Fall SEMESTER 2026 SPRING SEMESTER 2027
Next Steps for Accepted
Transfer Students
Transfer Students Admitted for SPRING 2027
From housing to student ID cards, to orientation and the first day of class -- here are the next steps for new, incoming transfer students after being accepted to West Chester University for Spring 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
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!).
3
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.
For students beginning classes in Spring 2027: Complete the 2026-27 FAFSA
4
Receive Your Transfer Credit Summary
WCU will review your previous coursework to determine how your transfer credits apply to your degree requirements.
The Registrar’s Office will email your WCU email account when your credit evaluation is complete. You can then view your Transfer Credit Summary in RamPortal to see how your previous coursework applies to your degree requirements.
Need help? Follow the instructions to View Your Transfer Credit Summary in RamPortal.
Learn more: Transfer Credit Center
WHEN: Within two weeks of acceptance.
5
Prepare to Register for Classes
Your official course registration date will be available in RamPortal. Before registering, you must receive your transfer credit evaluation and connect with your department contact.
Schedule your advising appointment: Your department will reach out to you to set up your advising appointment. Keep an eye on your WCU email for scheduling details. If you have questions in the meantime reach out to studentsuccess@wcupa.edu.
WHEN: Spring 2027 registration begins October 23, 2026, and continues through late January 2027.
Explore sample course plans and department resources to help prepare for registration.
6
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.
The first step to apply for WCU Managed or USH is to 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 Spring Semester Housing Application is now open! First-year and transfer students can apply for both WCU Managed Housing and USH Affiliated Housing for the spring semester (January 2027 – May 2027).
Learn more about the Spring Semester Application and Living on Campus
7
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.
Transfer Students living on campus are required to select the Rammy's Meal Plan or the Gold Meal Plan.
View meal plan options: WCU Dining Services
8
Register for Orientation
Orientation days are offered in January. 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: Registration for Spring orientation opens in December 2026.
Orientation dates and more information is forthcoming.
9
Celebrate and Share
Download printable signs, Snapchat filters, IG Stickers, phone backgrounds and more!
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:
- 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.
11
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.
Looking Ahead: 2027–28 WCU Scholarships
WCU scholarship applications for the 2027–28 academic year open in February 2027. These scholarships are for the following academic year and are not available for Spring 2027.
Explore Current Opportunities
Visit WCU GROW to see if your major qualifies for the GROW scholarship for 2026–27 academic year. Applications are open through January 7, 2027.
12
Attend Orientation
WCU's orientation is packed with info and fun! Meet fellow Golden Rams, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: January 2027
13
Move-in time slots
First-year and transfer students moving into campus housing for Spring 2027 will move in on January 17 or 18, 2027. Your assigned move-in day and time will depend on your residence hall, floor, and class year.
WHEN: Move-in time slots will be assigned in early January 2027.
What to Bring
- WCU-Managed Housing: What to Bring/What Not to Bring
- US Housing (USH)-Affiliated Housing: What to Pack
14
Submit your final college transcript
Your final, official college transcript should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from your school and must include all final grades.
WHEN: Transcripts must be received before the start of the Spring semester 2027 to avoid future holds on your WCU account.
HOW: Transcripts should be sent from your school electronically (via ugadmiss@wcupa.edu or via Naviance) or via mail (Office of Admissions mailing address here).
15
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 winter 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.
16
Pay your Spring semester tuition bill
Spring semester tuition, fees, and charges (e-bill) will be available to view December 10, 2026. Spring semester tuition, fees, and charges are due January 5, 2027.
HOW: 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
17
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: First year students and transfer students move in dates: January 17 and January 18, 2027
18
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.
19
Attend Winter Welcome Day
Designed especially for new first year students and new transfer students beginning classes in Spring Semester 2027, Winter Welcome Day offers opportunities to help you connect to your campus and classmates.
WHEN: January 2027
20
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): Connect with faculty and staff to manage academic advising, book 1-on-1 advisor appointments, and track assigned online Placement Journeys, exams, and course requirements.
21
It’s here! The first day of class!
WHEN: Tuesday, January 19, 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: