Dare to be extraordinary at Eastern Connecticut State University. It's a place where a love of learning is palpable - and the drive to make a difference is even more so. You are officially on your way to becoming a Warrior! This guide will help ensure that you are fully prepared for the STEP/CAP program and an excellent start to your Eastern journey.
Take a moment to enjoy this incredible milestone in your life – you’re going to college! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Join us for an Accepted Student Day event on March 29 or April 27, or an Accepted Student Tour offered most weekdays. Learn more at www.easternct.edu/visit.
Using the credentials and link on your acceptance letter or email, log in to your Eastern portal. Throughout the admission and enrollment process, your portal will be updated with relevant information as well as a live version of this New Student Checklist.
If you have not already completed your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), be sure to do so as soon as possible to ensure a timely financial aid offer. The results of the FAFSA will also determine if you are eligible for summer aid that will go towards STEP/CAP.
Your Office 365 e-mail account is the primary source of communication between you and Eastern. Prior to arriving to campus, you will receive emails to inform you about STEP/CAP updates and details pertaining to summer and fall sessions. Your credentials and activation instructions are in your portal.
We recommend that students check their Eastern emails daily.
Commit to being a Warrior! Seats in the STEP/CAP program are limited. You must submit your deposit as soon as possible, but no later than May 1 to reserve your spot. The University reserves the right to return deposits received after enrollment capacity has been reached. To submit your deposit, refer to these instructions; your credentials are in your portal.
Students living on-campus: $450 non-refundable tuition and housing deposit.
Students living off-campus: $200 non-refundable tuition deposit.
Visit Housing & Residential Life's website for detailed application instructions after submitting your deposit(s). Hall placement will be determined in a first-come, first-served manner based on the date your housing deposit is paid and the application is submitted.
On the housing application, you may rank your top three residence halls. Want a refresher of the different options available for first-year students?
Please note that you do not need to apply for summer housing. STEP/CAP students will be housed in Nutmeg Hall, an apartment-style residence hall. Further details regarding summer housing will be sent to you via your Eastern e-mail prior to the start of STEP/CAP.
SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration) is an overnight orientation program designed to introduce all new first-year students to life on campus. New first-year students must also complete our Orientation Online program by August 15. This will include videos, resources and checklists.
Visit the Orientation page and click on First-Year Students for detailed information and to register to attend a SOAR Session and access the orientation online program. You must submit your non-refundable tuition deposit prior to reserving a SOAR date.
STEP/CAP students must attend SOAR 1 (June 16-17) as the other SOAR dates conflict with the program. STEP/CAP students cannot complete SOAR while STEP/CAP is in session.
Enclosed in your enrollment packet is your CSU Health Form; please complete and return to the Health Services address listed on the form by June 1. This form is essential for you to live on campus. You will not be allowed to participate in STEP/CAP if this form is not completed and submitted before move-in.
Please go to the Health Services website for more information and to review the "Five Things You Need To Read" form.
Please follow the steps on this page to accept or decline any federal student loans that you were offered: www.easternct.edu/accept-aid.
You will also need to complete your Entrance Counseling Exam and Master Promissory Note, which are linked on that page. If you were offered a merit scholarship or grant(s), those will be automatically accepted for you.
Eastern offers a web-based payment plan service that enables you to spread your out-of-pocket costs for tuition, fees, room and board over a semester. You may pay each semester’s bill in up to five monthly installments depending on when you enroll. The service is interest-free and costs $35 per semester. You may learn more at http://www.easternct.edu/the-eastern-payment-plan.
The STEP/CAP move-in date for students is Sunday, June 22. You will be housed in Laurel Hall, an apartment-style residence hall. Your roommates will be selected for you.
Make sure your final high school transcript as well as any Advanced Placement exam scores and transcripts for college-level courses are submitted to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.
