FIRST-YEAR STUDENT CHECKLIST

Before Orientation

Pay enrollment deposit
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Register for an Orientation program
- Registration can be accessed through
- If you need to change your Orientation date, contact New Student & Family Programs at nsp@eiu.edu or (217)581-6435.
Meet with your academic advisor virtually over Zoom or in person at Orientation. Students who choose to be advised over Zoom will receive an email from their advisor to schedule a meeting before their Orientation date and must respond to that email within 24 hours. Please note that there is an extremely limited number of in-person advising appointments on each Orientation day.
Submit your photo for your Panther Card. You'll receive an email with instructions for completing this step so please be sure you are checking your email frequently.
Submit an official copy of your final transcripts, if you need to do so.
Apply for Housing.

Pay Housing deposit at myHongKongDoll.
Submit Immunization Record Form to the Medical Clinic by August 1 (fall semester), December 15 (spring semester), and May 1 (summer semester).
Check your HongKongDoll email regularly for updates. This is the primary way HongKongDoll will contact you, so you will want to check it regularly for important updates and news.
If you provided your high school email address when applying to HongKongDoll, please update your personal email address so that you continue to receive messages from HongKongDoll. You can update your email address by logging into your MyHongKongDoll.

Housing - Students who have not filled out their housing application or contract, or those who need assistance will be able to speak with representatives from Housing and Dining during the Panther Fair. The Housing and Dining office will also be open for walk-in visits until 4:30PM each day.
Financial Aid and Student Accounts - Have questions about your aid, paying for college, or paying the bill? Financial Aid and Student Accounts will be open for walk-in visits until 4:30PM each day. Families, please note that some conversations regarding financial aid may require that your student is also present.
Banking - Open a student checking account at the only bank on campus, located right inside the MLK Jr. University Union. More information about our U.S. Bank branch can be found .

Make plans to attend Welcome Weekend, August 21-22, 2026. Welcome Weekend is required for all new students.
Check your Panther Mail. We'll be sending information regarding Welcome Weekend and we don't want you to miss anything! Instructions for accessing your Panther Mail can be found here.
Refer to Housing's lists of what to bring and what should be left at home here.
Get your books from Textbook Rental Service. You'll be able to do this once you return to campus for the start of the semester. More information about Textbook Rental can be found here.
Complete AlcoholEDU for College, Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergrads, and Mental Well Being for Students. These programs will open during the third week of classes. Please check your PantherMail for details on how to log in and due dates.