Next Steps
Transfer Next Steps | St. Petersburg Campus
Congratulations on your admission to USF! The University of South Florida is a leading transfer student destination in the state of Florida, and we’re excited to welcome you to our waterfront St. Petersburg campus.
Follow these steps to enroll as an official USF student and prepare for the first day of classes. To track your progress as you work through the checklist, visit the myBullsPath student onboarding portal.
You can explore all required needs to enroll at USF or jump to the section relevant to you:
IMMEDIATELY UPON ADMISSION:
You will be able to complete the following steps immediately after admission to USF.
Please note that activating your NetID is the first step to enrolling at USF, if you have not done so yet.
You may complete the next steps in any order. In this section, you’ll:
- Reserve an Orientation Date
- Meet With Your Advisor
- Submit FAFSA
- Verify/Update Personal Information
- Submit Medical History and Immunization Form
- Explore Housing Options
Reserve an Orientation Date | Required for all transfer students
Admitted transfer students must register for, attend and complete all Orientation requirements. Once you reserve your seat for Orientation, you will be asked to complete three steps to complete your Orientation requirement, so be sure to sign up for the earliest Orientation date possible to benefit from increased class availability:
- Complete your Pre-Orientation course on Canvas
- Meet with your academic advisor prior to Orientation and register for courses
- Attend your Orientation session virtually or in-person
Orientation reservations open during the following months each year based on entry term:
- Spring Semester - October
- Summer and Fall Semesters - February
If you fail to reserve and complete Orientation, your admission to USF may be canceled.
Please note: If you previously graduated from USF and are pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, you do not need to attend Orientation.
Meet With Your Advisor | Required for all transfer students
After you have registered for Orientation, you'll receive an email from your academic advisor, and can take action to receive advising and register for classes. You can anticipate receiving the email from your advisor within 15 business days after registering for your USF orientation. Keep an eye on your USF email and be sure to follow the instructions from your advisor.
Fill Out Your FAFSA Form | Recommended for all students
Make sure to fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible to qualify for the most aid possible. If you have questions about the FAFSA, check out our site here.
Verify/Update Information | Recommended for all students
Verify or Update Residency Status
- To view your classification, log into the Applicant Portal and your residency status should display under your “Applicant Info.”
- To update your classification as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, log in to the Applicant Portal, select “Forms”, complete a Residency Declaration Form, and upload any requested documentation.
- Please note: All admissions scholarship disbursements are based upon residency status. If your residency status changes, your award allocation will be updated.
For full information on determining residency, check out our Residency webpage.
Verify Personal Information
- To view/update your mailing address, telephone number and email address, log in to myUSF and navigate to My Resources > Student Self-Service > Student Record > View & Update My Personal Information
Update Campus, Term of Entry or Major (Optional - As Needed)
- To change your campus, term of entry or major, visit the applicant portal, select “Forms” and complete an Application Update Form.
- If your campus or term of entry was changed by USF during the application process, you are not eligible to update back to the original campus or term of entry requested on your application.
Submit Medical History and Immunization Form | Required for all students
You cannot register for courses until your completed Medical History and Immunizations Form has been received, so be sure to submit it in a timely fashion.
Please note: This form requires formal authorization from a healthcare provider, so please ensure you leave time to complete this task for enrollment.
How to Upload Your Completed Form
There are digital and mail-in methods to submit your completed form:
- myBullsPath: You can log into myBullsPath using your NetID and password. After clicking on the “Submit Required Health Documents” card, you may submit your form directly through the portal. Click “Submit Medical History & Immunization Form” at the top of the page, and you will be prompted to upload your documents from your device to myBullsPath.
- Applicant Portal: Log into the Applicant Portal using your NetID and password. Select “My Workspace”, followed by “My Documents” and upload your form.
- Web Submission: You may submit your form directly to Student Health Services through the web submission option.
If you cannot upload your form to any of the digital methods above, please mail in your form to the below address:
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
Wellness Center, SLC 2200
140 7th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Please do not send in the form to the Office of Admissions directly. Submit the form only through the approved options above.
Explore Available Housing and Meal Plans | Optional for all transfer students
Transfer students can explore on- or off-campus housing near USF. If you want to live on campus, you can submit a housing application as soon as you're admitted. To give everyone an equal opportunity, students will be assigned randomized room selection time slots as long as they apply by the priority deadline for each term. Check the USF Housing page for the most updated information. Additionally, there are many off-campus housing options available near the St. Petersburg campus to explore.
On-campus housing applications open during the following months each year based on entry term:
- Spring Semester - October 1
- Fall Semester - Upon admission to USF
- Summer Semester - March 2025
Please note: You will not be able to select a room through Housing until you reserve an Orientation date.
Many students elect to purchase a meal plan on campus. With a wide variety of meal plan allowances and dining locations, explore the options available to you:
AFTER LAST SEMESTER COMPLETION
Submit Final Transcripts | Required for all transfer students
Once you complete your final semester at your previous institution, you will need to submit your final transcripts from the last institution you attended. If you received an AA at your last institution, please wait until your degree is reflected on your transcript to send to USF.
Your admission is contingent on submitting final transcripts, and we may place a hold on your account to register for future courses if transcripts are not received prior to the first day of class.
If you need to check on the status of your missing documents, visit the Applicant Portal.
If you need to submit your final transcripts, visit our Transcript Submission instructions page.
AFTER ATTENDING ORIENTATION
You may complete the next steps in any order - along with the steps in the “Before the First Day of Classes” section. In this section, you’ll:
- Purchase a USFCard
- Purchase a Parking Permit
Purchase a USFCard - Required for all students
Your USFCard will be used while you are on campus, including at dining locations and to verify your identity. Request a USFCard before you start at USF through the online process below and pick up your card in-person at Bayboro Hall, Room 223.
Purchase a Parking Permit - Required for students parking on campus
Parking permits are required on campus 24/7. Make sure to register your vehicle and pay for your decal before the semester begins.
BEFORE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
You may complete the next steps in any order.
Complete Required Course Modules
AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU)
Within the first few weeks of the semester starting, you should receive an email from Vector Solutions (@safecolleges.com) in your USF Outlook email. The email will provide you with your personal link and instructions for completing these courses.
Each course consists of two parts. Part 2 of each course will open 30 days after you complete Part 1.
For more information, visit the Life Skills for Student Success website.
If you are a transfer student who has completed AlcoholEdu at another institution, this requirement will be waived with proof of completion. You must submit a copy of the course completion screenshot and/or email you received directly to your campus contact before the deadline. Your name must be visible in the screenshot in order to receive credit. SAPU is required regardless!
Complete Unsatisfied Requirements and Accept Financial Aid Awards
Verify if you have any unsatisfied Financial Aid requirements in Student Self-Services prior to your first day of classes.
- Portal: Student Self-Service
- Navigation: MyUSF > My Resources > Student Self-Service > Financial Aid > Complete Unsatisfied Requirements
Sign Up for eDeposit
The University of South Florida offers the electronic deposit process called eDeposit to all of our customers. eDeposit allows your net financial aid and student refunds to be directly deposited into your personal bank account.
- Portal: Student Self-Service
- Navigation: MyUSF > My Resources > Student Self-Service > Tution & Fees > Sign up for eDeposit
Moving Into Housing
If you’re living on campus at USF, you will need to review the move-in information provided to you by Housing to ensure you sign up for the correct move-in appointment time and ensure your room assignment is correct.
Check out USF’s move-in checklist for everything you should bring with you or leave at home.
Familiarize Yourself with USF Tools and Information
Familiarize yourself with:
- CANVAS and review your course syllabi.
- USF important dates.
- USF’s bill due date schedule.
- Key USF policies, including the Code of Conduct.
- BullsConnect, USF’s student engagement portal for finding events and clubs on campus.
Purchase and Organize Supplies for Courses
- The St. Petersburg campus bookstore has a large selection of textbooks, course materials and supplies, or you can purchase from another vendor. Your course syllabi will often recommend supplies you may need for the course but a good rule of thumb is to have: note-taking supplies (pen and paper or a laptop), required textbooks and a planner to keep yourself organized.
- The St. Petersburg campus offers computer lab usage for students.
- We have highlighted specific college apps you might find useful for classes on our Admit-a-Bull blog.
Accessibility Accommodations (Optional - As Needed)
Transfer students may apply for accommodations once admitted to the University of South Florida. Students are responsible for identifying themselves to Student Accessibility Services and presenting proper medical documentation to receive academic accommodations.
Examples of accommodations can include but are not limited to:
- Alternative Text
- Class Notes and Note Takers
- Test Taking Accommodations
- Hearing Impairment Accommodations
For a full list of accommodations and how to apply, visit the Student Accessibility Services website.
Pay Tuition and Fees (Due by First Friday of Semester, 5 p.m. ET)
- Portal: Student Self-Service
- Navigation: MyUSF > My Resources > Student Self-Service > Tuition & Fees > Pay My Bill
Please note: If you received a scholarship award and need assistance on Tuition Deferment, visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
Check out our blog for articles on how to successfully navigate the start of your college experience:
- When to Start College Internships?
- 10 Resources You Didn’t Know Colleges Offered
- Mental Health in College: Why It’s Important and What You Can Do
GETTING INVOLVED AS A TRANSFER STUDENT
Making connections at a new college may seem overwhelming but there are tons of ways for you to get involved at the St. Petersburg campus:
- COMPASS Student Experience - The COMPASS program brings together people, programs and resources to provide you
with an exceptional experience on campus. Some highlights of ways you can get involved
are:
- Transfer Peer Coaching program - Opt in for a transfer peer coach to answer your questions and help you acclimate to campus. If you’re interested in being partnered with a peer coach, email the office at usfsp-compass@usf.edu.
- Transfer Connection - Meet once a month with other transfer students, learn about the St. Petersburg campus and more!
- Learning Journeys - Learn about potential career paths and opportunities directly from USF professors.
- National Transfer Student Week - Each October, enjoy a week filled with activities to help transfer students like you get involved and engage in professional and personal development opportunities.
- On-Campus Clubs and Organizations - There are over 100 student clubs and organizations available on the St. Petersburg campus for you to join.
- On-Campus Job Opportunities - Convenient on-campus jobs provide numerous opportunities to earn money for college necessities and meet other students outside of the classroom.
- Student Events - With hundreds of campus events held yearly on the St. Petersburg campus, you will always find something to do. We host events that range from music festivals, game nights and weekly movie screenings.
- Student Government - If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact on the USF community and finding a built-in peer group, you may want to check out Student Government.