Mustang Checklist
Congratulations to you and your student on their admission to SMSU!
This Mustang Checklist is designed to help families and students work together as you prepare for the start of your student’s first semester. While many of these steps will be completed by your student, families often play an important role in supporting decisions, tracking deadlines, and offering encouragement along the way.
As each item is completed, you can check it off to keep track of their progress. You may bookmark this page and return to it at any time to review what has been completed and what still needs attention.
If you or your student have questions at any point, we’re here to help. Please contact the Admission Office at 507-537-6286 or 1-800-642-0684 (toll free), or reach out directly to your student’s Admission Counselor. We look forward to partnering with your family as your student begins their journey at SMSU.
1. Secure on-campus housing
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Living on campus is an important part of your student’s transition to college, helping them build community and feel supported from day one.
The Housing Contract and Application opens for new incoming students on October 1st each year. A $100 deposit is required. This deposit is refundable if the application is canceled before June 1st, for students entering in the fall semester.
Priority Deadline: March 1st
How to apply:
• Complete the Housing Contract and Application online using your student’s Star ID: https://www.smsu.edu/campuslife/residencelife/housing/application.html
Learn more: www.smsu.edu/go/newresidents
Questions? Residence Life Office
📧 ResLife@smsu.edu | ☎️ 507-537-6136
2. Select a meal plan that fits your student’s needs
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SMSU Campus Dining offers flexible meal plan options to support your student’s health, routine, and busy schedule. With multiple dining locations—including the SMSU Social House, State Street Subs, the C-Store, and Gold ‘n’ Brew Coffee House—your student will always have convenient, nutritious choices.
• Students living on campus will select their meal plan while completing their housing application.
• Commuter students Go to the Mustang Card Center on campus to select and purchase your meal plan.
3. Making college affordable
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We know financing college is a family decision, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Priority Deadline: January 1
FAFSA can be completed beginning October 1 using the prior year’s tax information.
Get started: www.fafsa.gov
More financial aid resources: www.smsu.edu/go/financialaid
Questions? Financial Aid Office
📧 FinancialAid@smsu.edu | ☎️ 507-537-6281
4. Apply for scholarships
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Your student is encouraged to complete the Mustang Scholarship Application, which helps determine eligibility for many SMSU scholarships. Students must be admitted and meet eligibility requirements to receive awards. The General Scholarship applications opens on October 1st each year.
Priority Deadline: March 1
Apply here: www.smsu.edu/scholarships
(Login using your student’s Star ID)
5. Submit required health forms
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To ensure a healthy campus community, all students must submit required health documentation.
Forms required:
• Immunization form (e-form or PDF)
• Medical history form (PDF)
Deadline: By the first day of classes
Where to go: www.smsu.edu/go/healthservices - Click on “Forms” – Click “ Student Immunization e-form”
Access forms: www.smsu.edu/go/healthservices
Questions? Health Services
☎️ 507-537-7202
6. Submit final transcripts
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Official final transcripts are required to complete your student’s enrollment after they have completed high school.
- First-year students: Submit official final transcript with graduation date
• Transfer students: Submit after final grades are posted from each college attended
Have transcripts sent to: admission@smsu.edu
7. Register for classes at New Mustang Days
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Course registration takes place during New Mustang Days, our on-campus orientation experience designed to help students—and families—feel confident and prepared.
Fall 2026 dates: (Choose 1)
Learn more and select a date to attend:
New Mustang Days
Information about these events will be mailed/communicated to you prior to the event date(s).
Gold Rush Days
MOVE-IN DAY: August 20, 2026
GOLD RUSH DAYS: August 20-23, 2026
FIRST DAY OF CLASS-FALL SEMESTER: August 24, 2026
Saddle Up for Spring
Move-In Day: January 9th, 2026
Saddle Up for Spring: January 9-11, 2026
First Day of Class – Spring Semester: January 12th, 2026