Preparing for College
Spartan Starting Line Checklist
Preparing for college can feel overwhelming, and we are here to help! The Spartan Starting Line Checklist provides step-by-step guidance, highlighting essential tasks, deadlines and resources to ensure you’re ready for a smooth start at UTampa.
- Submit roommate request to Residence Life, by May 1
- Upload a photo for Spartan ID card. Submissions must be uploaded the SpartanStart Portal.
- Login to MyUTampa and view the different applications available to students. Instructions for first-time logging in.
- Submit immunization records through PyraMed
- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of student education records. It restricts schools from disclosing personally identifiable academic information without authorized consent. To learn more and grant Third Party Access, visit our website.
- Login to MyUTampa and select the "Online Orientation" chicklet to complete orientation starting Monday, July 6.
- Attend or watch a New Student Orientation webinar hosted by Residence Life, Orientation and Family Engagement, and Academic Advising. Registration for the webinars wiil be sent to the student's email address. All webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the website within 10 business days.
- Review Student Statement starting mid-July. Students can pay their Student Statement on Workday. Contact Financial Aid (finaid@ut.edu) or the Bursar's Office (bursar@ut.edu) for questions.
- Review housing assignment and schedule move-in appointment on StarRez.
- Review academic course schedule. Login to Workday and select "Academics".
- Review anticipated course textbook needs.
- Complete Vector Solutions courses. Students will receive an email with a link.
- Register for a parking pass. Students will receive an email notification from Campus Safety. First-year students, who reside on campus, cannot register for a parking pass.
- Explore the Involve app and learn about student engagement opportunities on campus.
- Review the Week of Welcome schedule and choose what events you would like to attend. Week of Welcome is a bi-annual program focused on welcoming students back to campus. Schedule of events can be found on Involve.
- Move in to your residence hall. Residential students will receive their Spartan ID at their move-in appointment.
- Commuter students can pick up their Spartan ID from the SpartanCard Office in Vaughn Center, 235.
- Attend Sparty's First Night and join the university as we celebrate the beginning of a new academic year.
- Attend New Student Convocation and engage with academic college faculty and deans before the first day of classes.
Formerly known as the Live Q&A. Transitioning to college life can be tough—but our staff and student leaders are here for support! New students will have an opportunity to participate in the Student Live Panel session each semester. The Spring 2026 session took place on Monday, Dec. 1, from 7-9 p.m. EST. Students can view the recording below.
View the slide deck from the Spring 2026 presentation here.
New students who will be living off-campus are expected to check in at the Spartan Card Office located on the second floor of the Vaughn Center. Commuter check-in is Tuesday, Jan. 13, to Friday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. During check-in, new students will receive their Spartan Card ID and other important information.
The University recognizes that commuter students have different needs as they transition to campus than residential students. Commuter students are encouraged to view the New Student Commuter Tips and Tricks video in addition to completing the online orientation.
Questions?
Students are encouraged to view Orientation Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Please contact Orientation and Family Engagement at (813) 257-1999 or orientation@ut.edu with any questions.
