Now that you're officially accepted to ONU, here are your next steps to becoming a Polar Bear. We’re not going to sugarcoat it: Enrolling in a university may seem overwhelming, but there’s fun to be had, too. Once you make your way through the administrative stuff, it will all be worth it. We promise.
Steps for an Accepted Student:
(Students who have received an acceptance notification from the University, but have not submitted their deposit.)
1) Schedule a personal Accepted Student Visit
- These visits are designed to assist you in finalizing your fall decision and allow you to build your own schedule.
- Schedule your visit today.
2) File the FAFSA
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is scheduled to open October 1. When completing the FAFSA, add our school code--003089--to designate ONU as a recipient of your FAFSA. If you don't plan to file, please notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing as soon as possible.
3) Submit your Enrollment Deposit and make your decision official
- Reserve your spot in the entering class by submitting your deposit.
- Submitting your deposit provides student access to set up your ONU email, to register for Summer Orientation and select your housing.
Important First Steps for a Deposited Student:
For a complete list of deposited student next steps please visit the Orientation Checklist found on my.onu.edu. Some of the steps below will require you to log in to your ONU network account.
1) Set up your ONU Network and Email Account
- Directions on how to set up your ONU network account are sent by email after you submit your deposit.
- Add your ONU email account to your phone, or download the Gmail app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2) Sign up for a Summer Orientation Session
- Registration is now open. Click here to register
- Summer Orientation dates are: June 9, 10, 17, and 18
- We encourage you to register early. Spaces are limited and fill quickly.
3) Connect with other New Polar Bears
- Join MeetYourClass or use the ONU Class of 2030 Instagram page (@ohionorthern2030) to find friends and a roommate before filling out your housing forms!
4) Complete your Campus Housing application
- To get started, access and complete your on-line housing application using your ONU Network account log-in. This site will provide additional information on housing application deadlines, the first-year student room selection timeline, and tutorials on how to complete the application. To participate in first-year student room selection, be sure to complete your housing application by April 15.
- Planning to commute? All incoming freshmen and new transfer students who wish to commute must turn in a form by June 24. All forms received after this deadline will incur a $50 late-processing fee and could result in the student not being approved for off-campus commuting. Visit Self-Service Banner to complete the Off-Campus Housing Form by clicking the "Student" tab, "My Housing", and then select the off-campus housing application within the housing self-service site.
5) Let your School Counselor know you are coming to ONU
- Your counselor will need to send us a final, official transcript, which includes your graduation date, before you begin classes at ONU. Transcripts submitted by email can be sent to transcripts@onu.edu.
6) Be on the look-out for emails regarding placements assessments for freshmen
- Directed Self-Placement for Writing (all students), ALEKS mathematics placement (select Arts & Sciences, Engineering and Pharmacy students).
7) Visit and review the Orientation Checklist found on my.onu.edu. This is the University's official and comprehensive list of deposited student next steps.
OPTIONAL: Consider taking a Summer Refresher Course (Biology, Chemistry, or Math).
- Registration will open in March 2026
- Offered on campus
- Not required for entering students
- More info here
