Be Prepared  

Get ready for university life so you can make the most of your academic career! If you are a current or prospective student, these checklists will help you organize and plan everything from the application process through graduation.

Prospective students

Are you ready?

Now that you’ve decided Northern Arizona University is for you, here are some tips to ease the transition into your first year. Learn about everything from the application process and enrollment to financial aid and housing.

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  • Begin the application process at least one year in advance to make sure you have time to apply for admission, be considered for campus housing, and receive a good financial aid package. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. 
  • See what you need for admission at Northern Arizona University at the Undergraduate Admissions website.
  • Apply for admission and include official transcripts from high school and other colleges you have attended. Be sure to also submit the last and final transcript after you have graduated from high school and/or another college or university.
  • Tell your family about your educational and moving plans, if applicable.
  • Discuss with your family how you are planning to pay for college expenses. Begin applying for scholarships early, as many have deadlines in the spring.
  • Contact the Financial Aid office to make sure they received your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information from the Department of Education. Priority deadline is February 14th.
  • Contact your Tribal Scholarship office to apply or follow-up on your status.
  • Submit your measles immunization record to Campus Health Services.
  • Decide if you want to live on or off campus. Living in an on-campus residence hall is convenient, less expensive, and you get to meet new people. If you choose to live off campus, give yourself more time to travel to classes. You will need to pay rent, utilities, and deposits if selecting an apartment or house.
  • If you have children, research the local school system regarding open enrollment dates, childcare centers, and healthcare.
  • Save money for extra expenses like moving, gas, food, and books in case you do not receive your financial aid by the first week of classes.
  • Get help from campus resources to have a smooth transition into the university environment and begin the path toward reaching your educational goals.
  • Make an appointment with a Native American Student Services staff member to review this checklist. Stay in contact with staff members and other key university departments to ensure you successfully make the college transition.

Current students

Your next steps

Now that you’re enrolled, these tips will help you stay on track.

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  • Compare prices for textbooks at local and online bookstores like University Text & Tools and the Northern Arizona University Bookstore. The Bookstore also has textbooks for rent.
  • Plan how to get to classes by looking at the campus map. You can walk, bike, drive, or take the free university shuttle and Mountain Link Route 10.
  • Students with a vehicle should purchase a parking permit from Parking Services.
  • Read the class syllabus for each course and write due dates for assignments, quizzes, and exams in a planner or on a wall calendar.
  • Plan a weekly schedule listing class times, study and exercise or hobby time, employment work hours, etc.
  • Make time to study—plan to devote at least two hours of studying per credit hour you are enrolled for.
  • If you are seeking part-time employment, refer to listings on Jobs for Jacks.
  • If receiving financial aid – federal and state aid – you will need to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) every semester to continue receiving funding.
  • If receiving tribal financial aid, you must meet these academic requirements:
    • no repeat classes as part of the 12 credit hours
    • your semester GPA must be at or above 2.0 in most cases (varies per tribe)
    • apply every spring term for funding for the next academic year
    • log in to your  MyNAU account and check to make sure all key expenses have been paid before spending financial aid refund.
  • Any type of financial aid refunds received should be used toward educational expenses only. Limit your spending on clothes, music, car purchases, and non-essential items, and lending money to family members.  Refunds should be budgeted for use throughout the term.
  • If you are having difficulty with classes, seek assistance from your instructor, the Student Learning Centers for tutoring, the Gateway Student Success Center, and Native American Student Services offices to receive academic help. 
  • Update or create a resume and letter of interest, and gather letters of recommendation. These documents will become helpful when you apply for internships and/or volunteer opportunities. Make an appointment with a NASS graduate assistant to learn more about how to create these documents.