Next Steps Parent FAQs

Academics

My student's major has a computer requirement. How do I know what to purchase?

Some majors require students to have laptops with minimum specifications. For details, go to the University Catalog, click on your student's college (e.g. College of Aeronautics and Engineering) and reach out to the college via the email address in the "Overview" tab. Students will also be informed of requirements when they attend Destination Kent State (DKS).

When does my student need to complete placement testing?

We recommend that students complete all placement testing prior to arriving at DKS. The links to the placement tests can be found in your student's admissions portal on their personalized student checklist. For more information, please visit the Placement Testing page.

Destination Kent State (DKS)

Do parents or family members need to attend DKS?

We welcome family members and support members to attend orientation. We recognize that they play an important role in student success and want to ensure they’re included. This is a great time for family members to learn more and connect with departments on campus that offer student support throughout the year. There are parts of the orientation program specifically designated for the student and parts of the program specifically designated for the family member.  

For each guest who attends DKS, there will be a $55 fee. This will cover a light breakfast, lunch and dinner that will be provided.

Are parents required to stay overnight if they attend DKS?

Parents are not required to stay overnight, but if they choose to do so, there will be an additional $35 charge to stay in the residence halls. Parents and guests will be separated from students in the residence halls.

Housing

What happens if my student does not select a roommate when submitting their housing application?

If your student does not indicate a roommate on their housing application, they will be assigned one.

When will my student make their room selection?

Depending on when your student submitted their housing application, they will receive a room selection timeslot between May 13 and June 3, 2026. The earlier the application was submitted, the earlier they will receive their slot. 

Students will receive a timeslot to go in and make their room selection. Once your student's timeslot begins, they can log in any time afterwards to select a room. After selecting a room, changes to that selection can be made up until July 2, 2026.

If your student does not make any selections by June 21, 2026, they will be assigned to a room by University Housing.

For more information, please see the Room Selection Process page.

My student was accepted to the Honors College, but their roommate was not. Can they still live together?

Yes. For an Honors College student to live with a non-honors roommate, they must select Centennial B as their preferred residence hall. 

When is move-in day?

Move-in for fall 2026 takes place on Aug. 19 and 20, 2026. For the exact time and day, please refer to the Move-in Schedule page.

If your student needs to move in before their designated time, they may sign up for Early Arrival by logging into the Housing Portal. The request form will be available in the dropdown under “Housing Forms”.

Scholarships

What do we do if my student receives outside scholarships?

All external scholarships must be reported to the university, even if the organization gave the student a check made out to them personally. 

Students can self-report external scholarships in FlashLine by following the steps found on the Report Outside Scholarships page.

What if the scholarship check was sent directly to my student?

Make sure the student's name and Kent State ID Number is written on the check or included with the check. Submit your check using one of the following methods:

• In-person Kent Campus:  Take the scholarship check to the drop box located in Harbourt Hall, 615 Loop Rd, Kent, OH 44242.
• Mail: 
  Kent State University
  Bursar's Office
  P.O. Box 5190
  Kent, Ohio 44242

How does my student receive scholarships from ScholarshipUniverse?

Receiving a scholarship is not guaranteed and scholarships are competitive. That’s why your student should apply to every scholarship they can to increase their chances of receiving additional scholarships.

To get started, your student will need to complete a Student Profile in ScholarshipUniverse. The questions they’ll be asked to answer will help match them to scholarships.

For tips on applying for scholarships and answers to other questions, please visit the ScholarshipUniverse page.