Before you Arrive – Spring

This page lists information that you need to do before you arrive for the Spring semester.

MIT ID and Kerberos ID

Once you confirm your intent to enroll at MIT through the admissions portal, you will receive an email inviting you to register for your MIT Kerberos account. Your MIT Kerberos (sometimes called an Athena/MIT/email account) is your online identity at MIT, which gives you access your MIT email, authenticated websites, and more. Visit the IS&T website for more information.

Your mobile MIT ID will work for almost all of the services on campus that need your ID. If a service requires a physical MIT ID card or you want to carry a physical MIT ID card, you can get one at a self-service kiosk using the MIT Atlas app or visit the Atlas Service Center during their business hours.

Housing

On-Campus Housing

Once you choose to enroll at MIT and set up your Kerberos account, you will gain access to the MIT Housing Portal where you can fill out the “New Student Housing Preference Form.” You can email residence@mit.edu with any questions.

You should submit the housing form by December 20 at 12 PM (Noon) Eastern Time, in order to ensure you have a space reserved for the Spring semester.

Off-Campus Housing
Boston, Cambridge, and surrounding communities are rich with diversity, intellectual and cultural opportunities. Check out the MIT Off-Campus Housing at to find information your options.

For more information, visit Undergraduate Housing or contact directly residence@mit.edu
or (617) 253-1493.

Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups (FSILG)
FSILGs are another option for transfer students who are interested in these communities. You may be interested in exploring more about this living option. Visit the FSILG to explore these opportunities.

Transfer Credit and AP

The process for obtaining MIT credit for study at your previous university is outlined under AP and Transfer Credit in the First Year at MIT section. MIT will grant credit for some of your previous study, including scores on AP or international exams as well as courses passed at your previous university. Preparation for the transfer credit process should begin prior to your arrival to MIT.

First Year Essay Evaluation (FEE)

You will need to take the FEE unless you scored a 5 on either the AP Language and Composition or Literature and Composition tests, or a 7 on either the English A or B Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) exam. If you have sent one of these scores to MIT, you are exempt from the FEE and you will be able to register for any CI-H or CI-HW (Communication-Intensive in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences) class.

If you do not have a 5 on the AP, a staff of the Registrars Office will contact you to make arrangements for you a take the FEE. Your evaluation results will determine whether you need to register for a CI-H or CI-HW class. Bilingual students will take either 21G.222 or 21G.220, writing classes specifically designed for them.

Major Declaration

Upon admission at MIT, you will have the opportunity to select an undergraduate major and be part of an academic department. A staff in the Undergraduate Advising Center will put you in contact with the Undergraduate Administrator of your academic department prior to your arrival. The Undergraduate Administrator will assign you a faculty advisor that will help you register for your classes.

If you change your major at any point prior to arrival or within the first few weeks of classes, you need to inform Leslie Bottari and Kurt-Michael Songcog as soon as possible to ensure the accuracy of your academic records.

If you are interested in double majoring, you may declare it after completing one semester at MIT. Although it is possible for transfer students to double major, it can be challenging to complete dual degrees within 3 years. If you need an additional semester(s) to complete a second major, you are not guaranteed financing and would need to visit your financial aid counselor for guidance.

Financial Aid

MIT Student Financial Services can provide you with all the information that you need about your finances at MT including financial aid, tuition, and fees. If you are applying for financial aid from MIT, you should visit the pages on financial aid for prospective transfers. You and your parents will want to know what the tuition billing dates are for the spring by visiting the Billing section.

Students at MIT are assigned Financial Service Representatives, according to the letters of their last name. They will be able to assist you with your questions about financial aid applications, eligibility, awards, your student account and tuition payments.

MIT Health

Massachusetts law requires new MIT students to meet a number of medical requirements before registering for classes. All new MIT students must give MIT a medical history signed by a physician, have a complete physical exam, and document immunity against certain diseases. Student Medical Report Forms can be downloaded online and must be submitted by January 17, 2025.