Admitted Students
Get excited, because you’re only a few steps away from finalizing your enrollment and becoming a Panther! Be sure to stay on top of your MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú checklist and remember we are always here to help you stay on track during the days ahead. In the meantime, browse our admitted student events, or take advantage of our virtual options.
Admitted Student Next Steps
1. Reserve Your PlaceSubmit the enrollment deposit.
All incoming first-year students must submit a $150 New Student Enrollment Deposit. After submitting your Enrollment Deposit, you will have the opportunity to sign up for your Orientation date, which is when you will register for your first Â鶹¹ú²ú classes! Orientation dates become available each spring for students enrolling in the fall. You can submit your Enrollment Deposit, and sign up for Orientation, by logging into your MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú account.
Submit Your Deposit in MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú Learn About OrientationAbout the Enrollment Deposit
An enrollment deposit is required from every first-time, first-year undergraduate student admitted to Â鶹¹ú²ú (excluding transfer students) and is applied to the first-term bill (tuition and fees).
Fall and Summer: Students can pay the enrollment online through their MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú account. The enrollment deposit is due by May 1 or if admitted after May 1, within 10 working days after notification of admission. Deposits may be accepted after this time but may result in delayed processing of the student’s account.
Spring: Students must submit the enrollment deposit to the Cashier’s Office by Dec. 1 or if admitted after Dec. 1, within 10 working days after notification of admission. Deposits may be accepted after this time but may result in delayed processing of the student’s account.
Refund of Enrollment Deposit
Fall and Summer: The enrollment deposit is 100 percent refundable for fall and summer enrollees prior to May 1 and 50 percent refundable prior to June 1, provided that the Admissions Office is notified in writing (email is sufficient) of the student's intention not to enroll. After June 1, the deposit is not refundable.
Spring: For spring enrollees, the enrollment deposit is 100 percent refundable prior to November 15 and 50 percent refundable prior to December 15, provided that the Admissions Office is notified in writing (email is sufficient) of the student's intention not to enroll. After December 15, the deposit is not refundable.
Deferment of Enrollment Deposit
Students meeting one of the criteria on the – please have your high school counselor complete the form and email it to admissions@eiu.edu.
2. HousingComplete your Housing application and contract.
First-year students are required to live on campus for their first and second years, and many choose to stay on campus beyond that time as well! With 10 different residence hall options for you to live in, we know you will find exactly what you are looking for at Â鶹¹ú²ú!
Now that you are admitted, you can complete your housing application on your MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú account. Complete your application early so you’re more likely to get the residence hall you want to live in. Some of our halls fill up fast, so we encourage you to complete this as soon as you know you want to be a Panther!
The housing application includes a $50 non-refundable application fee. Once you have completed your housing application, you will be able to complete the room and board contract, when it becomes available each spring. On your room and board contract, you will select which residence hall you want to live in, which meal plan option you would like, and if you have a roommate request. We encourage all of our incoming students to complete the room and board contract by May 1.
Housing Application in MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú Room & Board Contract in MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú Housing Communities Housing Timeline3. FAFSAFile your FAFSA to get financial aid.
All students who want to receive Federal, State, or some forms of Institutional aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need to complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available the year before you plan to enroll. Â鶹¹ú²ú's FAFSA code is 001674.
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships4. ScholarshipsApply for other scholarships and accept your financial aid package.
We are dedicated to you and helping you afford your college education! During the past year, we awarded over 22 million in scholarships and awards to Â鶹¹ú²ú students!
Besides the many scholarships and awards that will be offered at the time of admissions, we offer many more through our Academic Works Scholarship Search.
Â鶹¹ú²ú Scholarships Academic Works Scholarship Search How to Accept your Award Package5. OrientationSign up for orientation to get registered for classes.
During your orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, get your Panther ID Card, meet other Panthers and get to know campus.
Our New Student & Family Programs Office is also here to help you transition during your first semester and plans various activities during move-in weekend and the first six weeks of the semester.
Register for Orientation in MyÂ鶹¹ú²ú Learn About OrientationCampus Visits & Events
Open House
Monday, June 22, 2026
Visit Â鶹¹ú²ú this summer and get the space to picture yourself here. Summer Open House gives you a more relaxed way to explore campus, ask questions, meet the people who support our students and get help with your next steps. If you’re ready to apply, our staff can help you complete your application at the event. Plus, students who attend the welcome will have a chance to receive one of five $2,000 scholarships!
Summer Campus Tours
Monday-Friday, from May 18 - Aug. 14
Summer is a great time to explore Â鶹¹ú²ú at your own pace. Each daily visit includes a walking tour of campus, a look inside a residence hall and a one-on-one meeting with an Â鶹¹ú²ú admissions counselor. We can also personalize your visit by helping you connect with Financial Aid, the Honors College, faculty in your academic area and other campus resources that match your interests.
Self-Guided Campus Tours
Visit any time!
Explore Â鶹¹ú²ú on your own schedule with a self-guided campus tour. Sign up before you visit, then stop by the Admissions Office to pick up a tour folder, T-shirt and water bottle. You may also be able to meet with an admissions counselor while you’re here.