Next Steps for Transfer Students

Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth transtition to the University of Michigan.

1. Obtain Financial Aid

(U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

This will enable you to be considered for need-based federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and Work-Study. U-M’s federal school code is 002325.

Timeline: Available in December

Complete the CSS Profile

Fill out this form to be considered for need-based University grants and scholarships. U-M’s CSS code is 1839.

Timeline: Applications open Oct. 1

Receive Your Financial Aid Award Notice

On a rolling basis, you will be notified by email when your financial aid award notice will be available to view/print on Wolverine Access (a password-protected university website). You will need a U-M uniqname and password or a “Friend Account” to access your financial aid notice online. Complete and return any forms or requested information as soon as possible.

Timeline: Mid-March

Be Aware of the Final FAFSA and CSS Profile Deadline

The University’s Office of Financial Aid must receive your FAFSA and CSS Profile records by the date below to consider you for all aid programs.

Timeline: March 31

Learn About University Scholarships for Transfer Students

The Current Student Scholarship in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts is available for transfer students in their first fall and winter terms of enrollment. These scholarships are based on financial need. Learn more on the LSA scholarship website.

U-M also offers two scholarships specifically for select transfer students from Michigan community colleges:

  • Michigan Community College Scholarship
  • Michigan Community College Scholar Award

To be considered for these scholarships, students must apply for financial aid. For more details about these opportunities, download a PDF brochure about these programs.

2. Pay $300 Enrollment Deposit

You can do this online via Enrollment Connect. Once you pay your Enrollment Deposit, you’ll be guaranteed a space in your class. You will also be able to access your U-M email account and sign up for orientation and housing.

Students with financial inability to pay may request an Enrollment Deposit (EDR) Waiver. If you are unable to pay the $300 Enrollment Deposit (EDR), you must submit a written request for an EDR Waiver via Enrollment Connect by clicking the Request EDR Waiver or Extension button under the Application menu. Your request should be made no later than your posted Enrollment Deposit deadline.

If you have questions about the enrollment deposit payment, waiver, or extension process, please email [email protected].

Timeline: Any time after being accepted for admission, but no later than the deadline outlined in your specific admissions letter.

3. Participate in Orientation Programming and Events
Receive Email from Office of New Student Programs

Check U-M email account for information regarding orientation and registration.

Timeline: Beginning mid-April or 2-3 weeks after sending enrollment deposit.

Attend Orientation

Attend an orientation session and register for classes. At this time, you will plan your schedule with an academic advisor. If you have questions about placement exams, scheduling classes, or need to change your orientation date, please contact the Office of New Student Programs.

Timeline: Early June through mid-August for fall term.

Receive your Official U-M Welcome

Look for “Welcome to Michigan” information in your inbox.

Timeline: Early August

Consider Applying for Transfer Connections

Transfer Connections provides an opportunity for new LSA transfer students to connect with peer mentors, who are former transfer students, in order to ease the transition from your previous college or university into Michigan. Transfer Connections helps to make the University a smaller place, provides support and guidance, and helps students build relationships on campus.

Timeline: May-July

4. Secure Housing

Transfer students are accommodated on a space-available basis at the time the residence hall application is considered. You may want to consult the extensive up-to-date information on off-campus housing available on the University Housing website.

If you’re interested in living on campus:

Obtain Residence Hall & Michigan Learning Communities (MLCs) Applications

Consult University Housing for information regarding on-campus housing. The Transfer Year Experience is a Theme Community designed to support the transition of transfer students from their previous institution to the University of Michigan. Transfer students are accommodated on an extremely limited, space-available basis at the time their residence hall application is submitted. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to explore Beyond the Diag, a resource for students living off-campus.

You can find these applications including tentative room and board and apartment rate schedules, online once you’ve paid/waived enrollment deposit fees.

Timeline: Residence Halls/Transfer Year Experience - Beginning mid-April; MLCs - Beginning in February

Complete Residence Hall Application

This application must be submitted by the specified date in order to be part of the room assignment lottery—so don’t hesitate. Applications received after this date will be considered for available spaces based on the date the application was received.

Timeline: Early May

Receive your Residence Hall Placement

Residence hall placements provided to incoming students as assignments are processed. Roommate information is sent at the start of August along with specifics about residence hall move-in.

Timeline: July-August

Make your Fall Term Room and Board Payment

Fall term payment for room and board due (unless you are on an extended payment plan).

Timeline: August 31

5. Transfer Your Credit

To transfer non-UM credits, you need to ask the registrar of your current/previous school to send official transcripts (with all course work posted) directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

If a final transcript is not available at the time of admission or when you are planning to transfer, you will receive a tentative evaluation of transferable credits prior to orientation. A copy will also be given to the academic advisors to assist you during orientation and registration. Evaluation of most professional credits is made during and shortly after registration week by the schools and colleges in which you are enrolling.

General course equivalency information is available on the Transfer Credit Equivalency Search.

6. If You're an International Student

Admitted international students have unique eligibility requirements. Please see our Information for Admitted International Students webpage for specific guidelines.

If you are currently an F-1 or J-1 visa holder who has studied at another institution in the United States within the last 5 months, we require an additional form in addition to the FRS and supporting financial documentation. The Transfer-In Form is composed of two sections to be filled out by you and your current school's DSO (Designated School Official) or International Student Advisor (ISA). This form should be completed and submitted along with the FRS and your supporting financial documents.

7. If You're Admitted for the Winter Term

Students starting in the winter term will complete the same steps above but with different timelines for orientation and housing. Orientation programming will occur closer to the start of the winter semester in January, and housing applications will be available in mid-November. Look for email messages from your academic advisers, the Office of New Student Programs, and Michigan Housing at that time.

To receive financial aid, you must file a 2025-26 FAFSA and a CSS Profile by Nov. 15.

8. If You're Admitted for the Summer Term

To receive financial aid, you must file a 2024-25 FAFSA, a 2025-26 FAFSA, and a CSS Profile.


Notify U-M of Any Changes

Our prospective and admitted students have an ongoing responsibility to inform the University of Michigan of any changes to their disciplinary and/or criminal history until they begin their first term of enrollment at U-M. In accordance with our policy, students should disclose any criminal conduct or disciplinary action taken by their high school. However, the context and rationale for these actions is always taken into consideration.

Prospective and Admitted Students Free Speech

The University of Michigan is a public university in a democratic society with a commitment to free speech. We value the right of students to exercise their voices and engage in lawful protest on issues that are important to them. Our university community is currently engaging in deep exploration of issues related to free speech as a cornerstone of American democracy.