Forms and Deadlines Checklist for First-Year Students

Activate Your Richmond Account

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

Within a few days of enrollment AND deposit, you will receive an email with the subject "University of Richmond Account Activation," which will contain your unique activation link; to activate your account, please click on this link. You will need your UR student ID number, which you will find in your Spider Portal.

If you have questions about your student ID number, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission

(Available: April 17)

The housing application is required for all students who wish to live on campus. The application will be available to entering first-year students on April 17.

To access the application, click the following link and sign into StarRez: Housing Application. Follow the instructions on each page and be sure to complete them fully; you will not be able to proceed through the application unless each page is complete.

The roommate section will open for new first-year students in StarRez on June 12 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. You will not be selecting a room.

If you have questions, please email Taylor Walsh. More details about first-year housing, including a suggested list of what to bring to campus, are available on the Student Housing website.

Assignment emails, including roommate information, will be sent to students on July 24. 

Bridge to Success (Application deadline: May 7)

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. Program dates and details can be found here. 

URISE (Application deadline: May 7)

URISE aims to increase the number of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences who plan to complete a major and continue to graduate 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.

Note: This program includes a 2.5-week summer experience prior to the first year of college. Session dates and details can be found here.

The University has many exciting programs that first-year students can participate in. These programs are selective and have limited capacities. You can apply for and participate in multiple programs listed below. They are exciting programs to connect you with your peers, as well as dedicated faculty and staff mentors! Don’t miss out on these opportunities!

Bonner Scholars (Application deadline: May 7)

Do you want to connect your skills and passions with the city of Richmond? Do you want to join a network of active citizens and collaborate with local change-makers? Each year, 25 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. In addition to the meaningful connections and professional skills Bonner Scholars develop through their paid internships, they also participate in on-campus reflective exercises and educational programming to understand difference, power, and priviledge; deepen their thinking about complex social issues; and prepare for active citizenship.

The application can be found online. To learn more about the Bonner Scholars Program and submit your application, please visit our website.

Peer Advisors and Mentors Program (Application deadline: June 1)

The Peer Advisors and Mentors Program pairs first-year students with upper-class student mentors who help first-year mentees navigate their first year of college through mentee/mentor engagements, group activities, and leadership opportunities. Retaining students is one of the program’s chief goals—90 to 100 percent of PAM first-year mentees return to Richmond for their second year of college.

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. 

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

The Spider FLI Peer Mentor program pairs incoming First-generation college students (those whose parents/guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree) and/or Limited-Income students (those who require a substantial financial aid package to attend college) with returning students who also identify in one or both of those categories to offer support and guidance during their first year 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 Spider 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 actively work to create a more equitable world. 

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. Live together, take classes together and be part of an intellectual community your first-year! Part of Endeavor is a pre-orientation transition program that occurs just prior to New Spider Orientation. Students who are also interested in both Thrive Orientation and Endeavor should indicate that on their Endeavor application, and will be able to attend multiple sessions with the Thrive Orientation program!

Thrive Orientation for Multicultural Students (Priority registration deadline: June 1; Regular registration deadline: July 1)

Thrive Orientation is a transition program for multicultural First-Year students to help them build a community and familiarize themselves with the University of Richmond through a multicultural lens before New Spider Orientation (NSO). Students that participate in Thrive Orientation do not just leave with information, they leave with connections, friends, resources, and a network of support. Thrive Orientation is part of the Thrive Multicultural Experience, an enrichment initiative designed to cultivate, advocate, celebrate, and empower multicultural students throughout the different phases of their college experience.

Appalachian Trail Adventure (Application deadline: July 1)

The AT Adventure is scheduled for the three days before first-year student move-in and orientation begin. Selected participants will move in on Sunday and prepare for a two-day (one-night), off-campus experience that will build leadership and communication skills, test mental strength, and encourage team work. Students will hike a section trails through the Shenandoah National Park while enjoying its many vistas and abundant wildlife. While hiking and camping, participants will openly discuss the variety of challenges first-year students face to help prepare for the academic and social aspects of the University of Richmond. Application and more info may be found here.

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. Students enrolled in the part-time MBA or part-time SPCS programs are not subject to this requirement.

Please visit our Student Health Center website for specific instructions on completing the requirement.

(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 personal pronoun information

(Due: June 15)

The Information for Academic Advisor survey is available in BannerWeb; 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.

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

(Due: June 30)

All first-year students will be required to create one or more "Preference Plans" in BannerWeb for pre-registration. A Peer Academic Advisor (PA) will help you create these plans and walk you through the pre-registration process beginning in mid-June.

For complete details on this year’s registration process, please visit Planning Your Schedule on the Academic Planning page of this website.

(Due July 1)

Your high school must submit your final high school transcript to Richmond following your graduation. 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 2023).

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.

QuikPAY: Online Payment System

Fall tuition invoices will be emailed in early July and are due on August 7th.

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.

UR Photo ID

One Card Services will use an image you provide (headshot) for your student ID card. This image will also be displayed in the online directory unless you opt-out. For optimal image quality, please restrict your file types to .jpg. Upload your image here.

Set your PIN for Keyless Entry into the Residence Halls

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

Alcohol Education Requirement (Available late-July/early-August, complete by August 22)

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.

Tuition (Due: Monday, August 7, 2023)

Invoices will be emailed in early July to students and their designated QuikPAY Authorized Payers (see QuikPAY information below).

Tuition Insurance

Tuition Insurance is available through GradGuard. For information and enrollment please visit their website or call 1-866-724-4384.

QuikPAY: Online Payment System

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.

(Due: September 10)

The University of Richmond requires domestic undergraduate students taking in-person classes to have health insurance, and sponsors a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to ensure students have access to comprehensive health care coverage. Each academic year, students must complete an online form to either:

• Confirm intent to purchase the SHIP
• Waive out of purchasing the SHIP by providing proof of health insurance (such as through a parent)

Students who do not enroll in or waive out of the SHIP prior to the September 10, 2023 deadline will have the insurance cost for the fall semester ($1,502) automatically added to their tuition bill. 

Please visit https://studenthealthinsurance.richmond.edu for more information.

(This only applies to US Citizens and US Permanent Residents)

Students, if you did not provide your Social Security Number on your application or FAFSA, please read, complete, sign and return the Taxpayer Identification Number Form to the Student Accounts Office. Your SSN is needed to file Form 1098T with the IRS. Form 1098T helps determine whether you or the person who can claim you as a dependent may take either the tuition and fees deduction or claim an education credit to reduce federal income tax.

Richmond Scholars, Bonner Scholars, and NCAA Athlete Registration 
Priority registration is given to first-year students who have been named Richmond Scholars (a merit scholarship program), Bonner Scholars, 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 9, 2023 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 August 3. See the Registrar’s academic calendar for other important registration dates and details.

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

2023 New Spider Orientation 

Pre-orientation for all international students and students participating in the Appalachian Trail Adventure, Endeavor, or Thrive programs begins with move-in on Sunday, August 20 and continues with orientation from August 23 through August 26. 

Orientation for all other first-year and transfer students begins with move-in on Wednesday, August 23 and continues through Saturday, August 26. Classes begin on Monday, August 28, 2023.

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 August 28, 2023. Please review the complete academic calendar for other important fall dates.