Pay close attention to dates for financial aid, on-campus housing and new student orientation, called Destination Kent State (DKS). 

New First-Year Students Entering in the Fall 2026 Semester

• Oct. 1, 2025 – The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens.
• Jan. 14, 2026 – On-campus housing application opens in your admissions portal.
• Jan. 14, 2026 – Student orientation called Destination Kent State (DKS) registration opens in your admissions portal.
• Feb. 1, 2026 – Deadline to submit the FAFSA to qualify for the best financial aid offer.
• May 1, 2026 – Priority date to submit the enrollment fee and commit to Kent State.
• Aug. 20-21, 2026 – Residence hall move-in begins.
• Aug. 21-23, 2026 – KSU Kickoff.
• Aug. 24, 2026 – Fall classes begin.

New First-Year Students Entering in the Spring 2026 Semester

• November 2024 – The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens.
• Oct. 1, 2025 – Student orientation called Destination Kent State (DKS) registration opens.
• Oct. 1, 2025 – On-campus housing application opens.
• Jan. 11, 2026 - Residence hall move-in begins.
• Jan. 12, 2026 – Spring classes begin.