Next Steps

Freshman Next Steps

Two èßäÊÓÆµapps checking what to do next after they've been accepted.

Whether you’ve applied and are waiting for a decisionor you’ve been accepted and need to know what to do next, we’ve got you covered!

What To Do After applying

Here are a few of the things you can do while we’re evaluating your application for admission.

  • : Discover the different types of aid available and how to apply using the . If you have questions about the FAFSA, check out our site here.
  • Complete STARS: All freshman applicants must complete and submit the STARS (formerly SSAR/SRAR) as part of their application package.

Access the USF Applicant Portal

The USF Applicant Portal is a central location where you can track your application progress, access required forms and see what documents you still need to submit. 

Spring 2026 Applicants

If you've applied to USF for the Spring 2026 term, you can check your application status, submit documents and receive important updates in our .

If you have applied for Summer or Fall 2026, you can see updates about your application status in the . Remember to check it often!

If you are admitted to USF, you will receive a notification via email and/or postal mail. Check your email and applicant portal often for updates to your USF application!


Admitted Freshman Next Steps

Tampa Campus

Congratulations on your admission to USF! We’re excited to introduce you to life at our dynamic, metropolitan Tampa campus. 

  • Submit Deposit: Save your spot in the class by submitting your admission deposit or admission deposit waiver.
  • Apply for Housing: If you want to live on campus, make sure to apply by the priority deadline.
  • Submit Medical History: Work with your health care provider to complete this form, which we must receive before you can register for classes.  
  • Reserve Orientation Date: You’ll register for your first-semester courses at Orientation, so sign up early for the best selection.
  • Submit Transcripts: Final official high school transcripts reflecting your graduation date must be submitted before your first day of classes, along with any optional AP, IB or AICE courses you may have completed. 
  • Apply for Accessibility Accommodations (Optional - As needed): First-year èßäÊÓÆµapps may apply for accommodations once admitted to the University of South Florida. Students are responsible for identifying themselves to Student Accessibility Services and presenting proper medical documentation to receive academic accommodations.

St. Petersburg Campus

Congratulations on becoming a USF Bull! We think you’ll love life at our waterfront campus in the heart of stunning St. Petersburg.

  • Submit Deposit: Save your spot in the class by submitting your admission deposit or admission deposit waiver.
  • : If you want to live on campus, make sure to apply by the priority deadline.
  • : Work with your health care provider to complete this form, which we must receive before you can register for classes.  
  • Reserve Orientation Date: You’ll register for your first-semester courses at Orientation, so sign up early for the best selection.
  • Submit Transcripts: Final official high school transcripts reflecting your graduation date must be submitted before your first day of classes, along with any optional AP, IB or AICE courses you may have completed. 
  • Apply for Accessibility Accommodations (Optional - As needed): First-year èßäÊÓÆµapps may apply for accommodations once admitted to the University of South Florida. Students are responsible for identifying themselves to Student Accessibility Services and presenting proper medical documentation to receive academic accommodations.

Note: If you applied to the Tampa campus, learn more about why you were assigned to the St. Petersburg campus.

Sarasota-Manatee Campus

Congratulations on joining the Herd! We’re ready to welcome you to the tight-knit Sarasota-Manatee campus, where professors know èßäÊÓÆµapps by name. 

  • Submit Deposit: Save your spot in the class by submitting your admission deposit or admission deposit waiver.
  • : If you want to live on campus, make sure to apply by the priority deadline.
  • : Work with your health care provider to complete this form, which we must receive before you can register for classes.  
  • Reserve Orientation Date: You’ll register for your first-semester courses at Orientation, so sign up early for the best selection.
  • Submit Transcripts: Final official high school transcripts reflecting your graduation date must be submitted before your first day of classes, along with any optional AP, IB or AICE courses you may have completed. 
  • Apply for Accessibility Accommodations (Optional - As needed): First-year èßäÊÓÆµapps may apply for accommodations once admitted to the University of South Florida. Students are responsible for identifying themselves to Student Accessibility Services and presenting proper medical documentation to receive academic accommodations.

 Note: If you applied to the Tampa campus, learn more about why you were assigned to the Sarasota-Manatee campus.