After You Join

exterior view of Haven Hall

We look forward to welcoming you on campus for SummerStart 2024! 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 June 15:  Provide Proof of Vaccinations.  This must be completed in order to move into the residence hall and participate in the program.
  • Due 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 Ernie Davis Residence Hall upon check-in.)

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

  • Due May 29: 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.

Optional International Student Success CATAPULT Program

CATAPULT aims to help upcoming international students successfully transition to Syracuse University.  The program has three objectives:

  • Establish trust and connection with students (and parents)
  • Facilitate communication among new students and parents
  • Provide preparatory instruments (written materials, videos, online workshops) to facilitate academic transition

CATAPULT is available to new students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School. If you are enrolled in another school/college at Syracuse University, please email Dr. Ling LeBeau to request access.

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.

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 registered for courses, 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.
    • Deadline to register for the ELAE: May 29
    • Directions emailed to applicants syr.edu email account regarding ELAE: May 30
    • Take ELAE: 12PM Eastern Time May 31 - 12PM Eastern Time June 1. The exam must be completed in one sitting once started.
    • If you have any questions regarding the ELAE please reach out directly to Professor Joseph Denn.

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 banquet. 

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 29. Students should be moved in by 5 p.m.
  • Orientation will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30.

Additional information and a full schedule will be available soon.

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