Seniors taking credit courses: step by step guide

Step 1: Get Started

pay your deposit

Paying your deposit lets us know that you've accepted our offer. To pay your deposit see How to Pay Your Fees.

get your computing ID

Your SFU Computing ID replaces the temporary applicant login (student number and temporary password) you used up to now to access the Student Information System as an applicant. It allows you to enroll in classes, and it is your official SFU email account — all SFU-related emails are sent here. It allows you access to campus labs, the SFU modem pool, SFU library services, web publishing facilities, and to unix.

When can I activate my computing ID?
After you pay your $100 deposit, you'll receive an email from Academic Computing Services (ACS) about your computing ID.
If you are starting your studies in the Fall term, you will receive your email in June.

Once you've received the email about your computing ID:

• Wait three days after receiving the email
• Check that your $250 deposit has been processed (the balance in your account summary should read -$250)
• Visit Academic Computing Services: Account Activation
• Click First Time Activation
• Read the terms of use and click I Agree
• Enter your Student Number, birth year/month/date, and click Submit
• Create your password
• Print the confirmation page and/or write down your computing ID and password.

Once your account has been activated, you should use your new permanent computing ID when you log in to the Student Information System.

Haven't received an email from Academic Computing Services?
If you have been admitted and accepted our offer earlier than mid-June for the Fall term, mid-October for the Spring term or mid-February for the Summer term, your ID may not be activated right away. Please check your email again later.

check your SFU emails often

Log in to your SFU email (connect.sfu.ca) often and read your emails. Notices from your professors, classes, and the university administration are sent only to your SFU address.

are you a First Nations student?

Visit the First Nations Students Centre

are you a student with a disability?

We provide information and assistance and ensure accessible campus services for students with disabilities. Visit the Centre for Students with Disabilities

Step 2: Plan and Prepare

plan your undergraduate courses

After attending a Blueprints session, you may still have questions about course planning. Whether you've decided exactly what program you want to pursue or you're still looking at your options, it's important to plan your course selection:

• If you've not yet declared your specialization (major, minor or honors) ...
• If your plans include going to medical or law school in the future ...
• If you are a First Nations student who would like a specialized advisor to help you plan your studies ...

contact an academic advisor through Student Services: Undergraduate Academic Advising.

If you've already declared your major or have been admitted to a cohort program (TechOne, Explorations, Science Year One) at SFU Surrey, you may also see your department/program advisor.

Check out the Academic Advising website for useful tools, such as your first year checklist, program planners, and links to your Faculty's website.

sort out financial aid

Did you know that SFU gives out millions of dollars each year to students in the form of scholarships and bursaries? It's really important to research and apply for all sources of available funding, especially funding which does not need to be paid back such as scholarships and bursaries, as most students pay for their university studies through a combination of careful planning and financial help.

For more information regarding financial assistance, for money saving tips, or to contact Financial Aid and Awards, visit students.sfu.ca/financialaid.

Students in the Certificate for Senior Citizens program

A financial aid opportunity is available to students approved into the Certificate for Senior Citizens program. Please see the application for more information on the eligibility requirements to be considered for this funding.

For questions about this financial aid opportunity, please email us at fiassist@sfu.ca.

know your deadlines

Make sure you know all the SFU deadlines that apply to you. See Deadlines.

Step 3: Enroll in Classes and Pay Tuition

enroll in classes

1. Log into the Student Information System with your computing ID and password.
2. Either look at Account Inquiry in the main window (the "Student Center" or click on Self Service in the left menu and go to Campus Finances to check if your Overall Balance is -$250, which means the $250 has been paid which will allow you to enroll.
3. Check your Enrollment Appointment time, either in the Enrollment Dates box on the right side of the screen or under Enrollment.
4. Check the Class Search / Browse Catalog to see if you have prerequisites for the courses you are planning to enroll in and to check the time, day, and location of your chosen courses.
5. Enroll in classes on or after your Enrollment Appointment date.

You can continue to add or swap classes until the end of the first week.

You may drop classes after enrolling in them, but you should be aware of the potential academic and/or financial penalties, depending on when you drop a course. See deadlines for more information.

Note that students in Surrey cohorts (TechOne, Explorations, Science Year One) are normally expected to be enrolled at a mininum in their cohort core courses for each term of the cohort program. See more information on enrolling in Surrey courses. Please see your cohort advisor if you have any concerns about your enrollment.

After courses are added, swapped, or dropped, always check My Class Schedule to see if those courses were successfully added, swapped, or dropped.

view video tutorials

You can view video tutorials describing many of these tasks, for example, activating your computing ID, enrolling in classes, and making a payment. See Student Tutorials.

pay your tuition

There are several ways you can pay for your tuition and fees after you have registered for classes. The most convenient way to pay is through either online or telephone banking with your bank or credit union. Avoid lineups! For more information see How to Pay Your Fees.

Step 4: Get the Things You Need

library/student ID card

You can get your Library/ID card 24 hours after you have enrolled in a course. You will need to present valid photo ID (for example, government issued ID, driver's license, or high school GoCard). Library/ID cards are produced at any of our three campuses. In addition, see our deadlines page for details on peak card production schedules.

Download the Guide to your SFU Library/ID Card.

textbooks

You can look up what textbooks you will need at my.sfu.ca. Log in using your computing ID and click on a class title to see what textbooks are required. Order your books online from the SFU Bookstore through my.sfu.ca. Books are often in stock before the term starts.

get a free Recreation membership

Get your Recreation membership -- free for most students. This enables you to use the Fitness Centre, Pool, Drop-In Sports and Intramural programs. Information about Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver memberships are available at rec.sfu.ca.

U-Pass (transit pass)

All eligible students receive a U-Pass for unlimited access to public transit around Greater Vancouver. As a new student, if you obtain your Library/ID card five weeks before the start of the term then you will receive your U-Pass in the mail (to your primary mailing address) approximately two weeks before the term begins. New students who miss the deadline to receive the U-Pass in the mail will be able to obtain their U-Pass starting two weeks before the start of the term at any of our three campuses. In addition, see our deadlines page for details on peak card production schedules. After your first term, your U-Pass will be mailed to you for the terms that you are enrolled in eligible classes by the mailout deadline. See U-Pass for more information.

parking pass

SFU Burnaby. Enter the Burnaby parking lottery for a chance to purchase a spot. Parking is extremely limited at Burnaby campus.

SFU Surrey. Enter the Surrey parking lottery for a chance to purchase a decal. Parking is limited at the Surrey campus.

SFU Vancouver. Nearby parking lots include the one beneath the Harbour Centre complex at 515 West Hastings (weeknights only after 6 pm, all day Saturday and Sunday and statutory holidays) and Imperial Parking at 400 West Cordova Street. The Cordova Street lot offers reduced rates after 4:00 pm for students, faculty, and staff with a valid SFU library card or a parking pass available from Continuing Studies. Bicycle racks are also available at this location. Parking on the street is free after 8 pm.

what to do if you experience difficulty

Many new students will find their first term at SFU academically challenging. Some of you may even find yourself having academic difficulty or going on academic probation. In this situation, talk to the people who can help you improve as soon as possible.

Talk to your professor or teaching assistant if you have questions regarding what you learned in class or why you got a particular grade on your exam or term paper.

Make an appointment to see an academic advisor to help you evaluate your situation and find the best solutions for you.

If your study skills need improving, attend a workshop or book a consultation at the Student Learning Commons.

Academic difficulties. If you are having difficulty with your SFU courses, see our advisors who can offer you assistance and advice. You may qualify for withdrawal under extenuating circumstances.

Personal counselling. Visiting with a counsellor may help you to manage the challenges of university life and reach your academic and personal goals with short-term personal counselling, support groups and workshops.

The SFU Food Bank is open to community members in times of need. Visit the Food Bank website for our Burnaby campus location and hours, as well as other community resources.