We look forward to welcoming you to campus this summer as part of WashU’s First-Year Summer Academic Program (FSAP). Each year, students find it to be an exciting and enriching experience.
To help you prepare, we created a checklist of required tasks to complete before FSAP begins. You may also find other helpful tips and suggestions for packing that you will want to read before your arrival. We ask that you take action on these items right away:
KEEP US POSTED (Before May):
- We’re thrilled that you’ll be joining us on campus for FSAP! Be on the lookout for an email with details to setup your travel arrangements.
- If you require accommodations for a medical condition or you do not have a laptop to bring with you to campus, please email FSAP@wustl.edu.
PREPARE FOR COURSE REGISTRATION (Early May):
- Check your email for information about registration. You should plan to take any placement tests and diagnostics tests to help inform your course registration during FSAP and fall 2025. Various tools and tests are available to ensure accurate guidance for your potential program of study (major).
LET’S GET READY FOR FSAP (Mid-May):
- Sign the FSAP Agreements that have been emailed to you via Docusign (if you haven’t received the email, check your Spam folder).
- Complete your health history information online through the WashU Student Health online portal. Update your profile with your preferred name, pronouns, cell phone number, medical history, and immunization records before arriving on campus. All incoming students must submit proof of immunizations.
FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR FSAP (End of May/Early June):
- Apply for your WashU ID Card by May 30.
- Complete all required Advising modules promptly in Canvas. These modules provide essential information and support for your academic journey.
- In advance of your arrival on campus for FSAP, monitor your email for your travel confirmations and details.
- Review the Immunization and Health Requirements. Health insurance for FSAP students is not provided or required, but it’s highly recommended. It’s a personal choice for students and their families to decide if they’re willing to take it. International students are required to carry health insurance while living on-campus and participating in FSAP due to visa regulations. More information about this requirement is available online.
- If you have a health insurance policy that will be valid during the FSAP program, contact the Student Health Services Student Insurance Office at studentinsurance@wustl.edu to check if it’s in-network with WashU Student Health. If not, familiarize yourself with the closest in-network healthcare facility.
- If you don’t have your own health insurance, you have two options:
- Enroll in the WashU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) early for coverage during the FSAP program.
- Secure a private health insurance plan of your own choosing for the duration of FSAP. Contact the Student Health Services Student Insurance Office at studentinsurance@wustl.edu to verify if the plan you’re considering is in-network or familiarize yourself with the closest in-network healthcare facility.
Other Helpful Tips
- Do not bring a car, transportation will be provided. There is no parking available for first-year students. Illegally parked cars on campus will be towed.
- Books and supplies are available at the Washington University Campus Store.
- The Athletic Complex will be open for your use.
- Since all activities, room, and board are included in the program, a lot of spending money is not needed.
- Students will have access to on-campus and off-campus banking. Students and parents/guardians have the option to add Bear Bucks to students’ WU ID cards in lieu of cash (students and parents/guardians can find instructions for adding funds one the Bear Bucks website).
- The residence hall you will be staying in is air conditioned; also to note, laundry is free and detergent is provided.
- The residence hall room you will be staying in during the summer will not be your room in the fall. The roommate you have in the summer program will probably not be your roommate in the fall.
- You will get your personal mailing address when you arrive on campus. You cannot ship your belongings ahead of time.
- Storage is not available through the FSAP program, so what you bring and/or buy here will have to go home with you. A student owned business, UTrucking Inc., is available for students to use, however, UTrucking is not affiliated with the FSAP program.
- Computer labs are available for use in the residence hall and various locations on campus.
Suggestions for Packing
- Sheets (for extra-long twin mattress), a blanket, and pillow
- Personal toiletries, towels, and shower shoes/flip-flops
- Casual clothes for hot, humid weather – shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, sandals, a bathing suit, a nice outfit, and a sweatshirt
- Umbrella, rainboots, sunglasses, hat
- Alarm clock and an extension cord
- Calculator, if taking a science or math course
- Laptop computer (if you own one)
- Backpack and school supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, etc.)
Still have questions? You may also find other useful insight about the program on our FAQ page.