New Domestic Graduate Students

To do prior to arriving on campus:

• Submit your official and final transcript(s) to the Graduate Admissions Office. Your previous institution can send the official transcript electronically to grad@wpi.edu or by mail to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609. If your official and final transcripts are not received before your second semester of classes, a hold will be placed on your account and you will not be able to register. You will also receive additional communications from our office about tabling events on-campus where you can bring us your official transcripts in-person.
• Set up your WPI computer account. Once you confirm your enrollment, and pay your enrollment deposit, you will receive an email guiding you through the account setup process.
• Campus-Based Students only (Not required of students in online only programs): Make an appointment with a medical provider well before coming to campus to complete the WPI Immunization Form & Tuberculosis Risk Screening Form. Once you receive your WPI email and password and you register for classes, you will be able to submit documentation through WPI Health Services Health Portal. You should start submitting your health forms as soon as possible (even if they are incomplete). Health forms should be received no later than June 27 or by the start of classes for those admitted after that date.

Please monitor your WPI email. This is where we will notify you if you are missing required documentation.

• Graduate students who are using loans to finance their education must complete this form and the FAFSA.
• If you have any accessibility needs please fill out an application with the Office of Accessibility Services.
• Learn more about LGBT+ Support available on campus. 
• Incoming Graduate Students can contact the Housing & Residential Experience Center to see if there are any on-campus housing spaces available. There are a very limited amount of openings for incoming graduate students. If interested in off campus housing please visit the following website prior to arriving in Worcester. If you have any questions regarding local Worcester area housing options, please contact the Housing & Residential Experience Center.

To do during arrival/Orientation period:

• Get your WPI ID card. You must have an ID to check in at orientation. Online and Distance students, please ask your student success manager about an ID if you would like to obtain one.
• Graduate Student Orientation will take place prior to the start of classes. All students are welcome to attend.
• Sign up for the WPI Student Health Insurance. If you choose an alternative plan, make sure you understand what is covered.
• Check in with your department. Make sure you have been assigned an academic advisor in your department. Please note all Master's level graduate students are assigned a Student Success Manager. First year PhD students have access to academic coaching. 
• Off-campus housing
  • Secure housing and review off-campus information.
  • Arrange for utilities (cable/internet, electricity, heat and water) to be connected.
• If you are a TA, attend TA training. The training sessions will take place after orientation, and are hosted by the Morgan Teaching & Learning Center.
• If bringing a vehicle to campus you will need to register it with Campus Police and obtain a parking permit.  

To do during the initial weeks of the semester:

• Meet with your advisor.
  • Finalize your Course Schedule before the add/drop deadline.
  • Develop your Plan of Study and get it approved by your advisor.
• Make sure you have settled your bill with the Bursar’s Office.
• Health & Wellness Services
  • If you are a graduate student and wish to be seen at WPI Student Health Services for medical care of acute illness or injury, please call the WPI Bursar’s Office and pay request to pay the Health and Wellness Fee, or you can complete the following online form.  As a graduate student, you are given the option to receive healthcare at Health Services or with your own elected physician. We strongly recommend that you pay the health fee if you are an out-of-state or international student.
  • If you do not pay the Health and Wellness Fee:
    • Take the time to research where the nearest walk in clinic is located. Plan ahead so you know where to go when you are feeling ill.
  • Obtain a copy of your health insurance card and keep it with you at all times.
    • Print your WPI Student Health Insurance card by logging on here.
• Log in to your Handshake account to see upcoming career fair dates, employer events, workshops, or to schedule an appointment.
• Visit the Center for Well-Being (CWB). The CWB is a supportive and safe space to gather, relax, reflect, and recharge