Welcome, new Broncos! Here are your next steps.
Congratulations on being admitted to Western Michigan University, first-year students! We’re thrilled to welcome you as a Bronco! We’ve outlined your next steps as you prepare for enrollment at WMU.
We encourage you to register for Future Bronco Days and learn more about becoming a part of the WMU community. These events specifically designed for incoming first-year students allow you to review how to complete your next steps, engage with WMU representatives and get your questions answered.
You should receive an invitation to these events in the new year. For more information, see the Future Bronco Days page.
Step 1: Confirm your admission
Let us know that you plan to attend WMU by confirming your admission and submitting your $100 Enrollment Deposit, or request a deposit waiver. This fee confirms your enrollment and is applied to your fall semester tuition. Visit our Enrollment Deposit instruction website for more information. The enrollment deposit, or an approved waiver, must be submitted prior to registering for orientation.
Note that the enrollment deposit is automatically waived for Pell Grant-eligible students (studentaid.gov) when you confirm your admission in the Gold Gateway.
Step 2: Create your Bronco NetID password
- Admitted students receive a Bronco NetID and password creation instructions via email from the Office of Information Technology. Check your spam folder in case you haven’t received the email within three days of your application decision. Your Bronco NetID is different from your Western Identification Number (WIN). Visit the Change Password page to set your Bronco NetID password. If you do not have your Bronco NetID, please contact the Technology Help Desk at (269) 387-HELP or email @email
- Be sure to check your WMU email regularly, as important University business such as your financial aid offer details will be sent there.
Step 3: Complete your FAFSA and apply for scholarships
In addition to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we encourage you to apply for both institutional and external scholarships. See more information below on next steps and get access to our financial aid checklist and other resources.
Step 4: Register for orientation
After confirming your admission, you should sign up for orientation. Please note: All incoming domestic undergraduate students starting summer I, summer II or fall are required to participate in orientation.
Step 5: Submit the housing contract
Living on campus is a great way to meet people and enhance your college experience. On-campus housing registration begins in early February for students enrolling in the fall semester. Students with a completed housing contract for fall choose their own room in the summer. Registration begins in October for spring students and in March for summer students.
Step 6: Activate your two-factor authentication
First time registering for courses? The day after registration, which typically happens at orientation, you will be required to activate two-factor authentication (2FA) as part of the WMU log-in process. Have your phone and Bronco NetID password ready. Learn more at wmich.edu/it/2FA.
Step 7: Submit official test scores
If you decide to enroll at WMU and choose to submit self-reported scores, you must provide official test scores prior to New Student Orientation. See testing policy for details and review the ways to submit your scores.
Step 8: Submit final transcripts and advanced credit
Transcripts should be sent from your high school to the WMU Office of Admissions. If you have official college transcripts or AP/IB test scores, please send those as well. Transcripts and advanced credits must be received 10 days before the beginning of the fall semester to avoid delays in financial aid disbursement and course registration.
Engage with us on social media
Join WMU, as well as other admitted students on social media, and share your excitement about becoming a Bronco using #FutureBronco! View links to our channels.
Admission cancellation
If you wish to cancel your admission, please complete the cancellation form. The $100 enrollment deposit will be refunded if the cancellation is received prior to the following dates:
- Fall - June 1 (extended for fall 2024 only)
- Spring - Dec. 1
- Summer I - April 1
- Summer II - June 1