# Academics

**Source**: https://graduate.rice.edu/student-semester-start-checklist
**Parent**: https://graduate.rice.edu/

## **Student Semester Start Checklist**

| Complete? | Getting Connected Reminders |
| --- | --- |
|  | [Contact your graduate administrator](https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/program-contacts) to check in each semester. |
|  | Remember to read your Rice email, the Grad Digest and look out for the GSA Weekly Announcements!  International Students: Stay in touch with [OISS](https://oiss.rice.edu/) and review important [information](https://oiss.rice.edu/maintaining-status) about maintaining your immigration status. |
|  | Check back in on [getting connected](https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/after-admission/get-connected) and consider [joining a club, affinity group or international student group!](https://owlnest.rice.edu/) |
|  | Explore [off-campus housing options](https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/after-admission/housing). |
|  | The library is an amazing resource for Rice graduate students, from our study spaces and services to our book collections and specialized digital resources.  Fondren 101 is a 20-minute free course that introduces you to the library building and our departments, services and research resources. Starting with our unified discovery tool, OneSearch, you'll learn to navigate the library's collections, find the best databases for your subject and borrow materials from other libraries. There's an optional self-guided library tour with a prize!  Enroll in Fondren 101 at <https://catalog.rice.edu/browse/fondren-library/courses/fondren-101-2023-2024> |
|  | Finding your way around campus? Be sure to [register for parking](https://parking.rice.edu/) if you drive a car to campus, [register](https://rupdadmin.rice.edu/bikes/register/) your bicycle (and [secure it with a good lock](https://www.kryptonitelock.com/en/locks-landing/product-details-bicycle.html)), and/or [download Rice's app](https://transportation.rice.edu/schedules/campus-inner-loop) for tracking the free campus shuttles. |

| Complete? | Emergency Planning & Health Insurance Tasks |
| --- | --- |
|  | Familiarize yourself with emergency planning at [emergency.rice.edu](https://emergency.rice.edu/) and make plans for emergencies. |
|  | [Login to Esther](https://idp.rice.edu/idp/profile/cas/login?execution=e1s1) to update emergency contact information and to affirm the honor code and student financial responsibility agreement |
|  | Did you move or have other personal information to update? Make sure to update your address in your student record and iO  Esther: <https://registrar.rice.edu/students/personal-information-for-students>  iO - See help [here](https://rice.app.box.com/s/m7kc8xm21tthrbnep3fn5nda8yomwolp) |
|  | Between July 1 and August 31 (and again January 15 if you don't choose an annual plan) [Enroll for Rice Student Health Insurance or apply to have the insurance requirement waived.](https://studenthealthinsurance.rice.edu/enroll-or-waive-coverage) Students who do not take action will be automatically enrolled in the annual health insurance plan. This is recurring and requires re-registration or waiver annually (or semester if you choose the Fall/Spring only enrollment).  If you select Aetna student insurance, complete the survey to have insurance and parking added to an extended payment plan for your billing:<https://bursar.rice.edu/graduate-student-insurance-parking-payment-plan> |

| Complete? | Payment Information & Registering for Classes Tasks |
| --- | --- |
|  | Review the [Graduate Student Payment Checklist](https://rice.app.box.com/s/m7kc8xm21tthrbnep3fn5nda8yomwolp) to ensure you are familiar with the pay process and receive your pay on time. |
|  | Verify your class registrations before the end of the second week of classes and [check the deadlines set by the academic calendar.](https://registrar.rice.edu/calendars) Add relevant deadlines to your personal calendar and plan ahead.  International students (F-1 and J-1) must register full-time unless received prior approval from OISS to part-time. Review procedures on OISS website and contact OISS with questions regarding part-time status. |
|  | Sign up for a payment plan for tuition: <https://bursar.rice.edu/payment_options/payment-plans>  Complete the survey to have insurance and parking added to an extended payment plan for your billing:<https://bursar.rice.edu/graduate-student-insurance-parking-payment-plan>  More information on purchasing a parking permit can be found here: <https://parking.rice.edu/registration/students/graduate> |
|  | Pay your [bills](https://bursar.rice.edu/student-accounts/general-billing-information) via [Esther](https://idp.rice.edu/idp/profile/cas/login?execution=e1s1) by the deadline:   - Tuition payment due in full or payment plan in place by September 10th for Fall, February 10th for Spring - Review Rice email for monthly billing statements if you are enrolled in a payment plan   Review the checklist items from the Bursar's office [here](https://bursar.rice.edu/student-accounts/new-students) |
|  | Master's students: Check your [degree progress](https://registrar.rice.edu/students/degreeworks) in Degree Works and check in with your faculty advisor if you have any questions or concerns. |
|  | Graduating students: [Apply Blogs about applying to grad school for your Degree with the Office of the Registrar](https://registrar.rice.edu/students/degree_apply) if you plan to graduate this semester. |

Updated May 2025