Checklist for New Students

1. Fulfill Conditions of Enrollment 

If you have been enrolled conditionally, your official admission letter listed the actions that you must take to maintain or secure full enrollment.

The most common condition is to have a hard copy of your official transcripts sent directly from the institution to the university (or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope). The transcript must show the degree awarded. If you just recently graduated, wait until the transcript records degree awarded.

A common condition for international applicants is the requirement to enroll in an English language course. 

2. Create your directory ID and password

Follow the link from your admission offer letter to declare your decision.  Answer in the affirmative.  Then in the Directory Credentials section, you will be given an activation code. Visit the IT division’s website to create your Directory ID and set up your e-mail account. You will use your Directory ID and password to access University of Maryland resources, such as the online registration system (Testudo) and your university email account (PDF document illustrating the process).

3. Get your student ID

Student IDs are available in the Mitchell building. To obtain an ID, you must be registered for classes and you must have proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license or passport. If you have questions about the ID system, contact the Office of the Registrar at (301) 314-8240.

You may use your ID to withdraw books from libraries; ride the shuttle buses; and gain admission to most athletic, social, and cultural events. You may also use it as a prepaid debit card for UMD food establishments and printing services, and as a general form of identification on campus. Learn more on the Registrar's website.

4. Submit your immunization records.

If you have not done so already, turn in the required immunization records to the University Health Center as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding immunization, contact the University Health Center at (301) 314-8114.

5. Register for classes.

The university’s web-based registration services are available online at testudo.umd.edu. Follow these steps to register for classes:

1. Select “Office of the Registrar.”
2. Select “Registration (Drop/Add).”
3. Select the term for which you are registering.
4. Enter your Directory ID and password.
5. Create your schedule for that term.

See the Schedule of Classes. 
Review the Graduate Registration Policies. 

You must register for classes in the term for which you were admitted by the end of the schedule adjustment period, or your admission will be canceled. If you would like to defer your term of admission, you will need to contact the program where you were admitted to see if this is a possibility. If you have questions about which courses to register for, please reach out to your academic department.

6. Review campus policies and resources.

For campus policies and practices, please consult the Graduate Catalog. 

For program policies and practices, please consult your program’s or department’s website.

For Graduate School General Orientation, please consult the New Graduate Student Orientation. For department-specific orientation, please reach out to your academic department

7. Explore your health insurance options

Starting with the Fall 2020 semester, all full-time enrolled graduate students are required to have health insurance.  Please view the policy in the Graduate Catalog. To learn more about your health insurance options, please visit the Graduate School's Health Insurance Resource page 

8. Read the UMD Honor Pledge

The University of Maryland Graduate School expects all graduate students to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and adhere to the UMD Honor Pledge. 

9. Remember that the Graduate School is here to help

You are a student of the Graduate School. We are here to support you from admission to graduation and every milestone in between.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your graduate education, please feel free to contact us:

• By phone at (301) 405-3644,
• By email at gradschool@umd.edu, or
• In person at 2123 Lee Building.

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

10. Contact your department if you have questions.

If you have questions about your department's orientation, academic advising, selecting courses, or planning your graduate career, reach out to your department directly. Contact information for all departments can be found in the Graduate Catalog.