12 items to check off your to-do list before school starts

1. Get your student ID card, you need it! Use your student ID card to access the PAC, take out books at library, track your meal plan balance, get into your residence room and building, prove your identity when writing final exams, and ride on the public transit (U-Pass).
   
   
2. Download the USAFE app. USAFE is the university’s safety app, which features emergency contacts, safety tips, personal safety tools, maps and much more.
   
   
3. Apply for a parking spot. If you plan to drive to campus regularly, you can apply for a student parking permit for select lots on or near campus.
   
   
4. Explore your options for child care. There are three child-care facilities on campus and many licensed facilities off campus. Child-care facilities usually have long wait lists, so it is important to add your child to waiting lists early.
   
   
5. Plan your finances. Estimate your available funding (scholarships, employment, loans, family support, etc.) and costs to determine your budget.
   
   
6. Research your education funding options. Consider applying for a continuing bursary (deadline: October 1). Research student loans, financial awards and student employment.
   
   
7. Find direction with academic advising. Every college has an academic advisor and they want to help you!
   
   
8. Fuel your studies with a campus meal plan. From three meals a day to just a few meals a week, there are a variety of nutritious and delicious meal plan options.  
   
   
9. Buy a computer on campus and save. Shop online or visit Shop usask Tech in person to learn about educational discounts for students.
   
   

To do later on in the summer…but not too late!

1. Save the date for Orientation! Orientation for new students is taking place on September 1 and 5. Online registration opens in August. If you’re a returning student, consider volunteering.
   
   
2. Purchase (and read) your textbooks! Access your textbook list in the My Textbooks channel in PAWS or on the Shop usask Bookstore website. Wait until the extended textbook return period for the term starts before you buy any books, in case you need to change or drop any of your classes.
   
   
3. Remember to pick-up/reactivate your U-Pass sticker. Starting August 14, go to the Information Centre in Upper Place Riel to pick up or reactivate your U-Pass sticker for the Fall Term (September-December). Your Fall Term U-Pass sticker becomes functional on September 1 to give you unlimited access to public transit. (Note: Students living in residence can only pick up their U-Pass after they obtain their keys during the move in process.)

Visit https://students.usask.ca for a comprehensive guide to services and programs for all students at the U of S.