New Student Checklist
Ready for APU? Start the Process Here!
We’re so excited you’re planning to continue your education journey with Azusa Pacific, and we can’t wait to welcome you to APU this fall. We know the process can seem a little daunting at first as you prepare to transition to college, so we created the following month-by-month checklist to help you complete the essential requirements before you start your first day.
First StepsIn January-MarchIn AprilIn MayIn JuneIn JulyIn August
First Steps
Make Your Enrollment Deposit
For admitted students, submitting your enrollment deposit is the first step in saying,
“I’m ready to start my journey at Azusa Pacific.” Submit your deposit through our
online Billing and Payment System using the button below. Click on “Enrollment Deposit”
and complete the payment information.
Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA will be available on December 1, 2024, for the 2025-26 academic year. Accepted students
who have completed the FAFSA will receive a financial aid offer to help as they make
their college decision. Make sure to add APU’s FAFSA code to your application: 001117.
Visit Campus
The best way to get to know the APU community is by experiencing it for yourself! We invite you to discover APU’s welcoming and inspiring community by scheduling a campus tour.
New Student Checklist
It’s official: you’ve deposited! Now you can start taking the next steps as an APU student. The following checklist includes an overview of what you need to do, as well as a general timeline and deadlines; however, we highly recommend submitting any required forms, registrations, or assessments as soon as you are able. Let’s get started!
In January-March
Campus Housing
If you plan to live on campus, complete your Request for Campus Housing form. Students who have deposited and have been approved for housing will receive the form in their email. For more information about housing for Fall 2025, view the housing page.
Attend Choose APU
At Choose APU, you’ll connect with your admissions representative about next steps, chat with fellow Cougars, and get a look at what it’s like to be a student here. For upcoming event dates, visit Choose APU.
California Student Aid
California Residents Only
Submit grades to California Student Aid Commission for grade verification. Your high school counselor will often do this on your behalf, but check in with them to make sure they don’t miss the deadline (due March 2).
Appointment with your Admissions Representative
Schedule an appointment with your admissions representative to discuss financial aid, courses for your first semester, and your plan to graduate.
In April
Complete Your Registration Profile
The admissions office will provide you with this form, which captures your academic profile, including in-progress work and any AP or IB tests you have taken or will take at the conclusion of your senior year. This helps us best advise you on class choice as you begin building your academic schedule.
Set Up Your Student Portal Access
After you submit your registration profile, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to access your student portal at home.apu.edu. This is where you will register for classes, make payments, and more.
Take Any Necessary Placement Assessments
These assessments are used to place you into courses that match your current and potential skills and abilities, and must be completed before you register for your first APU classes. You will be notified if you are required to take an assessment after completing your registration profile.
Attend Choose APU
At Choose APU, you’ll connect with your admissions representative about next steps, chat with fellow Cougars, and get a look at what it’s like to be a student here. For upcoming event dates, visit Choose APU.
In May
Registration
When you complete your registration profile, you will be asked to register for Summer Orientation, which takes place in June. During orientation, our staff will walk you through registering for fall semester classes, provide resources and assistance, and help answer any questions you may have.
Academic Advising Resources
Now that you are ready to start registering for classes, we have resources available to help you create a successful first-semester schedule, including academic success coaches and academic maps. Visit the Academic Advising Resources site or contact the Academic Success Center at (626) 815-3886.
In June
Attend Summer Orientation
Join other new students at Summer Orientation. You will receive additional information once you complete your registration profile.
Submit Immunization Records
Log into home.apu.edu. On the left side of the page, scroll down to “Applicant Resources.” From there, select “Student Resources,” then select “MyCougar Health.” This will redirect you to the Electronic Medical Record Portal. Follow the instructions to submit your records. Questions? Contact the APU Student Health Center at (626) 815-2100.
Submit Your Health Insurance Waiver
Recommended Completion by June 30
On your financial aid estimate, you will see a charge for health insurance. This is a charge that can be waived if the student has health insurance coverage that is compatible with Covered California.
Sign Your FERPA Authorization
The federal government requires Azusa Pacific to have your permission to share details of your account with certain individuals. Complete the FERPA Authorization at home.apu.edu by selecting “My Profile,” then “Update My Information.” Learn more about FERPA. For questions, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Set Up Authorized Payers
Adding authorized payers to your account allows others, such as parents and spouses, to view your statements and make online payments. To set up an authorized payer, visit apu.edu/billing-payment/, click on “Student,” then select “Add New” under the Parent/Authorized Payers section. For questions, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Set Up Electronic Funds Transfer
Enrolling in Electronic Funds Transfer allows APU to send any refunds on your student account directly to your bank account. To sign up, visit home.apu.edu and select “Financials,” then “Billing and Payment.” Once in our online Billing and Payment System, select “Enroll in Electronic Refunds” under “Direct Deposit/Electronic Refunds (ACH)” to provide your bank account information. For questions, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Taking Out A Loan
If you complete the FAFSA, you may be offered loan options. Learn more about taking out a Direct Loan, Parent PLUS Loan, or Alternative Loan.
Have Outstanding Checklist Items?
To ensure that you are prepared for fall, check out your To Do List for any outstanding items. Visit home.apu.edu and select “To Dos” to see which tasks are left.
In July
Sign Up for Welcome Weekend
You and your guests are invited to experience Welcome Weekend at Azusa Pacific University! Be prepared for fun, informative, and meaningful events for students, families, and guests. Welcome Weekend, led by the Office of Campus Life, helps you get connected, learn about campus resources, and feel at home as you get ready for your first year at APU.
Transfer Students: Choose a Dining Plan
Cougar Plan C is required for all incoming transfer students living in residence halls, and enrollment in the plan is automatic. If you have been approved to live in an on-campus apartment, you are not required to purchase a dining plan but can do so as a supplement to making your own food. Enroll in a dining plan through home.apu.edu by selecting “My Resources,” then “General,” then “Other,” then “Meal Plan Selection.”
Watch for Your First Statement
Your first statement will be available in early July and can be accessed through our online Billing and Payment System. Your first payment is due August 1. For questions, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Make Your First Payment
Due August 1
This is the first of four payments in your Fall 2025 payment plan. Make the payment through our online Billing and Payment System. For questions, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Watch for Your Housing Assignment
If you have applied to live on campus, watch for your housing assignment and roommate information. You’ll receive an email with instructions on how to view your assignment.
In August
Purchase Your Books
Don’t wait until the semester starts—visit the Campus Store to generate a book list based on your courses and purchase your books.
Shop for Living Area Supplies
If you plan to live on campus, it’s time to purchase those much-needed items such as bedding, school supplies, toiletries, and more. Use the Housing Packing List to help as you shop, and be sure to coordinate any big items with your roommate(s).
Title IX Training in the Fall
To encourage a safe and positive campus community grounded in personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect free from discrimination on the basis of sex, including all forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence, all new students are required to complete an online Sexual Assault Prevention and Alcohol Education training. You will receive an email with instructions on how to access and complete this training in October. Learn more about Title IX at APU. Questions? Contact the Title IX Office at [email protected].
Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend is a unique opportunity for you and your family to gain information about the university, build memories, and simply have a great time. Our goal is that all students and their guests feel a sense of belonging as they begin their journey at APU. Learn more about Welcome Weekend.