After You Join

Two students taking a selfie with Otto, the orange, SU's mascot.

We look forward to welcoming you on campus for SummerStart! As you prepare to begin your Becoming Orange journey, please review the following important information about required tasks, course selection, placement exams, preparing to arrive, move-in and orientation, policies and additional resources.

 

 

  • Immediate Action: Set up NetID, password, and your Syracuse University email account
  • Due before June 15:  Immunization Records - In accordance with New York State law, the following vaccination records must be submitted to the Patient Portal. This must be completed in order to move into the residence hall and participate in the program.
    • Two Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations received after your first birthday, or proof of immunity.
    • Meningococcal meningitis vaccination within the last five years and after the age of 16.
    • Please visit the Patient Portal webpage for detailed instructions.
  • Due before June 15:  Submit your photo to SU I.D. Card Services.
    • Your SU I.D. card will serve as your official University identification and will give you access to residence halls, dining centers, snack operations, athletic facilities, library privileges, vending machines, Stadium and Box Office events. (Your SU I.D. will be waiting for you at the SummerStart residence hall upon check-in.)
  • Due Before June 15: Complete Math placement exam. 

Visit the New Student Programs website for a complete list of all required tasks for incoming students.

Visit the New Student Programs website for a complete list of all optional tasks for incoming students.

  • Due TBA: Students for whom English is not their dominant language must register to take the ELAE exam to be considered for admission to SummerStart. More details can be found under the program eligibility section.
  • Due ASAP: You should apply for your F-1 visa using the I-20 you received for the Fall semester.
  • Due ASAP, if you are offered admission to SummerStart: Email proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of the SummerStart program and the Fall and Spring semesters to SummerStart@syr.edu. The Center for International Services will send you a new I-20 for the summer. The new I-20 will have the same SEVIS ID number as the Fall Semester I-20.
  • Due Upon Arrival in the U.S: Check-in steps 1 to 3 for Center for International Services.

Visit the Center for International Services website for a complete list of Fall pre-arrival information.

Through the SummerStart program, you will take foundational courses that help complete required coursework early and classes tailored to your program and interests. You will receive personalized attention from faculty in a small and supportive classroom setting.

Course registration is completed by your school/college academic advising office based on your particular program and answers provided in your First Term Registration Qualtrics Survey.  

The course sections are open to SummerStart participants only. However, students, in consultation with their college advisors, may select an alternative course from the University curriculum.

Once you know what classes you will be taking, you can purchase textbooks and course materials through the Syracuse University Campus Store.

To ensure proper course selections, all SummerStart students must complete placement exams. Your prompt completion will ensure your enrollment in the appropriate course(s). For students in the music, art, drama, or transmedia programs of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the mathematics test is optional.

Placement exams are given under the honor system. Note that these assessments are for placement purposes only, with no impact on your course grades. They should accurately reflect your skill level in order to assure your placement in the course.

Math Placement Exam

  • Due  June 15

The math placement exam is available via MySlice. For instructions, click here.

English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE)

  • All Students for whom English is not their dominant language must register to take the ELAE. The ELAE is offered through Blackboard, for more information please review our Eligibility section.

Wondering what you should bring to campus? Refer to the New Student Checklist. For your time during SummerStart, also remember to bring dress attire or business casual attire for the SummerStart closing celebration. 

Transportation to the University is available via taxi/Uber/Lyft from the airport, train and bus stations. The cost is approximately $50 and the travel time takes approximately 20 minutes.

  • Move-in is scheduled for Saturday, June 28. Students should be moved in by 5 p.m.
  • Orientation will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29.

Move-in and orientation schedule can be found here.

Please reach out directly to SummerStart@syr.edu with any questions or concerns regarding move-in and orientation. 

Check the SummerStart Schedule webpage often for important event information and updates.

“SummerStart is a place that I hold dear to my heart. You’d be surprised by how living in a dorm with 12 other people only minutes away from your door can help with building relationships. On my first day moving into my dorm the girl next door to me had never used a laundry machine before and decided to ask me for help. That was the first-ever friend I made in college. Six years later, as an iSchool graduate student, we’re still good friends. Thanks, SummerStart!”

Grant Cheung Profile Picture
Grant Cheung ’21