Fall 2026 New Students: Things to Do Before Classes Start
We sent this email at 7Ìýp.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, to domestic (not international) Main CampusÌýdegree-seekingÌýundergraduate students who were starting their ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ career in Fall 2026.
Dear [first],
Welcome to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ! To help your first semester go smoothly, please make sure you've completed the following tasks.
___ Clear Your Holds and Complete Your To-Dos
Check your in Buff Portal for specific action items.
___ Submit Your Final Official Transcript(s)
Final official transcripts should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the issuing institution by mail or to transcripts@colorado.edu as soon as they are available.ÌýWithout your final transcripts, CU won't be able to let you register or apply financial aid to future semesters.
___ Apply for and Authorize the College Opportunity Fund (In-State Undergrads Only)
°Õ³ó±ðÌýCollege Opportunity FundÌý(COF) is Colorado's way of financially supporting its in-state undergraduates. There's no limit to the number of in-state undergrads who receive it, and you never have to pay it back. If you haven’t already, complete two steps to opt in: 1) submit theÌý and 2)Ìýauthorize the use of COF funds. Visit theÌý in Buff Portal to check your status.
___ Register with Selective Service by Sept. 28 (Males Ages 18–25 Only)
If you were assigned male at birth and are between the ages of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you complete a one-time Selective Service registration. ³§±ð±ðÌýRegister with Selective Service for more information.
___ Grant Parents Access to Education Record (Recommended)
Once classes begin, the university can no longer communicate with parents, guardians or authorized third parties or others about your education record, including financial aid information because it’s protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Granting access is optional but encouraged if someone is helping you with financial aid. ³§±ð±ðÌýFERPA Consent to ReleaseÌýfor more information.Ìý
___ Complete Any Required Loan Documents
If you accepted aÌýfederal student loan, be sure to complete the requiredÌý ²¹²Ô»åÌý (MPN).
___ Set up Direct Deposit in Buff Portal (Recommended)
We encourage students toÌýset up direct deposit for their refunds instead of waiting for a check in the mail. Direct deposit is the best and fastest way for you to get a refund. Refunds may result from dropping classes, waiving health insurance or receiving financial aid, among other reasons.
Have Questions?
Contact us remotely using the links below. or visit us in person once you’re on campus—Oour offices are located on the first floor of theÌýRegent Administrative Center.