Tips for Admitted Online Students

Apply for Financial Aid (if you haven’t already): The FAFSA is the federal government’s application to determine financial aid eligibility for most types of financial aid. Begin the application process now. You can complete the FAFSA (and the Renewal FAFSA) electronically by going to studentaid.gov. 

Our Federal School Code (for the FAFSA) is 003932. 

Instructional Videos found here! 

 

Research UW Scholarship opportunities! There are some scholarships that will be automatically awarded to you with your admission, if eligible. But there are many other scholarships that require a separate application. Please review WyoScholarships and be sure to take note of any application deadlines.  

 

Review Your Financial Aid Award: After submitting your FAFSA, review your financial aid package through your WyoWeb portal to understand your awards, loans, and scholarship opportunities. The Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid will notify you either by a targeted message on your WyoWeb account or by email (please have a current email address on file) regarding your awards and/or requirements. This may take two to three weeks. 

 

Settle Your Tuition: Once your financial aid is processed, you’ll be able to view your tuition and fees. Make sure to pay or set up a payment plan before the payment deadline. Visit the Student Financial Services website to learn how to pay your bill. 

Log in to WyoWeb to register for your classes. If you’re unsure of which classes to take, your academic advisor will assist you in choosing the best courses for your degree plan. Please reach out to sreyes4@uwyo.edu if you need help identifying your assigned academic advisor.  

 

Advising Appointment: Your academic advisor will contact you via email to schedule an appointment for advising each semester. Please check your UW email daily. If you are non-degree seeking, newly admitted, or a high school guest student, please email aces@uwyo.edu with your questions. 

 

Already met with an advisor and need help registering for classes? Here is a guide to help you! If you have an academic hold on your account, you will need to connect with an academic advisor. 

Get Your Tech Ready: Make sure your computer, internet connection, and any required software meet the technical requirements for your online courses. You’ll find tech support resources on the IT Services page,  such as Microsoft365. 

Download other useful Apps for UW students for your toolbox. 

 

Order Books and Supplies: You can order textbooks through UW’s Bookstore Link or access digital versions where available. 

Undergraduate Students: StartRight+ is the UW’s course material program that provides students with access to all required materials at a single price at the beginning of each semester. Starting in Fall 2024, StartRight+ will offer instant access to all required textbooks for a flat rate of $275 per semester for all undergraduate students.   

 

Graduate Students: The first phase of StartRight+ will only include undergraduate students. Our goal is to include graduate students in the future phases of the program. Stay tuned! 

Nevertheless, your course may still utilize our digital-first Inclusive Access Program, so please monitor your email for updates. If your materials are provided in print, please check out the bookstore to purchase your textbooks.

Review the Academic Calendar: Familiarize yourself with key dates, including the start of classes, holidays, and exam periods. 

 

Add/Drop Period: Be sure to review the dates for adding or dropping courses without a financial penalty. This is a great time to adjust your schedule if needed. 

Check Your Email Regularly: We’ll be sending you important updates and reminders about your registration, orientation, and more. Be sure to check your university email daily! 

 

Online Student Support: Don’t forget to reach out if you need help!! As an online program seeker, you can reach out to Su Reyes, your student support professional, with any questions you might have or services you may need to be a successful student at UW. You can connect with Su via email (sreyes4@uwyo.edu), or schedule a virtual face-to-face meeting via Zoom. 

 

Career Services: Embark on a collaborative journey toward professional excellence with our Career Services Hub, where they cater to the diverse needs of students, alumni, faculty, and employers alike. Click here to start exploring the University of Wyoming's diverese career services hubs, each tailored to specific colleges and schools.

Whether you’re a traditional student fresh out of high school or a non-traditional student balancing work, family, or a career change, online learning can be incredibly rewarding—but also challenging if you’re not prepared. Here’s a solid list of tips and tricks that can help both traditional and non-traditional students thrive in an online learning environment:

 

Mindset & Motivation

Set a Clear "Why": Know your reason for taking the course—career advancement, personal growth, a degree. Keep that goal front and center.

Treat It Like a Job: Show up, stay consistent, and take it seriously. It’s easy to treat online classes casually—resist that urge.

Celebrate Wins: Whether it’s submitting an assignment early or acing a quiz, acknowledging your progress helps keep motivation up.

 

Time Management

Make a Schedule and Stick to It: Use a planner or calendar app to block out class times, study sessions, and deadlines.

Use the “Pomodoro” Technique: Work in 25-minute sprints with 5-minute breaks. It’s great for focus and avoiding burnout.

 

Learning Environment

Create a Dedicated Study Space: It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a consistent spot where your brain knows it’s time to focus.

Check Your Email and Course Portals Often: Your school email and learning platform (WyoCourses) are your lifelines for communication. Check in daily for announcements, deadlines, and instructor feedback.

Limit Distractions: Use website blockers, silence your phone, and let people in your life know when you're in study mode.

Have Tech Backups: Internet out? Know where the nearest library or café is. Computer crashed? Keep important docs backed up in the cloud.

 

Engaging With the Course

Participate in Discussions: It builds connection and shows your instructor you’re present—even if you're shy, start small.

Ask Questions Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to seek help. Professors and TAs are usually more available than you’d think.

 

For Non-Traditional Students

Lean on Life Experience: Your background gives you a huge edge in problem-solving, time management, and real-world application.

Be Honest with Instructors: Let them know if you’re balancing kids or work—they’re often flexible if they know what’s going on.

 

For Traditional Students

Build Self-Discipline: Without a classroom, it’s on you to keep yourself accountable. Practice consistency.

Avoid “Senioritis” Early: Online learning gives you freedom, but don’t let that freedom become procrastination.

 

Build a Support System

Get Connected: Connect with classmates through group chats or online study groups.

Lean into your Support Systems: Stay in touch with friends, family, or mentors who can encourage you when things get tough.