Welcome New Hawks: Fall Term
đYou've just made a big decision and we are so excited to welcome you to campus this fall!
This site is your resource for your next steps and important deadlines listed in sequential order to help you complete each task at just the right time as you prepare for arrival. We will send you monthly email reminders to keep you up to date on what you've yet to complete.
Just Committed to RWU?
Just committed and looking to get started? Check out the checklist items listed by month below. If you are a student who has committed to RWU after the start of this timeline, we recommend you navigate through each next step for the month(s) passed until you reach the current month.
You'll need your RWU login credentials before you can log in and start working on most of the checklist items. Our Information Technology department has begun setting up your email account and self-service gateway access and you can expect to receive your login credentials within one week of submitting your deposit. We will email you these credentials and send a hard copy in the mail.
Over the summer months, we'll be hosting Rhode to Roger Live Q&As, focused on several areas and topics to prepare you for a smooth transition in the fall and discuss the next steps.
Stay Connected With Us!
As you progress through these next steps, stay connected and feel free to reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admission (admit@rwu.edu or 401-254-3500) anytime! Engage on social through the 2030 Instagram Page and Parents and families of RWU admitted students for the fall 2026 Facebook page. đ
Orientation
We're excited to see you at orientation this summer! At orientation, you'll learn about academic life, the Roger community, and make new friends and campus connections.
RWU Login and ID
You'll need your RWU login credentials before you can log in and start working on most of the checklist items. You can expect to receive your login credentials within one week of submitting your deposit. We will email you these credentials and send a hard copy in the mail. Haven't seen your login credentials come through yet? Email us.
You can locate your RWU Student ID number in the following locations:
- Your RWU Applicant Portal - Once logged in, your RWU ID Number will appear on the right side of the page under the Your Application Details Section.
- Roger Central - Once logged in, select the third icon to the right of the blue menu bar at the top of the page that has your RWU username. A dropdown menu appears â click on âUser Profileâ. Under your picture and your name on the left side of the page, you will see your student ID number listed as âColleague IDâ.
- Still canât locate it? Contact us at admit@rwu.edu or 401-254-3500.
Connect with Classmates
We encourage you to join the Class of 2030 Instagram page (students) or Parents and families of RWU Admitted Students for fall 2026 Facebook group. Introduce yourself and meet other committed students and families!
Join the Official Class of 2030 Instagram Page
Parents and families of RWU admitted students for fall 2026 Facebook group
Youâve just made a big decision, and your friends at RWU Admissions have you covered with the perfect soundtrack. Weâve put together a playlist to keep you energized and inspiredâwhether youâre wrapping up your spring classes, on the road, relaxing, or just enjoying some well-deserved downtime.
Monthly To-Do Lists
| Task | Location | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Sign in to RogerCentral (self-service gateway) and RWU Google Apps (student email) accounts | RogerCentral RWU Google Apps | Once you receive your login credentials |
| Register for Orientation | Register for orientation | Prior to June 1 |
| Get registered for your fall classes | First Year Students can register for their Course Registration Appointments using one of the links below:
Transfer Students can register for Advising Appointments once theyâve received their official RWU Credit Evaluation: | Before June orientation |
| Complete your Academic Placement Assessments | Complete Writing and Language placement Math placement is determined using a variety of academic data available in your admissions records | Before your course Registration/Advising appointment |
| Update your emergency/personal contact information | In RogerCentral, click User Options > Emergency Information | Prior to June 1 |
| Review your fall semester bill and start planning your payment options through the RWU Student Account Center (issued late-May) and finalize your financial aid (both in Roger Central). Financial aid counselors are available to assist you with this process. | In RogerCentral, click Financial Information > RWU Student Account Center > Login with RWU credentials | Bills are issued in early June |
Finalize your aid through the Financial Aid portal in RogerCentral.
| In RogerCentral, click Financial Information > Financial | Due before you attend your June orientation session |
| If you are a student who will be requesting academic or residential accommodations, register with Student Accessibility Services | Register with Student Accessibility Services Once on the SAS web page,
| Prior to July 1 |
| Register with RWU Pre-Health if youâre thinking about a career in the health professions (Doctor, Veterinarian, Physician Assistant, etc.) | Register with RWU Pre-Heath | Prior to July 1 |
| Submit final spring semester grades to update your transfer credit evaluation (transfer students) | Submit Final Spring Semester Grades | Prior to June 1 |
| Submit any dual enrollment college transcripts for credit evaluation (first-year students) | Submit Dual Enrollment Transcripts | Prior to June 1 |
Complete your Housing Application (if you are living on campus) | July 1 | |
| Get started on your new student health and immunization forms through the Health Services Patient Portal in RogerCentral. If you are not up to date on your immunizations, we recommend scheduling an appointment now for a physical with your doctor before their calendars fill up with summer appointments. | To access the Student Health Portal sign in to Roger Central > Academics > Student Planning > click on Student Health Portal | July 1 |
Submit your photo for your Student ID card! | To submit your own photo, please email tcookinham@rwu.edu. Please include your RWU email address, your Student ID number, and your full name in the message. Photo must be a recent photo, jpeg format, with a clear image of your face. (The photo should be a similar size to a passport photo). | N/A |
| Task | Location | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Attend Orientation (if registered for June) | Bristol, Rhode Island | June |
| Complete your Housing Application (if you are living on campus) through the Housing Self-Service portal in RogerCentral. | July 1 | |
| Review your fall semester bill and start planning your payment options through the RWU Student Account Center (issued late-May) and finalize your financial aid (both in Roger Central). Financial aid counselors are available to assist you with this process. | In RogerCentral, click Financial Information > RWU Student Account Center > Login with RWU credentials | Bill issued and due dates as outlined in May (above) |
| Get started on your new student health and immunization forms through the Health Services Patient Portal in RogerCentral. We also recommend scheduling an appointment now for a physical with your doctor before their calendars fill up with summer appointments. | To access the Student Health Portal sign in to Roger Central > Academics > Student Planning > click on Student Health Portal | July 1 |
| Submit any exam scores (such as AP, IB, etc) to be assessed for college credit. | Submit exam scores | July |
| Fill out the Student Veteran's Certification Worksheet if you are planning to use VA benefits. | Complete the Student Veteran's Certification Worksheet | July |
Complete Housing Part 2: Roommate Questionnaire (optional)
You only need to complete this step if you are specifying a roommate. | The Roommate Questionnaire will only be available once you have completed Part 1 Housing Application.
| July 11 |
| Waive the University-provided health insurance | Waive the University-Provided Health Insurance | August |
| Get registered for your fall classes | First year students can register for their Course Registration Appointments using one of the links below for their Course Registration Appointments using one of the links below: Transfer Students can register for Advising Appointments once theyâve received their official RWU Credit Evaluation:
| Before June orientation |
If you are a student who will be requesting academic or residential accommodations, register with Student Accessibility Services | Register with Student Accessibility Services
Once on the SAS website,
| July 1 |
Make sure all May and June Checklist items are completed!
| Task | Location | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Finalize your payment options through the RWU Student Account Center (bills issued late May) and finalize your financial aid (both in Roger Central). Financial aid counselors are available to assist you with this process. Email finad@rwu.edu. | In RogerCentral, click Financial Information > RWU Student Account Center > Login with RWU credentials | July 1 |
| Complete the required health and immunization forms | ITo access the Student Health Portal sign in to Roger Central > Academics > Student Planning > click on Student Health Portal | July 1 |
| Submit any exam scores (such as AP, IB, etc) to be assessed for college credit. | Submit exam scores | July 1 |
| Submit your official, final, high school transcript showing your graduation date. | Submit final high school transcript | July 1 |
| Fill out the Student Veteran's Certification Worksheet if you are planning to use VA benefits. | Complete the Student Veteran's Certification Worksheet | July 1 |
| Finalize your Housing Selection Process. If you are living on campus, make sure you have completed of Phase 1 of the Housing Selection Process (Housing Application & Contract) and start on Phase 2 - Roommate Selection (optional). | Housing App & Contract due July 1
Roommate Selection (optional) due July 11 | |
| (Optional) Participate in First Year Housing Selection and select your building & room for the academic year, | TBD | First Year Housing Selection will be open on July 14, July 16, and July 21 between 10:00am-2:00pm. |
| Complete all Hawks Online Orientation Courses | You will receive an email in July directly to your RWU email account when the courses are ready for you to complete this month. | Before your arrival to campus |
| Get registered for your classes! | See the instructions listed in the June to-do list. | |
| Submit any exam scores (such as AP, IB, etc) to be assessed for college credit. | Submit final high school transcript | July |
- Get registered for your classes! See the instructions listed in the July to-do list.
- Start packing your bags!
- If you didnât attend Orientation in June, attend August Orientation (International and other applicable students)
- Commuters, Transfers, and approved Residential Students, register your vehicle ahead of Campus Check-in
- View your housing assignment and roommate information
- Campus Check-in for all New Students; residential, commuter, and transfer đď¸
- Move into your residence hall (if you are living on campus)
- Attend Roger Days (Fall Orientation) after your arrival to campus
Academics and Registration
As you prep for fall, one thing you need to complete are the academic placement requirements. The types and numbers of assessments you need to complete are based on your major.
Math placement is determined using a variety of academic data available in your admissions records.
Writing and Language Placement requirements. Please review the link below to find what placements are required for your major.
To locate your student ID number for the writing placement, you can find it in the following locations:
- Your RWU Applicant Portal - Once logged in, your RWU ID Number will appear on the right side of the page under the Your Application Details Section.
- Roger Central - Once logged in, select the third icon to the right of the blue menu bar at the top of the page that has your RWU username. A dropdown menu appears â click on âUser Profileâ. Under your picture and your name on the left side of the page, you will see your student ID number listed as âColleague IDâ.
- Still canât locate it? Contact us at admit@rwu.edu or 401-254-3500.
There are four online courses, referred to as the âRWU Hawks Online Training,â that are a part of your summer orientation experience. The link to complete these courses will be sent to students in July and will be due upon arrival to campus in August.
Supplies and Packing
đ Academic Supplies âď¸
The following is a list of recommended academic supplies for students of all majors.
- Backpack/bag to carry books & supplies
- Computer & accessories
- Remember, you can download Microsoft Office for FREE! Microsoft Office downloading instructions here. Also, remember that printing is free in the Main University Library, 1st floor.
- Phone charger
- Calendar/day planner (print or electronic or both- your preference)
- White board for your room or desk calendar for outlining assignment due dates
- Notebooks
- Folders
- 2 inch Binder with filler paper
- Writing Utensils (pens, pencils, pencil sharpener)
- White out
- Highlighters
- Scissors
- Stapler & Staples
- Scotch Tape
- Paper clips
- Index Cards
- Sticky Notes (various sizes)
- Calculator (if taking quantitative courses). Students may need scientific or specialized depending on major. Students in SECCM should have a scientific calculator, TI-82 or better.
- For Architecture Students: Architecture Kit (more info to come)
đ Books & other materials required by class
The faculty teaching your classes will let you know what is required/recommended on your syllabus. Architecture students have been notified of the materials they will need through a list provided at orientation.
It is a personal preference on whether you would like to order your books and other materials before classes start or wait to see what the faculty member suggest when classes start.
Housing
Part 1 â Housing Application & Contract
Opens May 6
Due date: July 1
Part 2 â Roommate Selection (Optional)
Opens June 11.
This part can only be available once you have completed Part 1. You only need to complete this step if you are specifying a roommate.
Due Date: July 11
Part 3 â Housing Selection (Optional)
Open only on July 14, July 16, and July 21 from 10am-2pm
You only need to complete this step if you want to select the residence hall you want to reside in.
We strongly encourage all students to become familiar with the entire Housing Selection process (there are three phases with different deadlines)! More information to come in June for when the Housing Selection Process opens.
- Part 1 â Housing Application & Contract (June)
- Part 2 â Roommate Selection (Optional) (July) This part can only be available once you have completed Part 1. You only need to complete this step if you are specifying a roommate.
- Part 3 â Housing Selection (Optional) (July) You only need to complete this step if you want to select the residence hall you want to reside in.
Reminder: All housing communications will be sent to your RWU student email account!
Questions? Reach out to the Housing Office at 401-254-3161 or rwuhousing@rwu.edu, weâre here to help!
Billing, Payments, and Aid
As you prepare to join the Roger Williams community, we want to help you feel confident and supported as you navigate your upcoming billing and financial steps.
Your fall semester billing statement will be available soon. This first bill is an important milestone, and youâll have time to review it and ask questions before the July 1 payment due date.
What Youâll See on Your Bill
RWU bills one semester at a time. Your statement will include:
- Tuition based on your program of study
- Housing and meal plan estimates based on typical first-year selections
- Student health insurance ($3,418)
- Student health insurance can be waived if you have existing coverage no later than August 17
- Financial aid (pending credits) such as scholarships, grants, and loans
đ Some costs may change later this summer once course registration and housing selections are finalized.
How to View Your Bill
You can access your statement through Roger Central â Student Account Center (found under the second menu option on the left-side toolbar).
Students may also grant parents/guardians access to view and pay bills.
What to Do First
Once your bill is available:
⢠Review your charges and financial aid
⢠Make sure everything looks accurate
⢠Take note of any questions
A Simple Way to Get Started (Optional)
If youâd like a head start, our Financial Planning Worksheet is a simple tool to help you organize your costs, financial aid, and possible payment options.
- Itâs completely optional - no need to complete everything at once
- Many families find it helpful to jot down notes or questions as they review their bill
- You can also bring it to a conversation with our team later this summer
đ Financial Planning Worksheet
Your Payment Options
Most families use a combination of the following:
- Financial Aid
- Grants and scholarships are applied directly to your bill
- Federal student loans are included as pending aid (you can choose whether or not to accept them)
- Monthly Payment Plan
- Spread your balance across 5 monthly payments per semester
- First fall payment begins July 1
- Learn more about the payment plan
- Federal Direct Student Loans
- If you plan to use your federal student loans, your next steps are:
- Complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- Complete Entrance Counseling
- Complete both at studentaid.gov
- Parent PLUS & Private Loans
- Families may also consider:
- Federal Parent PLUS Loans
- Private education loans
- Families may also consider:
- If you plan to use your federal student loans, your next steps are:
Important Update: Parent PLUS Loans
Recent federal changes introduce new limits:
- $20,000 annual cap per student
- $65,000 lifetime cap per student
If these PLUS Loan changes affect your family's plan, please don't wait â scheduling an appointment with your financial aid counselor now gives you time to explore alternatives.
What to Do Next
- Decide how you plan to cover your balance
- Complete any required loan steps
- Enroll in a payment plan if itâs a good fit
Get Answers Live
Have questions about your bill or payment options? Join us for a live session:
- Payment Plans & Billing Virtual Chat
- Thursday, June 4 & Wednesday, June 24
- 6:30 PM EST
- Join either Payment Plans & Billing Virtual Chat
Our team will walk through common questions and help you think through next steps.
Choose the Support That Works for You
- Quick questions? Join either of our virtual sessions
- Want personalized help? Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a financial aid counselor
- Prefer to review on your own? Use the Financial Planning Worksheet as a guide
Weâre Here for You
Our Admission and Financial Aid teams are here to support you every step of the way.
For billing and payment questions, please contact the Office of the Bursar at 401-254-3520 / 800-458-7144, ext. 3520 or bursar@rwu.edu.
For loan and scholarship questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 401-254-3100 / 800-458-7144, ext. 3100 or finaid@rwu.edu.
Looking for a student job to accommodate your class schedule? If you have been awarded work-study as part of your 2026-27 financial aid package, open positions for the upcoming year are posted on our website here: Federal Aid Work-Study Jobs. Not all employers post their positions at the same time, so check the employment web page regularly for daily updates. Students may view available positions and contact the supervisor listed to arrange for an interview. A phone or Skype interview could supersede a traditional âin-personâ job interview, or you may arrange a meeting once on campus.
Bring your employment forms with you to the financial aid office, and we will check them for accuracy. Completing employment application forms early can help streamline your hiring process once you secure a position. Students must present original documents to RWU staff for employment eligibility. It is recommended that you also submit a legible photocopy to keep on file with Human Resources.
Guides and Resources
We will be hosting a Rhode to Roger Virtual Chat series this summer. If you still have questions about RWU, there will be many opportunities to tune-inđąand learn more about all RWU has to offer! ⨠We hope you'll join us virtually! đťđ
Note: the International Student Virtual Chats on June 10 and July 28 will use a different Zoom link. Please select the appropriate button below when accessing the virtual chats.
Zoom Link to Join the International Student Virtual Chats
Zoom Link to Join All Other Virtual Chats
| Topic | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| First In College | May 27 6:30pm EST |
| All About Orientation | June 2 6:30pm EST |
| Payment Plans & Billing - Part 1 | June 4 6:30pm EST |
| I am going to August Orientation - What happens now? | June 8 6:30pm EST |
| Getting to know you - International Student Virtual Meet & Greet | June 10 7:30am EST |
| Payment Plans & Billing - Part 2 | June 24 6:30pm EST |
| All Things Housing | July 9 6:30pm EST |
| Student Life | July 16 6:30pm EST |
| Campus Engagement - Part 1 (Athletics, Clubs and Orgs) | July 20 6:30pm EST |
| Campus Engagement - Part 2 (Work study and Campus Jobs) | July 22 6:30pm EST |
| New International Student Chat | July 28 7:30am EST |
| All Things Academics | July 30 6:30pm EST |
| Roger Days (Fall Orientation) and Campus Check-in | August 10 6:30pm EST |
| Ask Me Anything | August 12 6:30pm EST |
| Office | Contact Info | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Office | 401-254-3500 admit@rwu.edu | Contact your counselor |
| Athletics Department | 401-254-3050 rwuhawks.com | Sports, coach contact information, and schedules |
| Bursar Office | 401-254-3520 bursar@rwu.edu | Billing and payments |
| Commuter Student Resources | Deborah Knapman | Commuter Life, Resources, Transportation & Parking Info |
| Financial Aid Office | 401-254-3100 finaid@rwu.edu | Aid and loan questions |
| Hawks Online Training Courses (Vector Solutions) | General Questions: Technical issues: | General questions about the courses or technical issues |
| Health Services | 401-254-3156 health@rwu.edu | Health insurance and immunization forms |
| Information Technology | 401-254-6363 mediatech@rwu.edu | Technology questions and support |
| Intercultural Center | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | |
| Student Programs, Leadership & Orientation | 401-254-3088. orientation@rwu.edu | Orientation programs, Student Engagement with clubs, Organizations, Student Events, and Homecoming and Family Weekend |
| Registrar's Office | 401-254-3510 registrar@rwu.edu | Transcripts, AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses |
| Residence Life & Housing | Housing assignments and Living Learning Communities |
| Center for Student Academic Success | Contact Info | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Placement Assessments | Angela Raymond 401-254-3861 araymond@rwu.edu | Academic placement tests |
| Advising and Peer Mentorship | Elizabeth Niemeyer 401-254-3281 advising@rwu.edu | Class Schedules and general advising |
| International Scholar and Student Services | Arandhana Mehta 401-254-3400 amehta@rwu.edu | Immigration, transition, and advising support to students who identify as international students |
| Student Accessibility Services | Brenna Toland 401-254-3841 sas@rwu.edu | General support for students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and medical conditions |
| Tutoring Center | Tracey McDonnell Wysor 401-254-3873 | Tutoring support for academic coursework, tutor recruitment |
We have a collection of How-To Guides and Video's to help you navigate through completing your checklist items!
Guides:
Financial Aid Entrance Counseling Overview
Financial Aid Master Promissory Note (MPN) Completion Instructions
Videos:
How to navigate your Roger Central portal.
Accessing your bill, authorizing users, and setting up a payment plan in the RWU Student Account Center.
How to navigate the RWU Financial Aid portal
We are so excited for you to join our RWU community in August. Our hometown of Bristol, RI is filled with small businesses that can't wait to welcome you! We wanted to share some of these local resources with you so that you are fully prepared to move to Bristol, RI this fall.
