First-Year Students

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Cincinnati! As you prepare for your first semester on campus, please follow these steps to ensure a successful start to your college career.

Connect with other admitted students on social media. Use #BearcatsBound to share the news of your admission with your family, friends, and the other Bearcats that will be joining you on campus in just a few short months!

Now that you've been admitted, you received an email titled "Important University of Cincinnati System Access Information." Within this email you will find personalized next steps just for you—including how to set up your University of Cincinnati username and password as well as information on how to access the Bearcat Portal. The Bearcat Portal provides access to important steps such as confirming your admission, registering for orientation, and signing up for housing. Here, you can keep track of your progress from now until the start of classes.

If you have not filled out your FAFSA yet, make this a priority! Some aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. University of Cincinnati will release Cincinnatus Scholarship Awards beginning in February 2025 and additional awards in April 2025. Be sure to contact Enrollment Services if you have any questions.

You must confirm your admission by May 1, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST, for Uptown (main) campus or by August 1, 2025 for University of Cincinnati Clermont and University of Cincinnati Blue Ash. Confirm your admission by paying the $100 confirmation fee. When confirming online, you must pay by Discover, MasterCard, or Visa. You can confirm your offer of admission in the Bearcat Portal. The confirmation fee is non-refundable. Confirming is an important step towards becoming a Bearcat as it enables you to apply for housing and register for Bearcats Bound Orientation.

Please refer to our list of deadlines to ensure you confirm your admission in time to begin classes.

Students admitted to University of Cincinnati Blue Ash should refer to this list of deadlines and these new student resources. Students admitted to the University of Cincinnati Clermont should refer to this list of deadlines and these new student resources. 

Two to three business days after you confirm, you will receive an email with instructions for setting up your University of Cincinnati email address. This is how we will communicate with you about important enrollment next steps. Check this email account often because this is how you will receive any important information from University of Cincinnati during your time as a student!

The application priority deadline for housing is May 1, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST. Students whose permanent residence is farther than 50 miles from Cincinnati's Uptown (main) campus are required to live in University Housing during their first year. If you are required, or choose, to live in University Housing, you will need to apply for housing by visiting the Housing and Food Services website. Those who submit after the May 1, 2025, deadline are still eligible for housing, but may be subject to the waitlist process.

Please Note: Students must confirm their admission prior to applying for Housing.

Registration for Bearcats Bound Orientation is available upon confirmation. Bearcats Bound is designed to assist you in making a successful academic and social transition into the University of Cincinnati community. During Orientation, you will have the opportunity to register for an advising appointment with your academic advisor.

Please Note: Students must confirm their admission prior to registering for Orientation.

After you attend Bearcats Bound Orientation, you will receive instructions about how to set up a meeting with your academic advisor and register for classes. This initial meeting with your advisor will also provide a good starting point for your relationship with them as you begin your Bearcats journey.

Please Note: Students must attend orientation before meeting with their advisor.

Admission offers are contingent upon successful completion of high school coursework. At the end of your senior year, once grades are final and you have graduated, you must work with your school counselor to submit an official, final high school transcript to verify graduation. Final high school transcripts must be submitted no later than July 15, 2025 to verify graduation.

Final transcripts may be delivered to us in one of three ways:

1. Secure electronic submission by your counselor is the preferred and fastest method.
2. Mailed directly from the school to: Office of Admissions, Attn: Final Transcript, PO Box 210091, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091
3. In person to our visitor center desk in University Pavilion (open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in a sealed and signed envelope from your high school. Opened transcripts will not be accepted.

Additional enrollment next steps can be found within your to-do list in the Bearcat Portal. This list is unique to you and will be updated based on your progress. Be sure to log in to the Bearcat Portal early and check your to-do list often. If you have any questions about your next steps, please contact Enrollment Services or one of the offices listed below.

If you have questions about the admission confirmation process, contact the Office of Admissions at 513-556-1100 or by email at admissions@uc.edu.