Hi students!

Welcome to the second Bear Bulletin for incoming transfer students at Washington University in St. Louis.

Read through this newsletter for important information you need to know regarding your transition to WashU. If you have any questions, feel free to email us!

As a reminder, transfer students must fill out the TX Welcome Registration form by Friday, July 1.

-Student Transitions & Family Programs

What to Expect this Month

You will receive the following items in the mail from us this month*:

1) New Bearings

• New Bearings is a publication made specifically for transfer students with advice from past and current students who transferred to WashU.

2) June Before You Arrive Checklist

• The June Before You Arrive Checklist contains action items that should be completed this month.

3) Bear Essentials for Students

• Bear Essentials for Students is a publication that helps first-year students prepare for their time at WashU by providing a glimpse into different aspects of the university.

*Please note that we are only able to mail publications to U.S. addresses. If you have an international address, you can access all information digitally, as linked above.

You have already received an email with information about completing the following:

4) Bear Beginnings: Get Your Bearings online orientation

• This month, you will use an orientation portal to complete modules on a number of key topics for student success at WashU. Completion of this online orientation is due by Monday, July 3, 2023. Instructions for accessing this platform are:

1. Go to orientation.wustl.edu
2. Select 'Student Login' and sign in using your WUSTL Key
3. Answer the member profile questions. Please select transfer undergraduate. International students are defined as students attending WashU on non-immigrant visas.
4. Complete the modules. Throughout the modules, you will be asked to choose a track for your academic division. Please complete the academic division to which you are currently enrolled. Beyond Boundaries students should select the academic division from which their four-year adviser belongs.

June 2023 Checklist

Each month this summer, there will be important items you need to complete to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your first year at WashU. Some items on the June checklist include:

• Reviewing and updating your WebSTAC user profile.
• Taking any necessary online placement and diagnostic exams.
• Completing the Academic Integrity (AI) module.
• Connecting with Disability Resources if you require accommodations due to an identified disability or have questions about specific disability-related concerns.

Course Registration

Registration for fall 2023 courses will take place via WebSTAC during your assigned registration time. Your registration time may be in June or July, depending on your academic division. Your academic adviser will reach out to schedule a virtual advising meeting soon.

You must have your WUSTL key and email established to have access to course listings and to communicate with your adviser. Check your WashU email at least two times a week to have the most up-to-date information! 

Transfer Course: L43 1100 16



This one-credit, seven-week course is designed to help new students make a successful transition to WashU, both academically and personally. This course sets students on a path in which they will engage with academic readings, interactive activities, and empirically based strategies centered on the five core anchors of Student Affairs: Healthy Excellence; Leadership; Career Development; Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion; and Student Engagement & Belonging. The course also introduces the students to key academic success and learning strategies resources and support staff that will optimize their experiences at the university.

Students interested in taking L43 1100 should speak with their academic adviser when discussing their fall 2023 course schedule. Section 16 is specifically designed for transfer students.

Health & Wellbeing Updates

All WashU students must complete the following health and wellness requirements.

• Submit your immunization record and health history form. Students who have not completed this requirement prior to move-in will not be allowed to enter their residence hall.
• Choose a health insurance option. All students are required to have health insurance and will be automatically enrolled in the WashU student health plan. Students with personal or family health insurance coverage may waive out of the university’s plan, but waiver requests must be submitted by September 5.
• Transfer prescriptions to the Quadrangle Pharmacy, located on campus in the Habif Health and Wellness Center.
• Discuss plans to continue mental health support/counseling, if appropriate. 
• Complete the Year One College Behavior Profile, designed to give personalized feedback about alcohol and marijuana.

Summer Webinar Series

Our Summer Webinar Series was designed to answer student and family members' questions about WashU. Recordings of past webinars can be viewed on our Webinar Series page. 

Students and family members are encouraged to attend our upcoming webinar, A Conversation with Habif Health & Wellness, on Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 PM CDT. Registration is required.

Click the following links to register and find out more information about our other upcoming webinars.

• Tuesday, June 27 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation about Combined Studies
• Tuesday, July 11 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation about Student Financial Services
• Tuesday, July 25 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation about Disability Resources
• Tuesday, August 1 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation About Move-In and Fall Welcome

Important Dates/Deadlines

Fall 2023 Dates

Transfer Student Move-In*: August 23

Bear Beginnings: Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome: August 23-26

First Day of Class: August 28

Labor Day (no classes): September 4

Fall Break (no classes): October 7-10

Thanksgiving Break (no classes): November 22-26

Last Day of Classes: December 8

Reading Week and Exams: December 11-20

*Fall varsity athletes have different arrival dates. Please check with your head coach for more information.