Your Path to CSUSM

First-Year Path to CSUSM Fall 2026

This First-Year Path is a helpful tool to keep track of some of the steps you will need to take as you prepare for your first semester at CSUSM. But please note that the Path to CSUSM is not a replacement for checking your CSUSM Email or MyCSUSM. 

 

START
HERE

 

Basic Needs

 

Log in to your CSUSM Email

     Check it DAILY!                                                                     

Check My CSUSM
“To-Do” Lists & Holds

 

Set up DUO

 

Download the
CSUSM App 

 

 

Stay in the Loop.
& Follow Us!

@csusm
@csusmnsfp

JANUARY - MARCH

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships Open Now!

Submit Transcripts & Test Scores
Due Feb 15 (Priority), March 15 (General)

Submit Intent to Enroll & $150 Deposit
Due May 1

Provide Documentation for Disabilities
(if applicable)

Apply for Housing
(if applicable - opens March 17)

Check-in with your Specialized Program (if applicable - Deadlines Vary)

APRIL - MAY

Complete Placement Exams (if applicable)
Due Prior to Enrollment

Attend Cougar Blue Day
April 11

Purchase Meal Plans
By August 1

Sign up for Summer Orientation
Deadline: June 1

Sign up for Cougar Scholars: Early Start
Opens in May

Complete Mandatory Enrollment Tutorial Due Prior to Enrollment

Submit Immunization Records

SUMMER

 

 

 

Attend an Enroll the Cougar Way Workshop
June 16, 17, 18 & 22

Self-Enroll in Classes via MyCSUSM
Starting June 23 - 24 (Coaching Drop in June 23 - July 1)

Complete Go2Orientation
Opens June 1
Due August 24

Attend Orientation Dates Vary

Submit Final Transcripts and Test Scores
Due July 15

Provide Documentation for Veterans Services (if applicable)

Set-up your Digital ID Card

 

 

 

AUGUST - SEP

Purchase Fall Parking Permit
(if applicable)

Pay Tuition & Fees
August 17

Move-In to Campus Housing
August 27 & 28

Attend Miiyu
August 28

Attend New Student & Family Convocation
August 29

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES! Complete the Kickstart Survey!
August 31

Attend Weeks of Welcome
August 28 - September 11

Visit your Success Coach
By September 30

Complete Student Title IX Training
Due September 30

Please note that the First-Year Path to CSUSM is subject to change. Last updated March, 2026. 

Prefer a hard copy? Download the printer-friendly First-Year Path! Please note that this web page and the printer-friendly version may differ slightly due to space constraints on the PDF. Both versions are subject to change. Please refer to the web page version above for the most complete information. Printer-friendly version last updated March 2026.