What's Next
So, you’ve received your UNA acceptance letter, but there’s probably one big question that you’re asking – what’s next? No worries! We’ve got you covered! This page will walk you through those all-important checklist items that will help prepare you for your UNA journey!
| Set up your UNAPortal e-mail account and check it often! |
| Take a selfie with your acceptance letter and post you our social media. Use the hashtags #myUNA and #UNA2025 |
How will you stay connected with UNA after you’re accepted? Through your UNAPortal account , of course! UNAPortal provides you with a campus e-mail address, and it is considered the official means of communication for the University. You will receive communications from academic departments and student organizations via UNAPortal after you are accepted, so it is important to check it early and often so you don’t miss anything! Later on, you’ll be able to complete any unsatisfied financial aid requirements, accept your financial aid package, finalize your university housing, register for courses, view your class schedule, check grades, and pay your bill all through UNAPortal. To access your account, look for the purple card that came with your acceptance letter; this will list your UNAPortal e-mail address and initial password so you can access your account.
Information Technology (ITS) Help Desk
The UNA ITS Help Desk is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and can be reached by phone or e-mail. The Help Desk can assist students with a variety of issues including trouble with campus wireless connections, password resets, and problems with or questions about e-mail. Contact the UNA ITS Help Desk by e-mail helpdesk@una.edu or by phone at 256-765-4865 .
One of the most important “next steps” is determining how you will pay for your tuition and fees. This is where the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) comes in. The FAFSA application must be filed each year in order to determine your eligibility for Federal Pell grant, federal student loans, and federal work-study. The application will use your parents’ tax information from the previous year to determine what types of aid you can receive. Filing the application early will allow you and your parents enough time to find additional funding sources, if necessary. UNA Student Financial Services recommends that the FAFSA be filed by June 1 each year at the latest. File the FAFSA here. Get information about scholarship opportunities here.
At UNA, we feel that you’ll be able to make the most of your college experience if you are totally immersed in the lion lifestyle 24-hours a day, 7 days a week! Therefore, we require all first time, full-time freshmen to live on campus in a residence hall for up to one academic year.* Our residence halls will be your home-away-from-home and will provide the perfect setting, whether you are hanging out with new friends or studying for that final exam. The residence hall application for 2021-2022 will go live on the web on December 1, 2020, so be sure to file your application early to reserve your perfect room!
*Some exemptions apply, including living at your parents’ permanent residence. Visit www.una.edu/housing for more information about exemptions.
Finally, you need to know that you won’t be starting classes without a proper introduction to campus life! Before starting your UNA journey, you will attend Student Orientation, Advisement, and Registration (SOAR) during the summer. This action-packed, on-campus event will allow you to get more information about student organizations, financial aid, housing, and overall campus life. You’ll even be able to meet professors and register for your fall courses! It’s a fun and informative event that you just can’t miss! Click here for more information about upcoming SOAR dates.
What to bring to SOAR:
| State Issued Picture ID |
| Car tag # and car registration for the car you’ll be using at UNA (The MANE Card# on the vehicle registration form is the L# you received in your admissions acceptance letter.) |
| Linens, Blanket, and Pillow |
| Towels and Toiletries |
| Alarm Clock |
| Umbrella |
| Comfortable Casual Clothes and Walking Shoes |
| Tennis Shoes |
| Remember to bring all of your overnight items with you at check-in! |
Have questions about your immunizations? Contact University Health Services: 256-765-5127 • una.edu/healthservices 