Next Steps for Undergraduate Students

Commit to Western

Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:

1. Confirm your Information

Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS , your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, housing assignments, billing information, and much more.

2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)

Activate your electronic communication (ECom) accounts by visiting Guava and clicking on "Account Activation". Your ECom username is located inside the front cover of your acceptance packet. The Electronic Communications account is the hub for not only your email but for personal web space, online courses, and servers for programming and research. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

3. Select an Orientation and Registration Date

Summer Orientation & Registration (SOAR) programs are for students who have been accepted and are ready to register for classes. SOAR programs are offered several times during the summer and participation is by reservation only, and enrollment is limited. All new freshman must attend the two day program, unless you have attended another institution of higher learning and are transfering in 15 semester hours or more.

Log onto your STARS account and select "New Student Registration Reservation" from the drop-down menu. You will see all available open dates and receive immediate confirmation of the program you have selected. Register for this early as dates fill very quickly .

4. Submit your Housing Application

Apply for housing online. When you apply, you will indicate your Living-Learning community preference, hall preference (if transferring with 30 or more credit hours), roommate preference, choose a meal plan, and will answer a series of lifestyle questions.

Find Your Roommate

One business day after filling out your housing application, visit STARS and select "Roommate Matching" in the UHDS Information Menu. The system is designed to help better match students and allow them to self-select roommates before moving to campus.

If you would like to request a specific roommate, you may do so at the time of filling out your housing application or by visiting STARS afterwards and selecting "Request a Roommate" from the UHDS Information Menu. If no roommate is specifically requested or you do not participate in our roommate matching program, you will be assigned randomly based on your eight lifestyle questions completed at the time of your application.

5. Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

The first step in the financial aid process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Designate Western Illinois University (code 001780) as the school to receive the results. The FAFSA can be submitted beginning on October 1. Submit your FAFSA by this date for full consideration for financial aid. Visit our Financial Aid office website to get started.

Scholarship applications are due by February 15. Visit our Scholarship office website for more information.

Western Commitment Scholarships are awarded upon acceptance with no application needed. Awards are based on your high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Details may be found on the Western Commitment website.

6. Submit Immunization Records

The state of Illinois requires college and university students to provide proof of immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubeola, and Meningitis. Vaccines are available for purchase at Beu Health Center.

All required immunization information must be submitted and in compliance within the first 10 days of the semester on campus. Failure to do so will result in registration encumbrance and a processing fee. For any questions or clarifications, contact the Immunizations Compliance Office.

7. Move In!

Prepare yourself for the ultimate on-campus experience! Visit our Move In website for details on what to expect when you move to your new home at Western.

Explore Housing & Dining Options

Start exploring WIU's housing and dining options right away! Once you've been accepted, you can apply for housing online.

Residence Halls

Living on campus is such an important part of your college experience, which is why freshmen and sophomore students (up to 60 credit hours) are required to live on campus at Western. All freshmen students will live together as part of the First Year Experience (FYE) program, which provides them with the opportunity to meet, live and transition into the college life with other first year students. Explore Western's residence halls on our housing website.

Meal Plans

The dining plan at Western is one of the most flexible programs in the country. You pay for what you eat, allowing you to control your budget, and eat when and where you’d like. All students buy into the basic a la carte meal plan, but also have the option of front-loading their plans with additional money if you know you will need more purchasing power. Learn more about your dining options at our dining website.

Paying for College

What are my costs for coming to Western? Below you can find all of the details you need, including ways to estimate your cost to attend.

Net Price Calculator

Our Net Price Calculator provides you with a more accurate depiction of actual college costs - what each individual student will be responsible for contributing towards his/her educational expenses. By estimating your financial aid eligibility, the Net Price Calculator can help you and your family prepare for the future by estimating why types of aid will be available to assist you.

Next Steps for Transfer Students

Paying for College

What are my costs for coming to Western? Below you can find all of the details you need, including ways to estimate your cost to attend.

Net Price Calculator

Our Net Price Calculator provides you with a more accurate depiction of actual college costs - what each individual student will be responsible for contributing towards his/her educational expenses. By estimating your financial aid eligibility, the Net Price Calculator can help you and your family prepare for the future by estimating why types of aid will be available to assist you.

Explore Housing & Dining Options

Start exploring WIU's housing and dining options right away! Once you've been accepted, you can apply for housing online.

Residence Halls

Transfer students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. Students can preference the Transfer Year Experience (TYE) community and live with other students transfering to Western. Explore Western's residence halls on our housing website.

Meal Plans

The dining plan at Western is one of the most flexible programs in the country. You pay for what you eat, allowing you to control your budget, and eat when and where you'd like. All students buy into a basic a la carte meal plan, but you also have the option of front-loading your plan with additional money if you know you will need more purchasing power. Learn more about your dining options at our dining website.

Commit to Western

Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:

1. Confirm your Information

Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS, your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, housing assignments, billing information, and much more.

2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)

Activate your electronic communication (ECom) accounts by visiting Guava and clicking on "Account Activation". Your ECom username is provided inside the cover of your acceptance packet. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

3. Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

The first step in the financial aid process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Designate Western Illinois University (code 001780) as the school to receive the results. The FAFSA can be submitted beginning on October 1. Submit your FAFSA by this date for full consideration for financial aid. Visit our Financial Aid office website to get started.

Scholarship applications are due by February 15. Visit our Scholarship office website for more information.

Western Commitment Scholarships are awarded upon acceptance with no application needed. Awards are based on your high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Details may be found on the Western Commitment website.

4. Select a New Student Registration (NSR) option

Transfer New Student Registration is for transfer students with 15 semester hours or more who have been accepted and are eligible to register for classes at the Macomb campus. You are eligible to register if you have sent transcripts of all completed coursework through Fall from all other schools attended and a schedule of courses you plan to enroll in during the Spring and Summer semesters.

Reserve your space for Transfer New Student Registration

Log onto your STARS account and select "New Student Registration Reservation" from the drop-down menu. If you choose to attend a Transfer New Student Registration Program (Option 1), your appointment will be confirmed on a first come, first-served basis.

Adviser Registration

If you are eligible for the Adviser Registration (Option 2), additional information will be mailed to you. You may choose this option if you have completed the required English composition and approved math courses and do not need placement testing. Once you have received your transcript evaluation, contact your adviser to verify your eligibility to select the adviser registration option.

Quad Cities Students

Schedule an appointment with your academic adviser to register for classes by calling (309) 762-3999. Additionally, if you have not been able to visit campus, we highly recommend calling and making an appointment to visit by calling (309) 762-9481 or emailing WIU-QC@wiu.edu.

5. Submit your Housing Application

Transfer students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. When you apply, you will indicate your Living-Learning community preference, hall preference (if transferring with 30 or more credit hours), roommate preference, choose a meal plan, and will answer a series of lifestyle questions.

Find Your Roommate

One business day after filling out your housing application, visit STARS and select "Roommate Matching" in the UHDS Information Menu. The system is designed to help better match students and allow them to self-select roommates before moving to campus.

If you would like to request a specific roommate, you may do so at the time of filling out your housing application or by visiting STARS afterwards and selecting "Request a Roommate" from the UHDS Information Menu. If no roommate is specifically requested or you do not participate in our roommate matching program, you will be assigned randomly based on your eight lifestyle questions completed at the time of your application.

6. Submit Immunization Records

The state of Illinois requires college and university students to provide proof of immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubeola and Meningitis. Vaccine are available for purchase at Beu Health Center.

All required immunization information must be submitted and in compliance within the first 10 days of the semester on campus. Failure to do so will result in registration encumbrance and a processing fee. For any questions or clarifications, contact the Immunizations Compliance Office.

7. Move In!

Prepare yourself for the ultimate on-campus experience! Visit our Move In website for details on what to expect when you move to your new home at Western.

Next Steps for Graduate Students

Paying for Graduate School

• View current tuition and fees for Graduate students
• Want to gain valuable work experience, receive a tuition waiver, and earn a monthly stipend? Learn about assistantship opportunities
• Apply for scholarships - there are dozens of scholarships specifically for graduate students
• Investigate student loan options - contact our Financial Aid Office for details

Explore Housing & Dining Options

Start exploring WIU's housing and dining options right away! Once you've been accepted, you can apply for housing online.

Graduate & Family Housing

Graduate students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. Explore Western's graduate and family housing options on our housing website.

Off-campus housing

• Explore Macomb-area apartments and real estate offerings
• Explore housing options in the Quad Cities area

Meal Plans

The dining plan at Western is one of the most flexible programs in the country. You pay for what you eat, allowing you to control your budget, and eat when and where you'd like. You also have the option of front-loading your plan with additional money if you know you will need more purchasing power. Learn more about your dining options at our dining website.

Commit to Western

Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:

1. Confirm your Information

Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS, your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, housing assignments, billing information, and much more.

2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)

Activate your electronic communication (ECom) accounts by visiting Guava and clicking on "Account Activation". Your ECom username is provided inside the cover of your acceptance packet. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

3. Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

The University participates in the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the Federal Work-Study Program, and the Federal Direct Loan Program. For detailed information on the application process, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Some departments have special scholarship opportunities for graduate students. Information concerning these scholarships can be obtained from the Scholarship Office.

4. Attend a New Graduate Student Orientation

A postcard invitation will be sent to you with details to attend an orientation at either the Macomb or Quad Cities campus.

5. Submit your Housing Application

Graduate students are encouraged to apply for housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer. When you apply, you will indicate your Living-Learning community preference, hall preference (if transferring with 30 or more credit hours), roommate preference, choose a meal plan, and will answer a series of lifestyle questions.

6. Submit Immunization Records

The state of Illinois requires college and university students to provide proof of immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubeola, and Meningitis. Vaccines are available for purchase at Beu Health Center.

All required immunization information must be submitted and in compliance within the first 10 days of the semester on campus. Failure to do so will result in registration encumbrance and a processing fee. For any questions or clarifications, contact the Immunizations Compliance Office.

Next Steps for International Students

Paying for College

• Want to gain valuable work experience, receive a tuition waiver, and earn a monthly stipend? Learn about graduate assistantship opportunities
• Learn about scholarship opportunities
• Explore on-campus student employment opportunities

Explore Housing & Dining Options

Start exploring WIU's housing and dining options right away! Once you've been accepted, you can apply for housing online.

On-Campus Housing

Macomb campus students are encouraged to apply for university housing, and take advantage of the many benefits living on campus has to offer.

• Explore Residence Hall options and our various learning communities .
• Explore Graduate and Family Housing options

Off-Campus Housing

• Explore Macomb-area apartments and real estate offerings
• Explore housing options in the Quad Cities area

Meal Plans

The dining plan at Western is one of the most flexible programs in the country. You pay for what you eat, allowing you to control your budget, and eat when and where you'd like. All students buy into a basic a la carte meal plan, but you also have the option of front-loading your plan with additional money if you know you will need more purchasing power. Learn more about your dining options at our dining website.

Commit to Western

Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:

1. Confirm your Information

Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS, your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, housing assignments, billing information, and much more.

2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)

Activate your electronic communication (ECom) accounts by visiting Guava and clicking on "Account Activation". Your ECom username is provided inside your acceptance packet. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

3. Apply for Scholarships

Scholarship applications are due by February 15. Visit our Scholarship office website for more information.

4. Review Immigration Status Requirements

Learn more about maintaining your immigration status while in the U.S.

5. Locate your Immunization Records

All new students born after 1957 are required by the Illinois College Student Immunization Act to provide a record of your immunizations to the University.

Bring your completed health history form and other medical records (with an English translation, if necessary) with you to WIU. If you are unable to locate proof of past immunizations you must be re-vaccinated. For any questions or clarifications, contact the Immunizations Compliance Office.

Students must be enrolled in WIU's medical insurance plan to cover unexpected emergencies, specialized care, etc. If you are a sponsored student and have your own insurance, you must complete an insurance waiver. You will learn more about this at orientation.

6. Attend the New International Student Orientation program

The New International Student Orientation (NISO) program is a mandatory event that wil help you adjust to your new home. The week before classes begin every semester, an extensive orientation program is provided to introduce you to important aspects of the campus and community. NISO includes:

• airport/train pick-up and transportation
• presentations about U.S. immigration regulations, how to be successful at WIU, academic advising, cultural information, ESL placement testing, banking & shopping trips, campus & city tours, social activities and insurance

Next Steps for Online Students

Explore Online Courses

View all scheduled online courses for Fall 2018 & Spring 2019 and projected online courses for Summer 2019 semesters. (Links will open in a new window.)

Paying for College

• View current tuition and fees .
• Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st - contact our Financial Aid Office for details
• Research Scholarships . There are scholarship opportunities for everyone, some (the BGS Alumni and James and Eva Ann Elmer Scholarships) specifically for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies online degree
• Educational assistance is available to qualifying veterans, members of the reserve, and their dependents

Commit to Western

Have you been accepted? Congratulations! We encourage you to commit to Western as soon as you receive your acceptance packet in the mail:

1. Confirm your Information

Confirm your information by logging into WIU's "STARS" system with your WIU ID number (located in the front cover of your acceptance packet). The first time you access STARS, your password will be your month, day and full year of birth (mmddyyyy). You will then be required to change your password. For STARS assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

STARS provides access to registration, grades, financial aid information, billing information, and much more.

2. Activate your WIU Email (ECom)

Activate your electronic communication (ECom) accounts by visiting Guava and clicking on "Account Activation". Your ECom username is provided in your acceptance packet. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Support Center at (309) 298-2704.

3. Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

The first step in the financial aid process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Designate Western Illinois University (code 001780) as the school to receive the results. The FAFSA can be submitted beginning on October 1. Submit your FAFSA by this date for full consideration for financial aid. Visit our Financial Aid office website to get started.

Scholarship applications are due by February 15. Visit our Scholarship office website for more information.

Western Commitment Scholarships are awarded upon acceptance with no application needed. Awards are based on your high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Details may be found on the Western Commitment website.