Resources and Worksheets: New Student Checklist

Your Lion journey starts here. This New Student Checklist is your step-by-step guide to getting ready for life at East Texas A&M—from financial aid and class registration to move-in prep and getting involved. It's everything you need to start strong and stay on track. Let's roar into your future!

Download the Checklist PDF for Print

Before Arrival

  1. Submit FAFSA/TASFA annually for financial aid (School code: 003565)
  2. Accept admission offer via personal email
  3. Set up your myLeo email and check it regularly
  4. Register for New Student Orientation (NSO)
  5. Submit Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Record (required for students under 22; you will receive an email in your LeoMail from [email protected])
  6. Take TSI Assessment (if required)
  7. Talk to an advisor and register for classes
  8. Apply for housing if living on campus (myLeo → Apps Tab)
  9. Send final high school or college transcripts
  10. Check Financial Aid Portal (myLeo → Student Resources Tab) regularly for updates, award notifications, and to accept/decline aid
  11. Apply for scholarships through the Donor Funded Portal (myLeo → Apps Tab)
  12. Apply for external scholarships
  13. Complete the FERPA Form (optional) if you want your parents to access your financial aid information

Payments and ID

  1. Set up refund selection (myLeo → Apps Tab)
  2. Set up a payment plan (myLeo → Student Resources Tab → LeoPay)
  3. Get your student ID (Lion Card) – check LeoMail for instructions
  4. Check student account for financial aid disbursements (begin monitoring 10 days before classes start; myLeo → Student Resources Tab → LeoPay)
  5. Set up authorized user (optional) for parent/guardian contributions (myLeo → Student Resources Tab → LeoPay)

Academic Prep

  • Purchase or rent textbooks
  • Download D2L Brightspace (learning platform)
  • Explore tutoring and success resources
  • Review your class schedule and campus map
  • Check Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status in myLeo at the end of the semester

Move-In and Life Prep

  • Pack dorm essentials (bed linens, toiletries, school supplies, etc.)
  • Coordinate move-in time
  • Get parking permit if bringing a car (myLeo → Apps Tab)
  • Familiarize yourself with campus services (Health Center, Money Management Center, Lion Food Pantry, etc.)

On-Going Financial To-Dos

  • Monitor LeoMail for financial aid updates
  • Return to Financial Aid Portal home page for any outstanding requirements (myLeo → Student Resources → Financial Aid)
  • Book an appointment with Financial Aid or the Money Management Center for help anytime

Get Involved

  • Follow ETAMU on social media (@ETAMU1889, @BeInvolvedLions, etc.)
  • Check out student organizations & Greek Life
  • Attend Welcome Week events
  • Join GroupMe or Discords for your major
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