Check your personal email
Look for a welcome email with guidance on how to activate your Multi Factor Authentication and set up Office 365 set-up to receive and send Bison emails.
Before you sit in your first class, you’ll need to complete several tasks critical to your enrollment here at Howard and your ability to live and learn on our campus. After payment of your enrollment deposit, many of the essential tasks you must complete are listed below, along with instructions on how to complete them. As a new student, we highly suggest the following tasks be completed before your arrival on campus for move-in.
Although tasks are not required to be completed in a particular order, we highly suggest early completion of tasks with required deadlines.
Let’s get started.
Here is a summary of the deadlines in the New Student Checklist lower on the page.
Check your personal email
Look for a welcome email with guidance on how to activate your Multi Factor Authentication and set up Office 365 set-up to receive and send Bison emails.
Submit your immunization documentation
After you have set-up your email and MFA, submit your immunization documentation to the Student Health Portal by July 1.
Complete the housing application
Complete the housing application on StarRez beginning May 15.
Register for Bison Prep
Register for Bison Prep beginning the week of May 19.
Complete Bison Learn
Log into Canvas (Via AccessHU) beginning the week of May 19 to complete Bison Learn.
Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Exam
Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Exam beginning the week of May 19.
Complete the English placement exam
Complete the English placement exam beginning the week of May 19.
Complete the language placement exam
Complete the language placement exam beginning the week of May 19 if you intend to take a language in the fall.
Register for fall 2025 courses in BisonHub
Beginning the week of June 8, register for fall 2025 courses in BisonHub.
Submit your high school transcript
Submit your official final high school transcript with graduation date by August 1.
Submit a recent photo
Submit a recent photo (no more than 30 days old) for your BisonOne Card by August 1 at noon.
Submit financial aid documents
Submit any required financial aid documents once available by August 15.
Bison Week
Participate in Bison Week activities (August 11–15).
Register for Mandatory Housing Orientation
Orientation is July 22–25 from 10 a.m.–noon and July 30 from 6–8 p.m.
Important information will be shared with you through official Howard communication, so be sure that you have set up your accounts below.
Use your Bison email address and complete the multifactor authentication step to access BisonHub, where you can check your Howard email inbox, notifications, and access other important apps and accounts.
In BisonHub, you will find your student identification number as part of your student profile. You will need this number to complete several tasks associated with your enrollment.
Once you are connected with your Howard family, you can begin the process of submitting important items which must be completed before your arrival on campus.
One of the most exciting parts of the Howard experience is living on campus in a residence hall. We suggest early submission of your housing application as soon as the application opens.
Just when you thought you were finished with tests for the summer! Have no fear, we just want to assure you register for the right courses. You’ll need to take a few quick placement assessments to best personalize your course curriculum.
Pay careful attention to the following instructions below. Additional accounts may be required to set up that are separate from your official Howard University account.
Congratulations! You’re ready to register for the courses which will change your life as you grow within your profession and commitment to Truth and Service.
One of the most enjoyable and enriching parts of being a Bison is your time living on campus in a residence hall. Be sure you’re all set to live, learn, and build community on campus.
After receiving your housing assignment in early July, submit the $500 housing deposit to secure your housing. You will use the StarRez system to pay this deposit.
See the events section in your HU Admissions Portal to register.
It’s just about time to move in to your new residence hall!
Before you move in, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the important dates and the general process.
Great job! You’re well on your way to officially becoming an enrolled Bison. Be sure to tie up loose ends to make it to your first day of class as smooth as possible.
Finish setting up your electronic identification for your BisonOne card by uploading a recent photo and providing additional required information.
Paying for college is serious business, so be sure that your studies continue uninterrupted because of financial obligations. Log into the Financial Aid Portal to check your status.
The time has come! During Bison Week, you’ll meet your new classmates, learn about Howard’s history and traditions, and get acquainted with campus as you get ready for the first day of classes.
Submit a recent photo (no more than 30 days old) for your BisonOne Card by August 1 at noon.
Submit your official final high school transcript with graduation date by August 1.
Participate in Bison Week activities, August 11–15.
Submit any required financial aid documents once available by August 15.