Transfer Students from System Campuses

Here are a few things you need to do to get started as a new student in the College of Liberal Arts:

Before You Begin

Review the guide for changing your U of M campus to learn about the steps needed to complete your transfer smoothly and successfully. 

Apply to Change Campus

If you have already been admitted to a degree-seeking program at a University of Minnesota system campus in the past, then review our Transfer to CLA U of M Transfer page for how to apply via the Office of Admissions.

New Student Checklist

After being admitted into the College of Liberal Arts on the Twin Cities campus, you must complete the New Student Checklist (available April 2, 2025), where you will:  

Orientation

Attend your orientation session, where you will:  

  • Have college check-in to learn more about CLA degree requirements and University policies.
  • Meet with your departmental advisor.
  • Meet with your CLA advisor to review your transfer coursework, discuss your remaining degree requirements, and get assistance in selecting courses for the upcoming semester.
  • Register for classes.

Before Orientation: 

  • Have questions about transferring? Check out the CLA transfer student pages for information about transferring credit, degree requirements, and majors/minors in CLA.
  • Sign-up for orientation. Dates for transfer students are in June, July, and August for the fall semester and January for the spring semester. Sign-up begins in early-April for fall semester and early November for spring semester. Sign-up early as space is limited.
  • Complete the online New Student Checklist after it launches on April 2, 2025. With the CLA New Student Checklist, you will confirm your orientation date, complete a brief questionnaire, schedule your mandatory orientation, take placement tests, and get ready to meet with your advisor.
  • Complete the mandatory Orientation Prep Course (in the New Student Checklist), which will outline college- and university-wide policies, the CLA advising system, degree requirements, and career resources that are available to you.
  • If you are an international student, you will also work with the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) to prepare for your orientation. International students will complete a Global Gopher online orientation in addition to CLA transfer online orientation, included on your New Student Checklist.
  • Parents and guests of transfer students are invited to attend the Families and Student Supporters Orientation Program. Get answers to questions about University resources and opportunities and what to expect the first year.
  • Have transcripts from other colleges, AP scores, and IB scores sent to U of M Admissions.
  • Need a place to live? On-campus housing for transfer students is limited, and most transfer students live near campus in off-campus housing or commute. The UMTC housing website offers a variety of links to off-campus housing options.
  • Commuting to campus? Check out the UMTC Parking and Transportation Services website.

Orientation:

  • During orientation you will:
    • Have a welcome from the College.
    • Meet with a representative from your department.
    • Meet with your CLA advisor to review your transfer coursework, discuss your remaining degree requirements, and get assistance in selecting courses for the upcoming semester.
    • Register for classes.  

After Orientation:

  • Check your U of M e-mail regularly. It's the official means of communication at the University.
  • Schedule a follow up appointment with your CLA advisor between the 3rd and 6th week of your first semester.