Forms and Deadlines Checklist for First-Year Students

Student Account Activation

Setting up a University of Richmond student account is the first step in becoming a New Spider and it only takes a few minutes to do!

Within a few days of enrollment AND deposit, new students will receive an email with the subject "University of Richmond Account Activation," which will contain a unique activation link. To complete the activation process, students will need their UR student ID number, located in their Spider Portal.

If you have questions about locating an ID number, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

The Emergency Contact Information form is located in BannerWeb on the Personal Information page, which can be accessed via the Spider Portal. Once on the Personal Information page, students should scroll down to Emergency Contact and press the (+) Add New button, complete the form, then click Add at the bottom of the pop-up card. Students may enter both a Primary and a Secondary emergency contact in BannerWeb.

The University of Richmond is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of our students’ education records; to providing students with appropriate access to their education records; and to complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), its implementing regulations, and applicable Virginia law.

What is FERPA?
Read about the university’s FERPA policy and what it means for you here: UR FERPA Statement. Students should log into their Spider Portal and complete the FERPA Waiver form. If you have questions about FERPA, please contact the Office of the Registrar. 

Bridge to Success (Application deadline: May 9)

Bridge to Success is an immersive summer program designed to jump-start your transition from high school to the University of Richmond. You’ll complete coursework that will count toward general education requirements and degree completion; engage in community involvement opportunities, including off-campus excursions and activities in the city of Richmond; and get acquainted with campus and forge early bonds with peers, faculty, and staff. 

Admission to the program comes with full funding, which includes tuition, on-campus housing and food, class textbooks, and all community-based programming.

For program dates and more details, please click here.

URISE (Application deadline: May 9)

URISE aims to increase the number of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences who plan to complete a major in STEM and continue on to graduate or professional programs in science. To be eligible, a student must be passionate about science and interested in a research-based, interdisciplinary approach to their introductory science courses.

URISE is a 2.5 week summer experience for new first-year students. Admission to the program includes on-campus housing, meals, and activities (on and off campus). Students will also participate in a faculty-mentored scientific research project, as well as numerous team- and skill-building activities.

For program dates and more details, please click here.

Bonner Scholars (Application deadline: May 10)

The Bonner Scholars Program (BSP) serves students who have high financial need and a commitment to service. Twenty-five (25) enrolling students are selected to make a four-year commitment to being active citizens in the city of Richmond. Bonner Scholars dedicate up to 10 hours each week to community engagement and are matched with nonprofits, schools, and government agencies that align with their interests in social issues and, for four years, intern at one organization in exchange for financial assistance. Please click here to apply. 

The Richmond Endeavor (Application deadline: June 1) 

The Richmond Endeavor is a living-learning experience for first-year students. Live together, take classes together and be part of an intellectual community your first-year! The Richmond Endeavor is designed for students to create meaningful bonds and friendships with their fellow classmates, develop a relationship with a faculty member during their first year at Richmond, and connect their interests both inside and outside of the classroom. Participation in Endeavor includes a pre-orientation transition program; please visit the website for details.

Spiders FLI Peer Mentor Program (Application deadline: July 1)

The Spiders FLI Peer Mentor program pairs incoming first-generation college students and/or limited-Income students with returning students who also identify in one or both of those categories to offer support and guidance during their first semester at Richmond. Along with one on one time with your mentor, you will be invited to events with other FLI mentors and mentees and be introduced to all of the support the Spiders FLI program offers first-gen and limited-income students. 

will (Application deadline: August 1)

will is a nationally recognized program for students interested in exploring gender and social justice issues both in and out of the classroom. Students strengthen their leadership skills, build close friendships, and work to create a more equitable world. It is open to all students. Summer applications are due by August 1.

Transition Programs are special programs that occur just prior to New Spider Orientation. Students move-in three days early and have unique and impactful experiences with their fellow classmates. They are an excellent way to start your journey as a Spider successfully!

The Richmond Endeavor (Application deadline: June 1)

The Richmond Endeavor is a year-long living-learning experience for first-year students where students live together and take classes together in an intellectual community (see "Academic-Year Programs" above). Participation in Endeavor includes a pre-orientation transition program. Students who are interested in Thrive Orientation (below) and Endeavor should indicate that on their Endeavor application.

Outdoor Adventure and Richmond (Application deadline: June 1)

Through the Outdoor Adventure and Richmond (OAR) Program, incoming students will have the opportunity to learn about our River City’s culture through a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Students will hone their observation skills hiking the trails of the James River Park System, enhance perseverance white water rafting on Class III & VI rapids, gain teambuilding skills on the Challenge Course, grow communication skills orienteering, and develop problem-solving skills as they navigate the first few days on campus, all while meeting and making new friends.

The University of Richmond adheres to the immunization and tuberculosis screening requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia. All full-time students new to the University are required to complete pre-entrance health forms prior to campus arrival. 

Please visit the Student Health Center website for specific instructions on completing the required pre-entrance health requirements.

(Recommended deadline: June 1)

If you are interested in learning more about accommodations related to a disability, please consider visiting the Disability Services website where you can find contact information, answers to frequently asked questions, and details about the accommodation application process and documentation guidance. 

While there are no deadlines for submitting accommodation applications, the process can take some time. In order to help ensure that all incoming students are able to complete the individualized and interactive intake process prior to the start of the semester, we strongly recommended students submit their applications by June 1.

(Available: May 15)

First-year students can view fall course options in BannerWeb.

Students may also review their personal information in BannerWeb and, if desired, update their gender and personal pronoun information

(Opens April 15; Closes June 30)

The housing application is required for all students who wish to live on campus. The application will be available beginning April 15.

The roommate section will open for new first-year students in StarRez on June 11 and close on June 30. Within this section, you will be able to request a specific roommate or search for a roommate. (You are not required to choose a roommate.)

Students and families interested in renter’s insurance can learn more about GradGuard through the Housing website.

(Due: June 15)

The Information for Academic Advisor form will be available in BannerWeb in mid-May; you will find it at the bottom of the Student Services menu. This is an important form that will be used to match you with an academic advisor who will work with you until you declare a major. ALL incoming first year students (including student-athletes, Scholars & Endeavor participants) need to complete this form.

Starting in mid-June, Peer Academic Advisors (PA) will be in contact with all new students. Your PA will answer your questions, help orient you to UR’s online academic systems (i.e., BannerWeb and GradTracker), and they will help you create your Preference Plans for pre-registration. 

(Due: July 9)

All first-year students will be required to create one or more "Preference Plans" in BannerWeb for pre-registration. To help you do this, you will work with a Peer Academic Advisor (PA) and the Academic Advising Resource Center (AARC) will host two (2) informational webinars. Please see the New Spider Summer Series schedule for webinar dates and times. 

For more details on the pre-registration process, please visit Planning Your Schedule on the Academic Planning page of this website.

(Due July 1)

One week after graduation, you must submit your final high school transcript to Richmond. To be considered official, the final transcript must include the school’s official raised seal and/or the signature of a school official (if sent by mail) and the month/year of high school graduation (e.g., June 2024).

An electronic copy of the final high school transcript is acceptable from your school official. Please have it submitted through Common Application Online, Naviance, SCOIR, Parchment, Slate.org, or by email to application@richmond.edu with the subject of “Final High School Transcript" and the graduation date clearly displayed.
 
Your high school may also mail the final transcript to the Office of Admission at 142 UR Drive, University of Richmond, VA 23173. Please note that the transcript cannot be sent by fax.

Tuition (Due: August 4)

Invoices will be emailed to students and their designated QuikPAY Authorized Payers (see QuikPAY information below) in early July and will be due on August 4, 2025. 

Tuition Insurance (Due: Prior to the first day of the term)

The University has partnered with GradGuard to offer a Tuition Protection Plan. If a student must withdraw for a covered reason at any time during the semester, the Tuition Protection Plan can reimburse eligible expenses which may include tuition payments, housing and food charges and other nonrefundable expenses. This service is completely optional and the University receives no financial incentive from GradGuard. Enrollment must be done prior to the first day of the term.

Learn more about tuition insurance here, or call 1-866-724-4384.

QuikPAY: Online Payment System (Recommended by: June 15)

Tuition invoices are sent electronically to students (via their Richmond email account) and any "Authorized Payers" who have been established as such in QuikPAY. Only students and authorized payers can make online payments through QuikPAY. Students can designate authorized payers in QuikPAY by following the instructions on page 9 of the Student Accounts Handbook.  

QuikPAY also offers installment plans allowing Spiders to spread out their educational expenses over the course of a semester. Please visit the Student Accounts website for details. 

Have questions about invoices, payments, etc.? Review the Student Accounts Handbook or contact the Student Accounts Office at 804-289-8147 or bursar@richmond.edu.

Direct Deposit

The Office of Student Accounts asks and strongly encourages all students to sign up for direct deposit to expedite issued refunds. To sign up for direct deposit, please go to BannerWeb, click on Manage/Sign Up for Direct Deposit and enter your banking information.

UR Photo ID (Due: July 15)

Log into One Card to upload a headshot for your student ID card. This image will also be displayed in the online directory unless you opt-out.

Set your PIN for Keyless Entry into the Residence Halls (Due: July 15)

Follow the instructions on One Card’s Using Your Card: Keyless Entry webpage to set your PIN for dual authentication to your room.

(Due: July 31)

Note: This item only applies to US Citizens and US Permanent Residents

Students should read, complete, sign and return the Taxpayer Identification Number Form to the Student Accounts Office. Social Security Numbers are required to file Form 1098T with the IRS, which helps determine whether the student or someone else who may claim them as a dependent may take either the tuition and fees deduction or claim an education credit to reduce federal income tax.

(Due: September 15)

The University of Richmond requires domestic undergraduate students attending in-person classes to maintain health insurance and offers a comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to meet this requirement.

Each academic year, students must complete an online form to either confirm their enrollment in the SHIP or waive the SHIP by providing proof of alternative health insurance coverage. For those who confirm enrollment, the SHIP fee is automatically added to the student’s tuition bill; for those who waive coverage, the fee is removed within five (5) business days of waiver approval.

Students must submit the online form by September 15, 2025. Additional information about the SHIP can be found here.

(Recommended by: August 31)

The University strongly encourages all students living in University housing to have renters insurance, as the University does not assume financial responsibility for personal property lost, stolen, or damaged while on campus. To support students in protecting their belongings, the University has partnered with GradGuard, which offers an affordable renters insurance program designed specifically for college students. Participation in this program is optional, and the University does not receive any financial incentive from GradGuard.

Bonner Scholars, Oliver Hill Scholars, Richmond Scholars, and NCAA Athlete Registration 
Priority registration is given to first-year students who have been named Bonner Scholars, Oliver Hill Scholars, Richmond Scholars (a merit scholarship program), or NCAA athletes; these first-year students will be registered for classes during the pre-registration period using the preference plans they create in BannerWeb. 

All Other First-Year Students
All other first-year students will have access to BannerWeb for self-registration on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 beginning at 9 a.m. (ET). (Please refer to the Academic Planning site for full registration details.) It is recommended that students self-register as early as possible on the first day of registration. See the Registrar’s academic calendar for other important registration dates and details.

(Due: August 24)

The Honor Code test will be available to students on August 4, 2025. This requirement must be completed successfully prior to start of the semester; failure to do so will prevent students from attending their classes. Students should review the Honor Code materials in Blackboard prior to taking the online test.

Alcohol Edu & SAPU (Available late-July/early-August; Complete by August 24)

All full-time degree seeking students are required to complete a comprehensive alcohol education and abuse prevention program during their first semester on campus. The first part of this requirement involves an online component that must be completed prior to the first day of orientation. Students will receive email communication from the Health Educator in late-July/early-August with details as to how they can access their online alcohol education.

Textbook requirements for fall courses will be posted on the University Bookstore’s website in early August.

Any student who will not be 18 years of age by the time they arrive to campus must READ, COMPLETE, & SUBMIT this online form with their parent/guardian and visit the relevant webpages as presented on the form.

Move-In Day

Please visit the Residence Life website for move-in and check-in information.

Note: Before University of Richmond identification cards can be issued, students will be required to show proof of identification. Students should bring a valid state-issued driver’s license, passport, military ID or an official state identification card when they come to campus. Review the Housing Office’s list of things to bring to campus and the Sustainability Office’s Green Move-In Tips.

2025 New Spider Orientation 

Pre-orientation for all international students and students participating in the Outdoor Adventure and Richmond, Endeavor, or Thrive programs begins with move-in on Sunday, August 17 and continues with orientation from August 20 through August 23. 

Orientation for all other first-year and transfer students begins with move-in on Wednesday, August 20 and continues through Saturday, August 23. Classes begin on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Please visit Parking Services’ website for information on bringing a car to campus.

If you will have bicycle on campus it is recommended that you register your bicycle to ensure we have the information needed if your bicycle is lost or stolen. You will receive a bicycle permit to be displayed on the bicycle’s frame. You will also be able to pick up a bike lock, front and rear bike lights.

Read more about the Police Department’s programs and services here, and submit a Student Inventory to provide an electronic inventory of valuable items you plan to store in your room.

Classes begin on Monday, August 25, 2025. Please review the complete academic calendar for other important fall dates.