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UChicago Office of the Bursar
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Incoming Graduate Students Checklist

Welcome to the University of Chicago!

 

The Office of the Bursar is excited to welcome the incoming Graduate class to the University of Chicago! We are here to support you and your family as you navigate the financial aspects of your UChicago journey.

 

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a checklist of key actions to ensure you are financially prepared for the upcoming academic year.

 

 

1. Review the University Health Insurance Plan

 

All UChicago students are required to maintain health insurance coverage. Students are automatically enrolled in the University Student Health Insurance Plan (USHIP) unless a waiver is submitted annually.

  • Waiver Period Begins: August 1
  • Students with comparable coverage may waive USHIP by the published deadline.
  • For details, visit the Student Wellness website.

 

Failure to waive USHIP by the deadline will result in automatic enrollment and assessment of quarterly premiums.

 

 

2. Review Your Electronic Bill (EBill)

 

Access your quarterly EBill through the my.UChicago.edu student portal using your CNetID and UChicago email account.

  • You can add Authorized Users to view and pay bills.
  • All payments (domestic and international) must be submitted through the student or Authorized User portal.
  • Your first quarterly bill will reflect and deduct any pending financial aid. Future bills will assume aid has been disbursed and will show the full balance due.

 

Visit our Billing Information page to view the Billing Calendar and Due Dates. We also recommend viewing the Tuition and Fees pages for your program.

 

All incoming students are automatically assigned to the Unlimited Meal Plan. Review the Meal Plans page on the UChicago Dining website to understand what is included and review the FAQ's.

 

3. Complete the Financial Responsibility Agreement

 

All students must complete the Financial Responsibility Agreement (FRA) once during their academic career. The FRA outlines your obligations regarding tuition, fees, and student account management.

  • Available in your my.UChicago.edu portal beginning August 1
  • Completion is required to avoid registration holds.
 

 

4. Review Refund Options

 

If you expect a living expense refund, visit our Refunds page to learn about the refunding process and eligibility.

 

 

5. Sign Up for Direct Deposit

 

We strongly encourage you to enroll in Direct Deposit before arriving on campus.

  • Enrollment Opens: August 1
  • Sign up through my.UChicago.edu using a domestic or international bank account.
  • Students who are unable to open a domestic account may request international delivery.
 

 

6. External Scholarship Submissions

 

External Scholarships are monetary awards from third-party organizations to help cover educational expenses. Students or scholarship providers may submit external scholarships electronically through the UChicago BackPack Portal.

 

7. 529 College Savings Plans & State Prepaid Programs

 

Using a 529 or state prepaid plan? Contact your administrator about 60 days before each quarter and add the account owner as an Authorized User. Pay through my.UChicago, the Authorized User Portal, or the BackPack Portal.

Welcome once again to the University of Chicago. If you have further questions, be sure to Contact Us or look into our Financial Wellness options. We look forward to supporting you and wish you all the best as you begin your academic journey!