Montclair State University Freshman Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide to Enrollment

Congratulations on your acceptance to Montclair State University (soon to be Bloomfield College of Montclair State University)! As you prepare to embark on your journey as a Red Hawk (or a Bloomfield Bear), this comprehensive checklist will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition. From activating your NetID to understanding health insurance requirements, this article provides a detailed overview of everything you need to know.

Getting Started: Initial Steps

1. Claiming Your NetID and Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication

As a new student, one of your first crucial steps is to claim your NetID. Your NetID grants you access to various university systems and resources. As part of activating your NetID, you’ll have to confirm your identity through a challenge question. As a new student, you must choose the “CWID” challenge question. Your CWID can be found at the top of your Accepted Student Portal. After you activate your NetID, you MUST enroll and set up Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before classes begin for access to University systems. Duo Mobile makes logging in easier by providing a verification code through your phone or device. It may take 24 hours until you’re able to successfully log in to other campus systems after setting up your NetID. Questions about this step?

2. Paying Your Deposit

To reserve your place at Montclair State, you'll need to submit your new student enrollment deposit online. For Fall 2026, the preferred deposit deadline is May 1st, and the final deposit deadline is June 1st. Note that some competitive programs may require an earlier deposit. To pay your deposit, use your Campus Wide ID (CWID) provided in your acceptance letter. Note: if paying the deposit via PayMyTuition, you must use your CWID preceded by the letter “M”. After submission of the deposit, please allow 24-48 hours for your payment(s)/confirmation to be processed.(Note that payment of the deposit via PayMyTuition can take up to 7-10 business days for processing). Effective January 27, 2025, the required enrollment deposit for all international students is $1,000. The deposit is refundable if the student paid the SEVIS fee using Montclair’s I-20 but is unable to secure a visa appointment in time to arrive for the start of the term. Important: once the deposit is refunded, the admission and I-20 will be cancelled immediately and it will not be possible to obtain the visa using the same I-20. Questions about your deposit or confirming your spot?

3. Exploring Financial Aid Options

Ensure you receive any financial aid you may be eligible for by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Be sure to list Montclair when you submit your application. Questions about this step? Sign up for a Financial Aid Webinar, watch a recording of our Financial Aid Webinar.

4. Considering On-Campus Housing

If you are planning to live on campus, you may also submit your housing application fee at this time. Once your new student deposit and housing application fee are processed, you may complete the online Housing Application. *On-campus housing for the fall semester is guaranteed for students who have paid their housing application fee by May 1. Housing for the fall semester is available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who pay their housing application fee after May 1. Questions about your housing application fee or the process for requesting housing?

Academic Preparation

5. First-Year Schedule Questionnaire

To assist in making a smooth transition to life as a Red Hawk, all newly admitted first-year students are pre-enrolled in courses for their first semester. Please complete your First-Year Schedule Questionnaire in your student portal. Your class schedule will not be finalized until you complete the First-Year Questionnaire.

6. Understanding Your Class Schedule

Your schedule of fall classes will be available by CCHL’s Orientation at the end of June. Our office works in conjunction with your major department to build a schedule that includes both required coursework for your major, as well as coursework that completes general education requirements. The schedule is built so that your classes are with other first-year students within your major or college, as we find students do better when they take courses together.

7. Meeting with Your Advisor

After your schedule is built, your academic advisor will invite you to a welcome meeting to talk about what to expect before the fall semester begins.

8. Transfer Credits

Make sure to review your transfer credit evaluation before your appointment. Transfer credits are only posted from official college transcripts. Unofficial college transcripts will not post credits to your official academic record. To learn how courses are transferred to Montclair State and to understand their course equivalencies, log in to NEST.

9. Placement Assessments

Montclair State University requires the ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment for students in certain majors to determine readiness for math courses. Make sure your final official college and high school transcripts have been submitted prior to the start of the semester. Questions about this step? The Placement Assessment, which is through ALEKS PPL, has up to 25 questions and generally takes students 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate math courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. For more information, visit the Placement Assessment page. Placement assessments are required for those interested in taking certain academic majors.

Read also: MSU Notable Graduates

10. Foreign Language Requirement

All students at Montclair State University must complete the foreign language requirement to graduate. If your transfer coursework does not meet the foreign language requirement, you may need to complete the Foreign Language Placement Test.

Health and Wellness

11. Immunization Records

Within 48 hours of activating your NetID, you will be able to access the MyHealthPortal to upload your vaccination records. Immunization Requirements for Montclair students are viewable here. Fall Students: If you submit your deposit by May 1st, the deadline for submitting immunization records is May 22nd. Don’t delay! The New Jersey “College Immunization Law” requires all new students to provide valid proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B, and Meningococcal Disease. Compliance with these regulations is monitored by Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. Submit all immunization documentation through MyHealthPortal.

12. Health Insurance

All full-time (registered for 12 or more credits) Montclair State students are required to have health insurance coverage. Montclair will automatically enroll you in the Student Health Insurance Plan provided through the University. If you have private health insurance coverage, you must waive this enrollment by showing proof of other insurance. You can waive the enrollment and health insurance premium fee by going to University Health Plans and completing the waiver process. Questions about this process? Questions about health insurance billing? Typically, we will not support plans marketed solely to international students as they do not fall in the category as accepted comparable alternative coverage (please verify before purchase). and have limited benefits, provider networks and coverage periods that do not comply with the requirements of acceptable coverage per the Montclair State insurance mandate. GBG Insurance, HDL Global Specialty, ISO, PGH (United), PSI, Student Medicover and Tata AIG are examples of companies that do not meet the waiver requirements.

International Students: Additional Steps

13. Applying for Form I-20

To apply for an F-1 visa or to transfer your existing F-1 record, you are required to apply for a Form I-20. DO NOT HANDWRITE-only the signatures can be handwritten (note: an electronic signature can be used in lieu of a “wet” signature). Financial Documents: combine all financial documents into one PDF. Application for I-20 and Affidavit of Support: combine all signed affidavits and the application into one PDF. Ensure that you are uploading these three documents into the three separate checklist items with the corresponding names. If uploaded correctly, a green check-mark will appear next to each of the three items within 24 hours. Please allow at least 5-10 business days (business days are Monday through Friday) to review your application.

14. Transferring Your SEVIS Record

You must have the international student advisor at your current university release your SEVIS record to us. Please contact the international student advisor at your current institution for information about how to transfer your SEVIS record to Montclair State University as each university has a different internal process. Montclair does not have a “transfer-in” form or any documentation required on our end. Montclair’s F-1 School Code is NEW214F01039000. Refer to our “Understanding your I-20” page for information about what is and is not included on this document and frequently asked questions (example: the name of your major on the I-20 vs.

15. Paying the SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS fee, also known as the Federal SEVIS I-901 fee, is a mandatory fee that must be paid by student and exchange visitors before applying for an F-1. The fee is $350 for the F-1 visa. Complete the form I-901. The SEVIS ID number is printed on the top left of your I-20. Once you have paid using a credit card, print the receipt. Do not exit the receipt page until you print the receipt. SEVP will accept third party payments, meaning someone else can pay your I-901 SEVIS fee for you. For students who cannot pay the fee by credit card, third party payers are also restricted from paying the fee by credit card.

16. Visa Application and Preparation

Complete the online application form DS-160 (some applicants will also be required to submit a form DS-157). As you prepare for your visa appointment, you may wish to contact an EducationUSA Advising Center in your home country. The EducationUSA Advising Center can give you helpful information about application procedures specific to your home country. If possible, you may want to attend a pre-departure orientation program organized by the center.

17. Arrival Timing

When purchasing your plane ticket, international students should note the start date on your I-20. You are allowed to enter the United States no earlier than 30 days prior to the start date listed on the I-20. Note that Residence Halls for on-campus students are not generally available for move-in until just prior to orientation.

Orientation and Campus Life

18. Orientation Programs

Undergraduate Orientation takes place before the start of your first semester at Montclair. Experience a formal welcome to Red Hawk Country, learn about campus resources and begin creating community with other new students. Questions about this step? EOF Scholars will participate in a mandatory Summer Academy and are required to sign up for orientation but will be contacted by Dr. Any questions related to EOF specifically, please contact Dr. Rahjaun Gordon at 973-655-7016 or Dr.

19. Accessing Canvas

Log on to Canvas: Access your NEST account and search for the Canvas link to access. New to the Nest is our pre-orientation Canvas course for new undergraduate students. Learn all there is to know about becoming a new Red Hawk! Log on to Canvas. IMPORTANT: If you do not have a NetID yet, you will not be able to access the course. Log in to Canvas with your NetID and password to access the course. For help with accessing your NetID and password, visit the NetID Account Management Center. IT recommends using Google Chrome or FireFox for Canvas for the best web performance.

20. Submitting Your Photo

Find/take a great photo of yourself! Crop from just above the top of your head to your shoulders. Now, you can submit your photo, click the “Profile” tab and then click “Click here to submit your photo link”. Questions about this step?

Financial Matters

21. Tuition Payment Options

Montclair State University offers a variety of tuition payment options to suit your needs, including a payment plan. Questions about this step? We accept payment in the form of cash, check or money orders, E-check, and credit cards at the university. Payments can be made in-person by visiting Red Hawk Central in Susan A. Cole Hall, 2nd Floor, or online.

Important Reminders

Deadlines: Pay close attention to deadlines for deposits, housing applications, immunization records, and other important steps.
Communication: Regularly check your Montclair State email account for important updates and information.
Resources: Take advantage of the various resources available to you, such as academic advising, financial aid webinars, and orientation programs.
NEST: NEST is the primary web gateway for your student self-service. Start smart! Be sure to schedule an advising appointment with your academic Success Coach.
Transcripts: Your final official high school transcripts (including graduation date), official AP and CLEP score reports from College Board, dual-enrollment and other early college program transcripts, must be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

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