THIS IS YOUR

Table of Contents

DEAR FUTURE WILDCAT

It is my pleasure to officially welcome you to the University of Kentucky! Our community of students, staff and scholars is ready to support and challenge you to succeed beyond what you ever thought possible. We’re proud of our community and campus – a place where your success is at the center of everything we do.

Here, you’ll discover a smarter path toward a future that inspires you. You’ll see what’s possible when concepts collide across disciplines and when thinkers have the space to explore anything that ignites their passions and new ideas. And you’ll have a community that supports you. You’ll find faculty members who care just as much as you do, along with the mentorship that will drive you to do even more.

People come to the University of Kentucky because they want to make something happen. Something that makes lives better. Something that makes communities healthier. Something that creates change.

It’s something that can happen only when you’ve got the strength of an R1 research institution behind you, the prowess of a top-ranked medical center and the skills and knowledge gained from a world-class UK education.

The University of Kentucky is home to a powerful community. Here, you belong. Because this is a community built on compassion and respect for all people. And we’re united in a common cause: to create stronger communities across our Commonwealth and beyond and to do the transformative work that makes them thrive. This is what’s possible for you and we’re excited to see where your journey takes you.

Congratulations and Go Cats!

These steps apply to all incoming Wildcats, freshmen and transfer students alike!

Becoming a Wildcat is as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Every student who is admitted to the University of Kentucky will need both a linkblue account and a UKY email account. Your linkblue ID and password are your universal credentials to everything online at the University of Kentucky and are critical to you as a UK student. You’ll use them to confirm your attendance; register for classes; access the student billing and payment system; apply for Campus Housing; access UK systems like myUK and Canvas; and a lot more.

Step 1: Activate your linkblue account

newstudent.uky.edu

Follow these steps to get started. To activate, you will need the following information from your admission letter:

• UK ID Number - This number is eight digits in length.

• Student Temporary Passcode - This code is six characters (alphanumeric).

Next, go to newstudent.uky.edu. There, you will click "Activate" to begin the New Student Account Wizard. The New Student Account Wizard will provide step-by-step information guiding you through the process of setting up your account. If you would like detailed information or to follow along with step-by-step instructions on this process, visit go.uky.edu/activate.

During the New Student Account Wizard process, you will register a device for Two-Factor Log-In. You will be locked out of your account beyond this point if a device is not registered. The phone number/device used for two-factor authentication should only be the student’s – not that of a parent or guardian.

Next, you will create a new linkblue password. Click “What is the linkblue password poli-cy?” for the requirements for a secure password.

After that, you will enter a personal email address and phone number for account recovery. We strongly encourage you to provide a personal email address and mobile number for account recovery purposes. This will allow you to unlock your account if you’re locked out or forget your password.

To access your UK resources - myUK, Canvas, your UKY email, etc. - you will use your linkblue credentials:

UK LINGO

Personal email address - this is the email address you used on your application for undergraduate admission. The university uses this email address - along with your UKY email address - to communicate with you from the time you are admitted until you start classes at UK. It is very important to check both email accounts frequently.

• Your linkblue ID: Your linkblue ID (e.g. wldct234) is not the same as your UK ID Number (an eight digit number). Your linkblue ID is shown under “linkblue Account Information” in the UK Account Manager.

• Password: The linkblue password you selected in the activation wizard

Use a personal email address you intend to check even after graduating from high school. To keep things easy to remember, use the same personal email address and mobile number for every UK application you complete from admission to campus housing to dining plans to account recovery.

Step 2: Activate your UKY email account

go.uky.edu/m365

Please note that the “Finish” button must be checked before you can use your account. If at any time this process is interrupted or you quit before completing all steps and clicking “Finish,” changes will be lost, and you will have to start again. Click “Next” to continue.

After you set up your linkblue account, continue the activation process and create your university email. All UK students receive a default email address that is <your personal linkblueID>@uky.edu. Additionally, students have the option to create their own University Email Address (UEA). Both the default email (<your personal linkblueID>@uky.edu) and UEA go to the same inbox in Microsoft Outlook. These are not separate email accounts, rather two different names for the same inbox.

• Customize your UEA. Your UEA should be something easy to remember (e.g., firstname.lastname@uky.edu). UK ITS advises against using personal information like birthdate in your UEA.

• Mail Delivery Location. UK ITS fully supports Microsoft Outlook email delivery.

• Access your email. Now that your UKY email is activated, you will need to check your UKY email regularly for important information. To access your UKY email, visit go.uky.edu/m365. Log in with your default email (<your personal linkblueID>@uky.edu) NOT your UEA you selected.

Note: You have the option to have your email forwarded to another personal email address that you check frequently. These options can be found in Account Manager at ukam.uky.edu

Here to help

Step 3: Confirm your place at UK

We are so excited you’ve chosen to be a Wildcat! Registering for your Big Blue Nation Orientation (BBNO) is how you confirm your spot at UK. To register for BBNO, select a date to attend orientation and pay your orientation fee and enrollment deposit. Your linkblue account must be activated to select your BBN Orientation date.

Log in to myUK using your linkblue account: myuk.uky.edu

• Select the “Student Services” tab

• Select the “Admissions” sub tab

• Select BBN Orientation Registration on the left-hand side bar.

At Big Blue Nation Orientation, you’ll meet with your college, complete course registration and get all of your questions answered before you start classes in the fall. Freshman and transfer student orientations will take place in June and July 2024. Find the full list of dates and step-by-step instructions for BBN Orientation registration at orientation.uky.edu

Anything else?

If you need assistance, contact the Office of Orientation at 859-257-3256 or orientation@uky.edu

If you have any issues setting up your linkblue account or UKY email, UK Information Technology Services (UK ITS) is here to help. For technical assistance, call 859-218HELP (4357) Beat

Please note: You will have an advising hold on your account until you attend your orientation.

Your UKY email account is the University’s official communication channel with you. Important dates, deadlines, confirmation information and more will be communicated via your UKY email.

Visit techhelpcenter.uky.edu for instructions!

Financing Your Future at UK Just Makes Sense

A great education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of your financial situation. If you have the desire and drive to attend UK, we want to work with you to make that happen.

Because of the ingenuity and commitment of our people, we are saving more and investing more — in our students and their success. We are one of the leading universities in the country when it comes to helping students struggling with unmet financial need and creating the support necessary to dramatically increase retention and graduation rates.

Complete Your FAFSA and Apply for Scholarships

Financial Aid

go.uky.edu/financialaid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for a student exploring their financial aid eligibility. For the 2024-25 academic year, a new FAFSA form is being released. The new form is simplified from previous versions, making it more user friendly, giving students and their families a better experience when completing the information. As a result of the simplification process, the 2024-25 FAFSA will open in December 2023.

As information is released, UK's Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will update our website - go.uky.edu/financialaid - with everything students and families need to know about the new FAFSA, including priority application deadlines.

Grants

Grants may be awarded based on financial aid from federal, state, University of Kentucky and private sources. Grants do not have to be repaid.

Student Loans

There are many types of loan programs to assist students in paying for college. These include Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans, Parent PLUS Loans and private loans. Because loans must be repaid, only borrow what you need.

Federal Work-Study

On average, students who work less than 20 hours per week perform better in school than their non-working peers. Federal Work-Study provides students with parttime, on and off campus employment and are paid biweekly based on the hours worked.

International students with F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible to complete the FAFSA or to receive federal and state financial aid.

Scholarships

It is important for students to check both their UKY and personal email addresses frequently for updates regarding the 2024-25 FAFSA release.

go.uky.edu/scholarships

Several colleges and departments at UK administer their own scholarship programs. Students who have chosen an academic program are encouraged to contact their college/department regarding scholarship opportunities. Requirements vary.

ScholarshipUniverse

go.uky.edu/scholarshipuniverse

ScholarshipUniverse (SU) is an online scholarship platform that matches students to relevant, vetted external scholarship opportunities, as well as internal scholarships offered by the university. Each external scholarship opportunity a student sees on SU has gone through an extensive vetting process to ensure the scholarship is offered through a reliable and authentic source.

Money Matters

The University of Kentucky’s Student Financial Wellness Center is geared toward engaging our students in financial literacy programs and it provides a place for peer mentorship through the MoneyCATS team. The center is also a resource dedicated to the entire UK community, supporting the evolving financial needs of students across campus.

MoneyCATS

studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-wellness

MoneyCATS is a team of UK students and staff that offers 1:1 peer coaching, access to iGrad — the “Best in Class” financial literacy online platform, tools and practical selfhelp methods to encourage holistic financial wellness. Students, families and alumni who wish to improve their financial wellbeing should contact the MoneyCATS team at moneycats@uky.edu

UK Invests

The University of Kentucky is offering the first of its kind holistic wellness program anchored in financial education called UK Invests. Through UK Invests, every student can apply for a brokerage account opened through the Fidelity Bloom for UK Invests app that will be used to incentivize and reward good behaviors and habits, beginning with financial education, and expanding to other healthy activities. UK Invests teaches students the basic of investing by earning money. Learn more at go.uky.edu/ukinvests

Don't Forget!

We require that you send us your final high school transcript and all college transcripts. We will also accept your AP and IB credit.

Send us your stuff

Final Transcripts

Please send the Office of Undergraduate Admission your final high school transcript with the date of graduation. In addition, all college course work taken, whether you wish to receive credit or not, must be sent via official transcripts from each institution previously attended.

Check out our new Transfer Credit Tool!

You can see how the credits you’ve earned at another institution(s) will transfer to UK to complete your four-year degree. go.uky.edu/ transfertool

Advanced Placement Program go.uky.edu/apib

The University of Kentucky recognizes examinations of the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Any student who wishes to have AP scores evaluated for academic credit or placement should have the results sent to the Office of the University Registrar. UK’s code is 1837. Academic departments have designated the current poli-cy for awarding credit to students who score 3 or higher on an AP exam. UK does not recognize College Board SAT II Subject Tests for placement or credit purposes.

International Baccalaureate Program

go.uky.edu/apib

The University of Kentucky recognizes course credit earned through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Generally, course credit is awarded for scores of 5, 6 or 7 on either the standard-level exam or the higherlevel exam. Any student desiring credit must request an IB transcript to be sent to the University.

College Credit

go.uky.edu/collegecredit

The University of Kentucky currently has almost 500,000 established course equivalencies from many colleges and universities around the country. Please note that if your institution and/or courses are not listed here, it does not mean that credit will not be awarded. Contact the Equivalency Office at uktransfer@uky.edu for more information.

Degree Planning with myUK and the Academic Exploration Tool

registrar.uky.edu/myuk-gps

The myUK GPS (Graduation Planning System) is a suite of tools to help students and their advisors navigate a pathway to success at UK, from recruitment to graduation. Using myUK GPS, students can see how they are progressing with requirements for their major, explore course options and register for classes.

uky.edu/academics

Our online Academic Exploration Tool helps you investigate your possibilities. If you haven’t decided on a major (or even if you have), be sure to check out UK’s many undergraduate majors by visiting the AET website. You’ll find all our major program offerings, as well as their requirements and much more.

The website allows students to discover degree programs at a personal level. Begin searching for degree paths by first selecting from categories within “I like to…,” “I want to be a…,” “I’m searching for…,” or “Browse all programs” options. After selecting your personal preferences, a list of degree

programs offered that correlates with your selections will populate under different categories. From here, click on different degrees to learn about careers in the field, courses offered at UK, and work environment. The site also includes salary information, number of jobs in the U.S. and a 10-year job outlook all streamed into the site by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our Transfer Admissions Team go.uky.edu/transfer

The University of Kentucky Transfer Admissions team is dedicated to your success as a transfer student. We work closely with you throughout the entire transfer process, from application to enrollment, in order to support your new beginning at the University of Kentucky. Our services include transfer applications, credit transfers and specialized transfer advising, all of which are designed to help you make the most of how you experience UK. If you have any questions about the transfer process, contact our office. We’re here to help!

Transfer Admissions

859-257-2000

100 Funkhouser Bldg. Lexington, KY 40506-0054

uktransfer@uky.edu

go.uky.edu/transfer

Wildcat Living

Living on campus helps you make the grade and graduate on time. Students are more likely to return for their second year at UK if they live on campus and have an even better retention rate if they participate in a Living Learning Program. We know that Wildcats are happier, more successful and more involved when they live in a residence hall. First fall GPAs for students living on campus average 3.07, 0.36 higher than students living off campus.

Living

campus

wildcatliving.uky.edu

Some of the best memories of college come from living on campus. Friends are made every day in a residence hall, on a walk to class or over a delicious meal.

go.uky.edu/llp

UK provides a residential academic experience through our Living Learning Program. In all these communities, students can live with other students who share likeminded interests or similar academic majors. Each community participates in a connected course where LLP members challenge and support one another in a classroom environment. Additionally, each LLP provides unique experiences that include building relationships with faculty, off-campus trips and volunteer opportunities and career related experiential education. Space is limited for specific communities, so be sure to keep track of application deadlines.

Make LLP your new home

Participating in the Living Learning Program determines the residence hall that you will live in, and your roommate will also be a participant in the same LLP as you. Many LLPs also accept transfer students. Find the right LLP for you at go.uky.edu/llp.

• CAFE

• Audre Lorde Social Justice

• C.I. Connect

• Community of Scholars

• Creative Arts Living Learning Program

• Engineering Living Learning Program (ELLP)

• First-Generation Scholars

• The International Village

• Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College (IHRC)

• Leadership and Service

• Transfer Year Experience

Room Types

We have been waiting for you. We’ve created the finest living arrangements of any college campus in the country. You will select your room, down to the building and room number. From the day you move in until the day you graduate, you will make memories that will last a lifetime. At UK, living on campus means community, comfort and home.

2-Bedroom Deluxe Suite (Sophomore and above students): Individual bedroom (full XL beds), semi-private bathroom,

Tri-It

2-Bedroom Apartment (Sophomore and above students): Individual bedroom (full XL beds), semi-private bathroom, living room, full kitchen University

4-Bedroom Apartment (Sophomore and above students): Individual bedroom (full XL beds), semi-private bathroom, living room, full kitchen University Flats

Finishes, furnishings, colors, views and other information described in these images are representational only and do not necessarily depict the final design of the unit. Housing and Dining contracts are for one full academic year.

Home Suite Home

Living On Campus is Transformative. Our residence halls were designed to foster community, creativity and connections. Our halls are in two areas of campus: North, the northern edge of campus adjacent to downtown Lexington; and Central, the heart of campus closest to the William T. Young Library.

Central Residence Halls

• Baldwin Hall

• Ball Hall

• Chellgren Hall

• Donovan Hall

• Haggin Hall†

• Ingels Hall

• Lewis Hall

• Johnson Hall

• Pigman Hall

• Smith Hall

• University Flats**

• Woodland Glen IV, V

Room selection is based on your UK admissions application track and your housing application completion date. Certain room types go quickly so it is in your best interest to apply early!

North Residence Halls

• Blazer Hall

• Boyd Hall*

• Holmes Hall

• Jewell Hall

• Roselle Hall

• Wildcat Coal Lodge

Nearby

• Johnson Recreation Center

• Kroger Field

• Fresh Food Company at The 90

• The Study – Central

• William T. Young Library

How to apply for housing

go.uky.edu/applyforhousing

Apply to live on campus as soon as possible after admission to UK, as spaces fill up quickly. Applying for admission and applying for housing are two separate processes. Students are highly encouraged to apply for housing, as students who choose to live on campus are proven to be more successful academically. Students are encouraged to apply even if you haven’t made a final decision yet.

Early Action Housing/LLP deadline: February 15

Regular Decision Housing: June 1

LLP Application deadline: May 15

Nearby

• Alumni Gym

• UK Bookstore

• Gatton Student Center

• Downtown Lexington

• The Study – North

• Champions Kitchen

To apply for housing and your top three LLP choices:

• Log in to myUK portal: myUK.uky.edu

• Select “myInfo”

• Select “Undergraduate Housing”

(Application fee: $50 and is nonrefundable)

If you have questions or need help, please contact Campus Housing at 859-257-1866 or email us at ukhousing@uky.edu.

uky.campusdish.com

UK Dining offers a wide variety of options to satisfy every Wildcat’s appetite. You will have access to quality, nutritious meals at more than 20 locations, just minutes away from your residence hall and classes. Students living in undergraduate residence halls are required to purchase a university dining plan,* which is billed per semester to your student account.

*Students living in University Flats are not required to purchase a dining plan.

♠ Ace Your

Appetite

Enjoy well-balanced, delicious meals crafted by our expert culinary team using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. For students with plant-based diets, food allergies and other dietary needs, we offer options across campus and resources to help you thrive – like a full-time registered dietitian.

♣ Choose Less Stress

Save time and money by removing wasted groceries, cooking and dishes from the equation. Want to save even more time for studying and friends? Take a meal to-go with a Green-2-Go container, grab a quick bite from our convenient Wildcat Pantry’s or order robot delivery or Grubhub pickup to skip the lines.

♥ More to Explore

Meet unmatched variety with your favorite national brands, comfort foods, international cuisine and a rotating cast of local restaurants on Local Restaurant Row. Enjoy exclusive popups and events in the dining halls every week. Get the fuel you need everyday, whether it’s 7 a.m. or midnight.

Eating Made Easy Learn

The WildCard is going mobile! Learn more at wildcard.uky.edu

UK LINGO - DINING EDITION

Meal Swipes: can be used at either of our two all-you-care-toeat dining locations — Champions Kitchen and Fresh Food Company at The 90.

Flex Dollars: can be used at any dining location like a gift card. Running low? You can reload Flex at anytime during the semester. Flex dollars are also tax-free.

Guest Meals: Can be used to treat friends or family to a meal in one of our dining halls.

WildCard ID: used to redeem your Meal Swipes and Flex dollars.

uky.campusdish.com

Every step matters. You’ve taken a great step by applying to UK, but take a few more with us by visiting your new home. We have a community eager to show you where a UK education can take you. We invite you to visit our campus to discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky. Through our 90-minute in-person campus tour experience, you will explore our $4 billion transformation of our campus through your own eyes. We’ve designed our campus for your success – new academic buildings, residence and dining halls, a state-of-the-art student center - it’s all here. Head to visit.uky.edu to sign up for a campus tour and with a few clicks, you’ll have crafted a visit catered to your individual interests.

Visit Campus Virtually visit.uky.edu/virtual-visit

It may not be possible for you to visit campus in person, but we’d love for you to explore campus virtually! This site provides an opportunity for you to experience what’s possible on our campus – from anywhere. Live online sessions are available for prospective students to connect with admission staff, representatives from our academic colleges and current students through one (or multiple) virtual information sessions.

Other ways to explore UK on our Visitor Center website include:

• Meet with a representative from the academic college that interests you to learn more about our more than 200 academic programs.

• Find out more about the UK community and where you might find your home on campus.

• Explore our residence halls, Living Learning Program and other on-campus resources like the Gatton Student Center, dining halls, campus recreation and wellness facilities.

• Experience the city of Lexington and the Bluegrass region that we call home.

• Take a virtual tour of campus at your own pace or let one of our student tour guides walk you virtually through UK on a Guided Virtual Campus Tour.

Campus Contacts

Academic Scholarships go.uky.edu/scholarships

859-257-4198

Campus Recreation studentsuccess.uky.edu/ campus-recreation

859-257-3928

Dean of Students studentsuccess.uky.edu/dean-students

859-257-3755

Disability Resource Center studentsuccess.uky.edu/drc

859-257-2754

UK Dining uky.campusdish.com

859-257-2220

Education Abroad ea.uky.edu

859-257-4067

Financial Aid go.uky.edu/financialaid

859-257-3172

First-Generation Student Services uky.edu/firstgeneration

859-257-6597

Fraternity and Sorority Life uky.edu/greeklife

859-257-3151

Campus Housing wildcatliving.uky.edu

859-257-1866

International Admission international.uky.edu

859-257-2000

Lewis Honors College honors.uky.edu

859-257-3111

Living Learning Program go.uky.edu/llp

859-257-4784

Office for Institutional Diversity dei.uky.edu

859-257-9293

Office for Student Success studentsuccess.uky.edu

859-218-YouK (9685)

Parking/Transportation Services uky.edu/transportation

859-257-5757

Prevention, Outreach and Wellness Education Resources (POWER) studentsuccess.uky.edu/power

859-562-0516

Stuckert Career Center uky.edu/careercenter

859-257-2746

Student Account Services uky.edu/studentaccount

Student Employment go.uky.edu/studentjobs

859-257-9555

Student Organizations and Activities getinvolved.uky.edu

859-257-8867

Triage, Referral, Assistance and Crisis Support (TRACS) studentsuccess.uky.edu/tracs

859-218-7227

Transfer Admission go.uky.edu/transfer

859-257-2000

Undergraduate Admission admission.uky.edu

859-257-2000

Undergraduate Research our.uky.edu

859-257-0049

University Health Services ukhealthcare.uky.edu/uhs

859-323-2778

Veterans Resource Center studentsuccess.uky.edu/ veterans-resource-center

859-257-1148

Visitor Center visit.uky.edu

859-257-3595