First-time Freshman Guide

1

Activate your Student Account

If you haven't already done so, you must activate your student account before you register for New Cards Orientation. This will grant you access to ULink, Blackboard and UofL Email.

• Your ULink account gives you access to your grades, your financial aid package and your tuition bill.
• Blackboard is as web-based technology support for your classes.

Your UofL Email is your only source for official email communications from UofL, including all details about your orientation session.

If you have problems activating your account, please reach out to the UofL IT Help Desk for assistance via phone or LiveChat.

2

Accept Your Offer of Admission and Pay Your Freshman Enrollment Deposit

All first-time freshmen are encouraged to accept their offer of admission and pay a $100 enrollment deposit. This deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to your tuition. Once you pay your deposit, you'll be able to register for New Cards Orientation. You’ll accept your offer and pay your deposit via the form in your New Cards Gateway.

To log in to your Gateway, you'll use the same personal email and password you used when you created your account to apply to UofL.

3

Check Your Financial Aid To-Do List

For important financial aid announcements and tasks, please make sure you are checking your UofL e-mail and monitoring your financial aid to-do list on ULink.

Submit your FAFSA.

• You may use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if you are eligible to do so.
• You can use UofL's Cost Calculator to receive an estimated cost of attendance.

4

Apply for Housing

All first-time, full-time students under the age of 21 are required to live on campus, unless living at home with a parent or guardian. View exemption process.

The 2025-2026 housing application is now available, and the priority deadline is April 1, 2025.

5

Register for New Cards Orientation

Students who have submitted their enrollment deposit will be able to register for a required New Cards Orientation session beginning February 20. Watch your email for important information!

6

Complete Placement Exams

It's important to enroll in classes that are right for your skill level so you don't waste time or money taking classes you don't need. If you are required to complete a placement exam, you will have a checklist in the Gateway section of your New Cards Gateway starting February 20. Reach out to your admissions counselor with any questions. 

7

Submit Dual Credit College Transcripts, AP Scores, and/or IB Scores

If you have completed any college credit work you must submit prior to orientation a transcript from the college/university where the course took place.

Office of Admissions
Department AO
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
Email: adetran@louisville.edu

Once we have received these transcripts you will have the opportunity to request a pre-evaluation to see how your credits will transfer to the University of Louisville.

In order to receive course credit for any AP or IB test results, you must have your scores sent to the University of Louisville. Order AP/IB Test Scores.

If you do not have results or transcripts submitted by the date of your academic advising appointment, you will be advised accordingly and provided options once we have the official results/transcripts. 

8

Submit Your Photo for Your Student ID

Your Student ID is also known as your Cardinal Card and every student is required to have one. This card confirms that you are a University of Louisville student and indicates you are entitled to the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a student. The Cardinal Card functions as your ID card, meal card, and library card, among many other uses.

1

Pay Your Tuition

You can find your account balance and submit payments via ULink.

2

Submit Your Final High School Transcript

Submit your final high school transcript with graduation date by August 1st.

Your financial aid will not be disbursed if it is not on file.

Please have your school send your transcript electronically through Parchment (preferred method) or mail to:

Office of Admissions
Department AO
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292

You may verify the receipt of your final transcript through your ULink account under "view my undergraduate application status." Look for "FINAL" and a recent date in the education information section of this page. Please allow five days for processing after your transcript is sent.

3

Order a Parking Pass

If you plan to have a car on campus you'll need to order a parking pass. You will receive an email from parking when it is open for purchase, which usually happens on or around July 1.

4

Schedule Your Move-In Appointment

Students will schedule a move-in time via the Move-In Scheduler on the Cards Nest portal linked on the Housing website. Students will receive an email with more information regarding this process. which will be live in the summer before the start of the semester.

5

Complete New Cards Navigator Modules

The New Cards Navigator, in tandem with your other first year experiences, will ease your college transition and help you to understand the academic policies, procedures, and opportunities that will make your time at the university as successful as possible. Complete the Know Before You Go Module starting August 1.

6

Order Books and Course Materials

Students can purchase textbooks and other course materials via the UofL Campus Store website.

7

Verify Your Meal Plan

Meal plans are convenient, flexible, and loaded with options. Your meal plan includes dining locations all across campus with a range of menus and offerings. You’ll get guaranteed value, whether you eat on campus three times a week or three times a day! We’ve got you covered. See our Meal Plan options for more information.