New Student Checklist

For undergraduate first-year and transfer students 

Congratulations on joining the SUNY Cortland community! Now that you have paid your admissions deposit, complete the following steps to make your transition here as smooth as possible.

 

Get Started

Action

Details

Dates/Deadlines

SUNY Cortland ID#

Know your SUNY Cortland ID# or C-number (C00….) and familiarize yourself with myRedDragon.

Following acceptance

Financial Aid

Review and accept or decline your financial aid offer on myRedDragon. Note that only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for federal financial aid.

You will be notified by the Financial Aid Office when your award offer is available.

Students with disabilities

If needed, complete the New Student Accessibility Request Form. Contact the Disability Resources Office with questions.

As soon as possible

Housing

Complete your Housing Preference Form or the New Student Off-Campus Approval Form in myRedDragon.

Submit by May 31

Orientation Registration

Register to attend Orientation through myRedDragon.

Register by June 1

Immunization and health history forms

Complete your health history and TB screening forms online through the student health portal in myRedDragon. Submit proof of immunizations to Student Health Service.

July 1 or as soon as possible for late admissions

AP, IB, CLEP and college course credits Request your AP, IB and CLEP exam scores and college transcripts to be sent to the Admissions Office, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045. Also bring copies to Orientation. As soon as possible after final grades are posted
Transcripts Submit your final high school transcripts to the Admissions Office, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045. Final transcripts should clearly identify your date of graduation, if applicable. As soon as possible

Orientation

Attend Orientation to learn about university resources and review your first semester class schedule. International students will receive information from the International Programs Office about a separate mandatory program.

Check your schedule

ID card photo

Have your ID card photo taken in person at Orientation or submit your photo through the Cortland Auxiliary Services website. Visit cortlandaux.com for details on how to provide your Cortland ID photo.

Check email


After Orientation 

Action

Details

Dates/Deadlines

Email

Regularly check your SUNY Cortland email through myRedDragon. All official communication will be sent to this account, including your student tuition bill and course schedule updates.

Beginning in June

 Bill

Confirm your attendance and review and pay your student bill through myRedDragon.

Beginning on or about July 11; complete by Aug. 13

Textbooks

Order your textbooks and course materials.

Beginning mid-July

What to bring

Start thinking about what you'll bring to campus. This list contains all the essentials for residence hall living, including the size of your bedding.

Beginning Aug. 1

Roommates

Contact your future roommate(s) to coordinate who will bring different items for your residence.

Beginning Aug. 1

Parking permit

All vehicles parked in SUNY Cortland-operated lots must be registered with the Parking Operations and Security Services Office.

Visit cortland.edu/parking

Emergency contact

Add or update your personal information for our campus emergency notification system on myRedDragon.

Before classes start on Aug. 26

Campus employment

If you are considering working during your time at SUNY Cortland, be sure to bring your official passport or Social Security card and Birth Certificate for paperwork purposes.

Bring with you to campus

Code of Conduct

Familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a member of the campus community.

Before classes start on Aug. 26

Clubs

Browse student clubs and organizations that may interest you. You can also check out sport clubs and fraternities and sororities.

Before classes start on Aug. 26

Meal plan

Review your meal plan options and make any changes through myRedDragon.

Before Sept. 6


Upon Arrival to Campus 

Action

Details

Dates/Deadlines

ID card

Pick up your Cortland ID card from the Cortland Auxiliary office in Neubig Hall. Bring a photo ID and your SUNY Cortland ID number.

Beginning Aug. 22

Course schedule

Review your course schedule in case of any changes in classroom location or instructor.

Before classes start on Aug. 26

Events

Attend welcome week activities and other campus events to meet new people early in the semester.

Frequently

myRedDragon

Check myRedDragon for important messages and updates. This is SUNY Cortland’s primary method for communicating with students.

Frequently

Attend the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 26.

Be sure to view your schedule on myRedDragon prior to attending class in case of any location changes.