First Year Student Checklist!!

Hello Incoming Panthers!

You might be asking yourself what are the steps I need to take before I can call myself a panther? Well I am here to help! The deadline that you should have engraved in your brain is MAY 1! I repeat MAY 1!!

This is the deadline for our first lottery for University Housing.

Of course this is only one of a few items in your PAWS checklist. Make sure you complete all of the below items as soon as possible so you avoid late charges

1. Sign up for placement testing

All new freshmen are required to take Math and English placement tests to determine their course eligibility. Admitted UWM New Freshmen need to sign up for a New Freshmen Testing Session. In addition to the mandatory math and English placement tests, testing is also available in chemistry and several foreign languages. If you grew up speaking a language other than English, ESL testing is offered at New Freshman testing. Placement testing must be completed prior to registering for classes.

2. Pay $100 New Student Confirmation Deposit

Log into your PAWS account to pay your $100 New Student Confirmation Deposit so we know you are dedicated to coming to this institution in next term.

3. Housing Contract & $100 University Housing Deposit 

This is where that very important deadline of MAY 1 comes into play. Submit your Housing Contract before our first deadline which is, you guessed it, MAY 1 ! Along with submitting your contract,  make sure you pay your $100 University Housing Deposit as well through your PAWS account.


If you choose not to live with us make sure you complete the residency policy exemption paperwork.

4. Connect with the New Student Orientation Office

This is the last step for you to complete before your pantherdom. In the NSO you will be meeting other new students and having an indepth introduction to our campus so you feel comfortable before you start to register for classes.


Get all of these steps done the sooner rather than later so you can enjoy your summer (and not have UWM offices calling you to remind you to complete them).

If you do not complete these items before the first day of classes, there will be a $50 late registration fee added to your PAWS account.


-Valerie