PRE-ARRIVAL
Checklist for Full-time Graduate Students

Congratulations on your acceptance into graduate study at RIT!
This checklist outlines the steps necessary to prepare you for your arrival to RIT.

   PAY THE ADVANCED TUITION DEPOSIT

Your tuition deposit reserves your place in the entering class and allows you to apply for RIT operated housing if you want to live on campus. The tuition deposit will be credited to your student account and applied toward your first quarter’s tuition, and it is non-refundable.
Pay your tuition deposit online

   GET YOUR DCE ACCOUNT

After you have paid the advanced tuition deposit, you will be sent a password via email with instructions to get your DCE Account.

If you have paid your deposit and did not receive an email, contact the ITS Help Desk .You may contact them at 585-475-4357.
Your RIT DCE (computer account) will allow you to tap into institute computer systems from any computer that is online whether you are on campus or at home. Online resources include Student Information System (SIS), extensive databases and services available through Wallace Library, E-Mail, RIT Information, Campus Event System, Directories, etc.

   APPLY FOR CAMPUS HOUSING

Submit your Housing Contract, using the Online Housing Contract . You may also print as a PDF and mail or fax the completed form. Be sure you have already paid your tuition deposit, as it is required to apply for RIT campus housing. RIT housing assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

   APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

International students applying for a student visa should start the process as soon as possible. Click here for helpful suggestions. If you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019), contact our office.

   REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION

RIT offers a number of orientation programs and options for new graduate students. Click here to learn more and register for the programs that are of interest to you.

   ACCEPT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP/ASSISTANTSHIP AWARD

If you have been awarded a scholarship or you have received any other departmental financial award, be sure to follow instructions for acceptance on the award letter. Click here for additional information

   SUBMIT FINAL TRANSCRIPTS (If Applicable)

If you will complete a degree before beginning studies at RIT, make arrangements to have a final transcript, mark sheets, or examination results sent to RIT. Failure to submit final proof of completion of a degree required for entry to your RIT program will result in your being unable to register for courses.

   RETURN THE GRADUATE ADMISSION CONTINGENCY FORM (If Applicable)

If your admission to RIT is contingent on additional coursework or special requirements, a Graduate Admission Contingency Form was included in your acceptance packet. Sign one copy of the Graduate Admission Contingency Form and send it to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services in the envelope provided, or fax to 1-585-475-7164, or send a scanned copy by email to gradinfo@rit.edu.

   RETURN HEALTH HISTORY AND IMMUNIZATION FORMS

All students registered for 4 or more credit hours and born after January 1, 1957 need to comply with New York State and RIT immunization requirements.

New York State law requires proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella through either 2 MMR shots or positive blood titers for each disease. New York State also requires all students, regardless of age, to sign a meningococcal awareness form.

RIT requires students age 26 and under to have the meningitis shot.

IMPORTANT: All health forms must be either mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Student Health Center BEFORE you arrive on campus.
Email: ritshc@rit.edu Attention: Belinda
Fax #: 585-475-7788
Mailing address:
Rochester Institute of Technology
Student Health Center
117 Lomb Memorial Dr.
Rochester, NY 14623

Required immunizations need to be submitted no more than 30 days prior to the start of classes in order to avoid a delay in registration or interruption of classes for which you are enrolled. Contact the Student Health Center at (585) 475-2255 with questions. Additional information and forms are available at www.rit.edu/studenthealth.

   APPLY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

RIT requires that full-time graduate students maintain health insurance. You may apply for coverage through the RIT “group rate” insurance plan if you do not already have coverage. The current annual rate for health insurance is $900.

   CONTACT YOUR GRADUATE COORDINATOR/ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Your advisor can assist you in reviewing program requirements, helping you plan a schedule, and guiding you through the registration process. Click here for a list of graduate program advisors

   CHECK OUT OUR PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Click here for more information to help you as you plan for your arrival

   DEFER ADMISSION

If, due to unusual circumstances, you are unable to attend RIT in the quarter you have been admitted, you may be able to defer your admission to a future quarter. Please contact Graduate Enrollment Services at (585) 475-2229 or gradinfo@rit.edu for more information and to find out if a deferral is possible.

   STAY INFORMED AND CONNECTED

Stay informed and connect with other RIT accepted students on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RITGraduateAcceptedStudents.