Admitted Students
Get excited, because you’re only a few steps away from finalizing your enrollment and becoming a Panther! Be sure to stay on top of your MyEIU checklist and remember we are always here to help you stay on track during the days ahead. In the meantime, browse our admitted student events, or take advantage of our virtual options.
Admitted Student Next Steps
1. Reserve Your PlaceSubmit the enrollment deposit.
All incoming first-year students must submit a $150 New Student Enrollment Deposit. After submitting your Enrollment Deposit, you will have the opportunity to sign up for your Orientation date, which is when you will register for your first EIU classes! Orientation dates become available each spring for students enrolling in the fall. You can submit your Enrollment Deposit, and sign up for Orientation, by logging into your MyEIU account.
Submit Your Deposit in MyEIU Learn About OrientationAbout the Enrollment Deposit
An enrollment deposit is required from every first-time, first-year undergraduate student admitted to EIU (excluding transfer students) and is applied to the first-term bill (tuition and fees).
Fall and Summer: Students can pay the enrollment online through their MyEIU account. The enrollment deposit is due by May 1 or if admitted after May 1, within 10 working days after notification of admission. Deposits may be accepted after this time but may result in delayed processing of the student’s account.
Spring: Students must submit the enrollment deposit to the Cashier’s Office by Dec. 1 or if admitted after Dec. 1, within 10 working days after notification of admission. Deposits may be accepted after this time but may result in delayed processing of the student’s account.
Refund of Enrollment Deposit
Fall and Summer: The enrollment deposit is 100 percent refundable for fall and summer enrollees prior to May 1 and 50 percent refundable prior to June 1, provided that the Admissions Office is notified in writing (email is sufficient) of the student's intention not to enroll. After June 1, the deposit is not refundable.
Spring: For spring enrollees, the enrollment deposit is 100 percent refundable prior to November 15 and 50 percent refundable prior to December 15, provided that the Admissions Office is notified in writing (email is sufficient) of the student's intention not to enroll. After December 15, the deposit is not refundable.
Deferment of Enrollment Deposit
Students meeting one of the criteria on the Request for Deferral of Enrollment Deposit Form – please have your high school counselor complete the form and email it to admissions@eiu.edu.
2. HousingComplete your Housing application and contract.
First-year students are required to live on campus for their first and second years, and many choose to stay on campus beyond that time as well! With 10 different residence hall options for you to live in, we know you will find exactly what you are looking for at EIU!
Now that you are admitted, you can complete your housing application on your MyEIU account. Complete your application early so you’re more likely to get the residence hall you want to live in. Some of our halls fill up fast, so we encourage you to complete this as soon as you know you want to be a Panther!
The housing application includes a $50 non-refundable application fee. Once you have completed your housing application, you will be able to complete the room and board contract, when it becomes available each spring. On your room and board contract, you will select which residence hall you want to live in, which meal plan option you would like, and if you have a roommate request. We encourage all of our incoming students to complete the room and board contract by May 1.
Housing Application in MyEIU Room & Board Contract in MyEIU Housing Communities Housing Timeline3. FAFSAFile your FAFSA to get financial aid.
All students who want to receive Federal, State, or some forms of Institutional aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need to complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available the year before you plan to enroll. EIU's FAFSA code is 001674.
File Your FAFSA Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships4. ScholarshipsApply for other scholarships and accept your financial aid package.
We are dedicated to you and helping you afford your college education! During the past year, we awarded over 22 million in scholarships and awards to EIU students!
Besides the many scholarships and awards that will be offered at the time of admissions, we offer many more through our Academic Works Scholarship Search.
EIU Scholarships Academic Works Scholarship Search How to Accept your Award Package5. OrientationSign up for orientation to get registered for classes.
During your orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, get your Panther ID Card, meet other Panthers and get to know campus.
Our New Student & Family Programs Office is also here to help you transition during your first semester and plans various activities during move-in weekend and the first six weeks of the semester.
Register for Orientation in MyEIU Learn About OrientationCampus Visits & Events
Summer Campus Tours
Monday-Friday, from May 18 - Aug. 14
Summer is a great time to explore EIU at your own pace. Every daily visit includes a guided walking tour, a chance to explore a residence hall, and an engaging presentation that showcases what makes our campus community so special. Want to make your visit even more meaningful? We can personalize your experience by connecting you one-on-one with the Honors College, faculty in your academic area, campus resources that align with your interests, and/or an EIU admissions counselor who can answer your questions about majors, costs, scholarships, student life, and campus amenities.
Fall 2026 Daily Campus Tours
Monday- Friday at 10 am and 2 pm
Every daily visit includes a guided walking tour, a chance to explore a residence hall, and an engaging presentation that showcases what makes our campus community so special. Want to make your visit even more meaningful? We can personalize your experience by connecting you one-on-one with the Honors College, faculty in your academic area, campus resources that align with your interests, and/or an EIU admissions counselor who can answer your questions about majors, costs, scholarships, student life, and campus amenities.
Fall 2026 Transfer Specific Tours
Fridays from 9 am to 11 am
These visits are specific to 2 and 4-year college transfers. These Daily visits for transfer students include a walking tour of campus (including a residence hall) and a meeting with an EIU admissions counselor.
Fall 2026 Select Saturday Visits
Select Saturdays at 9:30am or 10:00am
Join us for an admissions presentation and a walking tour of campus!
Self-Guided Campus Tours
Visit any time!
Explore EIU on your own schedule with a self-guided campus tour. Sign up before you visit, then stop by the Admissions Office to pick up a tour folder, T-shirt and water bottle. You may also be able to meet with an admissions counselor while you’re here.
Virtual Opportunities
Virtual Library Information Session
Thursday, July 23
Join Booth Library to learn about all the incredible resources available as a student at EIU. Explore the Center for Student Innovation, where you can access cutting-edge technology, including 3D printing and podcasting! We'll share information about technology and laptop check-out! Learn how our Research Help desk, study rooms, and diverse array of upcoming events that will support your academic success on campus. Don't miss this chance to discover how Booth Library can empower your college experience!
Your Home at EIU: Virtual Housing & Dining Information Session
Tuesday, July 14th from 6-7 PM
Join us for a virtual Housing & Dining Information Session at Eastern Illinois University. Learn more about residence hall options, meal plans, campus dining locations, and what it's like to live on campus as an EIU student. Representatives from Admissions and Housing & Dining will provide an overview of housing opportunities, discuss the room selection process, share important deadlines, and answer questions about campus living. Whether you're just beginning to explore EIU or preparing to make your college decision, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about life as a Panther. Bring your questions and join us for an informative conversation about making EIU your home away from home!