Congratulations, and welcome to the Cougar family.
Who are the Cougs?
Learn more about what it’s like to be a Coug, life in Pullman and why every year 16,000+ students come back home.
Next Steps:
Now that you’ve confirmed your admission to WSU Pullman, there are 12 steps you need to take to ensure the transition into your first year is as smooth as possible. You can also log in to the FutureCoug portal to complete your next steps.
1. Sign up for housing
Our 15 residence halls each have their own unique features, vibe and campus location. Find the perfect fit for you. The housing application requires a $400 advanced housing payment. Learn about how to select your residence hall, who is required to live on campus and more on the housing website.
Get an introduction to our residence halls with a glimpse inside student life:
Take a Tour
Find virtual tours, photos, room dimensions, nearby dining options and more.
Estimate the Cost
Use the Residence Hall Rate Estimator to estimate your housing bill.
2. Register for New Coug Orientation
All new students are required to attend New Coug Orientation, our WSU Pullman orientation where you learn everything you need to know about being a new Coug. Registration for New Coug Orientation is on a first-come basis, so register early to secure your preferred dates.
Visit the New Coug Orientation website for details, including costs and payment options.
Week of Welcome
Every August, we welcome new Cougs and kick off the school year with a week full of activities across campus. Learn more about the Week of Welcome and our calendar of events, which will be updated summer 2026.
You’re on campus, you’re in the middle of it all. You just feel like you’re a part of the community.
Nathan, Stimson Hall
3. Submit Immunization/Vaccination Forms
WSU requires vaccination and immunization records for all students. Forms and other information are available from Cougar Health Services (CHS). Learn more at the CHS patient portal or contact CHS at cougarhealth@wsu.edu | 509-335-3575.
4. Take Placement Assessments
These assessments will determine which math, writing or foreign language course you should be placed into for your first year at WSU. If you are unsure if you need to take the assessments, you can reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss your situation.
Learn more at:
New Coug Advice: Take these assessments before New Coug Orientation, where you’ll register for classes.
5. Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
Now that you’ve confirmed your admission to WSU Pullman, there are a few things you need to do to ensure the transition into your first year is as smooth as possible. You can also log in to the FutureCoug portal to complete your next steps.
FAFSA
Washington is ranked one of the lowest states in the U.S. for FAFSA filers—this means that there may be funds available to help you pay for college! File your FAFSA before January 31.
New Coug Advice: Submit your financial aid application every year you attend WSU to be considered for financial aid.
WASFA
Qualifying undocumented students should submit the WASFA by January 31 to determine state financial aid eligibility, including grants, work study and general scholarships.
6. Submit the General Scholarship Application
Fill out our General Scholarship Application by the January 31 priority date to be considered for all WSU scholarships and grants.
New Coug Advice: Thousands of scholarships are available to students just like you. Check out WSU’s scholarship search tool—you may be surprised at how many there are!
FINANCIAL AID
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
7. Get Financially Smart
Fill out our General Scholarship Application by the January 31 priority date to be considered for all WSU scholarships and grants.
WSU aims to help you be financially secure throughout your time at the University with a number of tools available on our financial aid website:
Financial Aid Estimator and Net Price Calculator
Learn what you qualify for at WSU and determine your estimated net costs of attending college, including tuition, housing and more
Cougar Money Matters
Get financial advice, build a tuition payment plan and talk with a financial counselor
I’ve met a lot of people here. It’s kind of become my second home away from home.
Kate, Stevens Hall
8. Submit Final Transcripts
After you graduate, ask your high school to send your final official transcripts to WSU. If you have a GED, your testing agency should send us your official GED transcript instead. If you are a transfer student or have college credits, send us your official college transcript(s) and your official AP/IB/AICE scores.
9. Find your Place
With hundreds of clubs, on-campus, cultural centers and numerous activities, you’ll make new friends and a lifetime of memories all your own.
A community for everyone: From identity-based clubs and multicultural groups to faith-based organizations and academic clubs, we support students from all backgrounds.
10. Experience Campus Life
Compton Union Building – Grab lunch, buy textbooks at the Bookie, or watch that late night soccer match on the big screen.
University Recreation – Find options for all skill levels at our on-campus recreation centers and outdoor playfields. Choose from group classes and personal training as well as some old-fashioned pick-up games on our indoor/outdoor courts.
Intramurals – Choose from 70+ activities from Wiffleball to esports
New Coug Advice: Research supports that students who focus on health – both overall wellness and physical activity – tend to have a higher GPA.
EMBRACE THE COUG LIFE
Make new friends, find a roommate, and get connected before you move to campus.
11. Find a Job
The Pullman area offers hundreds of student-friendly jobs both on campus and off. Find a work study or campus role that fits you:
12. Forge your Path
As a Tier I research university, our award-winning faculty will guide you through research opportunities, fieldwork, internships and in-depth labs that will inspire exploration and innovation in your field.
There are many reasons to choose Washington State University, but one is the opportunity for undergraduate students to engage with mentors in research, scholarship, or creative activities.
Explore Research Initiatives
Still undecided about your major?
Check out our 200+ areas of study to find the right fit for you.