new, incoming first year students after being accepted to West Chester University and beginning classes Fall Semester 2027.
1
Set up your RamNet ID Account
Your RamNet ID Account is your West Chester University student account (@wcupa.edu username and password) which provides you access to WCU email, RamPortal and more.
Follow these steps to Set-up Your RamNet ID, New Student Account
2
Celebrate and Share
Download printable signs, Snapchat filters, IG Stickers, phone backgrounds and more!
3
Commit to Being a Golden Ram
Start your college journey at West Chester University! Log in to the Admissions Portal to pay the $200 enrollment deposit.
WHEN: After you've been accepted and you decide to attend WCU (congrats!).
4
File your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. The FAFSA also helps WCU's Financial Aid Office determine how much additional financial aid students may receive.
WHEN: The 2027-2028 FAFSA form opened on September 23, 2026.
Learn more about FAFSA updates from the U.S. Department of Education
Learn more about FAFSA updates from WCU's Financial Aid Office
5
Apply for Scholarships
West Chester University offers scholarships based on academic pursuits, research activities,
artistic and athletic talents, as well as to community service, financial need, and
leadership.
In addition to scholarships offered by WCU, PASSHE and various businesses, foundations,
and civic organizations offer student scholarships.
WHEN:
WCU Scholarship Applications for 2027-2028 will open in February 2027.
Outside Scholarships have various application opening dates and deadlines.
6
Visit Campus
There's lots to learn about West Chester University and coming to campus is one of the best ways to do so! WCU's Admissions Office offers several ways to explore and connect on campus:
- Admitted Student Tour
An information session and q&a with current students followed by a walking tour of campus (60-90 minutes).
WHEN: February - May 2027 - Accepted Student Days
A half-day event to further explore student life and answer any questions you may have about becoming a Golden Ram.- Meet with the professors, academic departments, admissions staff, the financial aid office, the housing team and more
- Tour campus including WCU Managed Housing and USH Affiliated Housing
- Plus fun activities, giveaways and free WCU swag
WHEN: Saturday, March 20, 2027 & Saturday, April 17, 2027
- Visit campus online through our virtual campus tour
7
Apply for Housing
West Chester offers two options for on-campus living: WCU Managed Housing (traditional) and USH Affiliated Housing. Explore the two housing options
To apply for WCU Managed or USH Affiliated Housing, complete the Application for On Campus Living. The application includes several steps including reviewing community guidelines, selecting a meal plan, answering meningitis questions, and selecting a housing provider.
WHEN: The 2027-2028 Application for On Campus Living for First Year and Transfer Students opens mid-March 2027.
8
Register for Orientation
Orientation days are offered throughout the summer (June-August 2027). At orientation, you will meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: End of March 2027
Learn more about Summer Orientation for new First Year Students
9
Complete the First-Year Placement Assessments
Class schedules for first year students are scheduled by WCU faculty/staff for the first semester. To build the best schedule for you, you'll complete the First-Year Journey which includes placement exams, surveys and questions which help us to determine the best classes for you. Surveys and questions are unique to each student, so students will get different components depending on their major.
WHEN: The First-Year Placement Assessment/Journey opens April 2027.
The sooner you complete your First-Year Journey, the sooner you'll receive your class schedule.
HOW:
- Log in to Navigate using your RamNet ID username (for example: 3015813@wcupa.edu). Locate the "Journeys" button on the left-hand side of your screen.
- It is recommended to use a desktop or laptop computer. Mobile devices are not recommended.
- See step-by-step instructions in this Guide to Completing & Viewing Placement Assessments
10
Upload a photo for your Ram Card
Your Ram Card (student ID card) provides you access to your residential building,
library, printing, campus events, paying for meals from your meal plan, and more.
Before your Ram Card can be printed, you must:
- Log in to the Ram Card Dashboard
Use your RamNet ID email and password to log in. - Upload proof of identification.
For example: driver's license, learner's permit, Passport/Visa. - Upload a photo of yourself to be used as your ID photo.
Receive your printed Ram Card:
- Living on campus: Your Ram Card will be provided at move-in.
- Commuting or living off campus: Pick up your Ram Card at the Ram Card Office in Sykes Student Union.
11
Complete the Housing Checklist
Once you complete your Application for On-Campus Living and once you complete housing-provider specific application processes, you will complete several tasks in the Housing Checklist including selecting a roommate, move-in timeslot, etc.
WHEN: April - June 2027
HOW: Visit the Housing Checklist
12
Explore On Campus Meal Plans
With a variety of dining locations on campus, meal plans are the convenient way to eat and snack on campus.
First Year Students living on campus are required to select the Rammy's Meal Plan or the Gold Meal Plan. Off-campus students can purchase a meal plan through RamPortal by selecting the "Housing and Dining" card.
View meal plan options: WCU Dining Services
WHEN:
For first year students living on campus, meal plan selection opens with the Application
for On Campus Living in mid-March 2027. For students not living on campus, meal plan
selection will open mid-May 2027.
13
Receive your class schedule
WCU faculty/staff create your first semester class schedule based on your First-Year Placement Journey (#9 on this list).
WHEN: Class schedules will be released beginning June 2026 and continue to be released throughout the summer. The sooner you successfully complete of the First-Year Placement Assessment / Journey, the sooner you will receive your class schedule.
View your class schedule in RamPortal
14
Attend Orientation
WCU's on-campus orientation is one full day packed with info and fun! Meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: Orientation occurs in June and July.
15
Select a move-in timeslot
First year students and transfer students move in August 2027. Move-in days and times are based on your residence hall, floor, and class year.
WHEN: Move-in timeslot selection opens in mid-July 2027.
16
Submit your final high school transcript
Your final, official high school transcript should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from your high school guidance office and must include full credit for senior year classes, a graduation date, and an official signature.
If you have completed college course(s) while in high school, you must also send an official college transcript to the Office of Admissions if you wish to have the course(s) evaluated for credit.
WHEN: Transcripts must be received before the start of the fall semester 2027 to avoid future holds on your WCU account.
HOW: Transcripts should be sent from your high school electronically (via ugadmiss@wcupa.edu or via Naviance) or via mail (Office of Admissions mailing address here).
17
Pay your fall semester tuition bill
Tuition rates are approved by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) each summer for the upcoming academic year.
WHEN: Fall semester tuition, fees, and charges (e-bill) will be available in Summer 2027.
HOW: After tuition rates are approved, view your e-bill by logging in to RamPortal . For step-by-step instructions watch this video: How to view your e-bill in RamPortal.
Learn more about billing and payment plans from WCU's Bursars Office.
18
Provide Student Health Information
All entering students are requested to review and complete the following forms in your Health & Wellness Portal:
- Health History Form
- Immunization Entry Form
- Insurance Information
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- TB Screening
- Treatment Agreement
WHEN: Forms are available and should be completed during the summer before you arrive at WCU.
HOW: Log into your Health & Wellness Portal. Once signed in, click the pending forms link message or My Forms button. Under My Forms, click on the Form Name to complete and submit the form. Supporting documents may be added on the forms as appropriate or sent via Document Upload.
Required housing health documentation, including the meningitis vaccination record or signed waiver, must be processed before you can check in to your residence hall.
19
Move-in to your new home at WCU
Welcome to your new home! Living on campus means your steps away from classes, the dining hall, the library, and campus events.
WHEN: Move-in dates for first-year and transfer students will be announced in mid-2027.
20
Connect to Wifi (RamNet)
Wifi (RamNet) is included for all WCU students. All buildings, including residence halls, and most outdoor locations on campus have dense wireless coverage.
WHEN: While on campus
21
Attend Welcome Week
Welcome Week includes events and activities that will help you get connected, feel supported as you navigate college, and prepare for successful years at West Chester. A selection of Welcome Week events are mandatory for first-year students. Learn more about Welcome Week
WHEN: Late August 2027. Exact dates are forthcoming.
22
Access WCU Portals and Systems
- Admissions Portal: View your admission information and RamNet ID, register for Orientation, access your acceptance letter, and request a major change.
- RamPortal (Student Information System): Apply for housing, pay your tuition bill, view your class schedule, access student records, and more.
- Webmail (WCU Email): Access your official WCU email through Outlook. This is where the University sends important communications about your classes, financial aid, billing, and other campus updates.
- D2L (Learning Management System): Access your coursework, view syllabi, complete course assignments, participate in class discussions, and check grades.
- Navigate (Student Success Portal): Complete the First-Year Placement Journey, including placement exams and course placement requirements.
23
It’s here! The first day of class!
WHEN: Monday, August 23, 2027
You're officially on your way as a West Chester University student! Don't forget there are hundreds of resources and supports on campus to help you be successful inside and outside the classroom. Helpful links for you: