Next Steps

Your Next Steps

Step 1: Accept Your Admissions

Let us know you're in!

• Log in to your Applicant Portal using the same email and password you used when applying.
  • Or, if you’ve already created your MyCWU account, log in there and click “Accept/Decline” in your Admissions Toolbox.
• Once you accept, you'll unlock access to housing, orientation, and scholarship opportunities.

Haven’t applied yet? Apply to CWU and become a Wildcat!

Step 2: Complete Your Pre-Advising Questionnaire and Register for Orientation

• Log in to your Applicant Portal using the same email and password you used when applying
  • Select the Complete Your Pre-Advising Questionnaire button and fill out the form. Once submitted your will redirected to the Select Your Orientation page. Choose the date that works for you and press submit! You will receive a confirmation email.

Orientation is your official welcome to CWU.

• New Student Orientation is required for all first-year students attending the Ellensburg campus. You’ll register through your Applicant Portal and take part in course registration, info sessions, and activities to help you prepare for Move-In and Week of Welcome.
• Virtual Orientation is recommended for students starting in Winter or Spring terms, as well as online or center-based students. You’ll register after completing your Pre-Advising Questionnaire.
• Transfer Orientation is required for all Ellensburg-based transfer students. You’ll explore transfer-specific resources and meet faculty, staff, and fellow transfer students.

Step 3: Set Up MyCWU and Your CWU Email

MyCWU is your all-in-one student portal — where you’ll register for classes, check financial aid, and access housing, support services, and more.

• Visit MyCWU to update your account.
• Look for an email titled “Information regarding your MyCWU account” from cwu.servicedesk@cwu.edu with your username and CWU ID.
• Your application login and your CWU account login are different — keep both passwords safe.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required to access your CWU account. We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator App on your phone. You can also choose a phone call as your method of verification.

If you change phones, you'll need to re-register your device.

Check Your CWU Outlook Email

Your CWU Outlook email is your primary way to receive updates from Financial Aid, Advising, Housing, and more. Check it often.

• Access it through the MyCWU portal or by going to Microsoft365.com.
  • Add it to your smartphone for easy access.
• You’ll lose access to this account after graduation, so use it while you’ve got it!

Need help? Call the CWU Service Desk at 509-963-2001.

Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

Submit your FAFSA or WASFA to get started on financial aid. FAFSA, WASFA, and Scholarship Central applications open October 1, 2025, and while there’s no official deadline, it’s best to apply early.

Accept your aid package:

• Once awarded, log into MyCWU → Financial Toolbox → Accept/Decline Awards. 

Taking out loans? Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Step 5: Apply for Housing

First-year students are required to live on campus.

The housing application opens in February 2026 — apply early for the best room selection and choose your meal plan at the same time.

• Final deadline: August 2026 — after that, a room will be assigned automatically.

Explore Residence Halls and Dining Options to learn more.

Transfer students: You’re not required to live on campus, but check out our Transfer Living-Learning Community and apartment options.

If you need academic or housing accommodations, be sure to connect with Disability Services.

Step 6: Take Writing or Math Placement Assessment

Get set for success by completing your Pre-Advising Questionnaire and any required placement assessments.

• First-year students: Fill out the Pre-Advising Questionnaire before attending New Student Orientation.
  • Log into your Applicant Portal to complete the Pre-Advising Questionnaire. This is REQUIRED for first year students.
    • Applicant Portal/Pre-Advising Questionnaire
• Transfer students: You can register now — schedule an advising appointment.
  • Log into your Applicant Portal to complete the Pre-Advising Questionnaire. This is OPTIONAL for Transfer students.
    • Applicant Portal/Pre-Advising Questionnaire

Your advisor will let you know if you need to complete the Writing Directed Self-Placement or Math/Quantitative Reasoning assessment. 

If you need academic or housing accommodations, be sure to connect with Disability Services.

Step 7: Attend Orientation and Week of Welcome

Orientation is your official welcome to CWU.

• New Student Orientation is required for all first-year students attending the Ellensburg campus. You’ll register through your Applicant Portal and take part in course registration, info sessions, and activities to help you prepare for Move-In and Week of Welcome.
• Virtual Orientation is recommended for students starting in Winter or Spring terms, as well as online or center-based students. You’ll register after completing your Pre-Advising Questionnaire.
• Transfer Orientation is required for all Ellensburg-based transfer students. You’ll explore transfer-specific resources and meet faculty, staff, and fellow transfer students.

Week of Welcome

This multi-day experience connects you with other students and helps you start strong, with a lot of fun along the way.

Required for all Ellensburg first-year students.

Step 8: Register with Disability Services (if needed)

• Students who are seeking accommodations at CWU for the first time must complete the three-step registration process. To begin the process, complete the Disability Services Application.
  • Disability Services | Central Washington University

Get Ready for Day One

Make sure you’ve got everything you need — from textbooks and your student ID to parking permits and required trainings — so you can start your first day at CWU feeling confident and prepared.

• Buy Course Materials
  • Use financial aid at the Wildcat Shop. You'll find required materials listed in Canvas and from your professors.
• Get Your CWU Connection Card
  • Upload your photo via the GET Mobile App or GET website.
  • Pick up your ID when you arrive on campus.
• Complete Your Canvas Modules.
• Buy Your Parking Permit (if needed)