• By August 1 for programs that start in the summer or fall.
• By January 2 for programs that start in the spring.

Read about health requirements for new graduate students and learn more about your health and wellness resources while at Brown. 

Visit Student Health Insurance Website for up to date deadlines.

• Learn about your graduate student insurance coverage while at Brown. Waive coverage if you are currently enrolled in a comparable plan.
• Pre-enrollment step: Follow the instructions in the Action Required email (and reminders) you will receive from Brown's insurance broker, Haylor, Freyer, & Coon. 

SAS coordinates and facilitates services for students with medical, physical, psychological, and learning disabilities and is available to meet with any student who may be wondering if they have a disability and seek accommodation.

Deadline: Upon acceptance

Deadline

• By August 1 (earlier if possible) for programs that start in the summer and fall
• By December 4 for programs that start in the spring

Visit the Applicant and Student section on Banner to submit a photo for your Brown Identification Card. 

Deadlines

• By August 1 for the fall semester
• By January 1 for the spring semester

University Bursar

The University Bursar is responsible for handling all billing questions. For information, deadlines, or forms related to tuition, billing, payment plans and refund policies, please visit the Bursar’s website. See especially the student account and billing information and E-Bill and Payment Guide.

Deadlines

• By September 6 for programs that start in the summer and fall
• By January 24 for programs that start in the spring

Online Course

Complete the online course on Academic Code & Code of Student Conduct as soon as you receive the links in your Brown email.

Start the I-9 Form process (if you will be receiving a stipend), which can be initiated in Workday. If needed, see instructions for completing the I-9. 

Check out the pages on Visitor Accommodations, Parking, Maps & Directions before you arrive.

Deadlines

As soon as you receive instructions to activate, or:

• By June 1 for degree programs that start in September
• By January 1 for degree programs that start in January

Check your personal email for instructions to activate your Brown account and email with your Brown ID number. For issues, see the IT Knowledgebase or contact the Office of Information Technology Service Center.

After Activation we Recommend

1. Add a mobile number to Banner. This allows you to reset your Brown password should you forget it, and also ensures you are notified should an emergency occur at Brown. To do this, log in to selfservice.brown.edu and click Personal Information.
2. Log in to your email. You can simply visit gmail.com and enter your Brown email address; you’ll be prompted to log in with Brown single sign on.
3. Setup Two-Step Verification. The first time you log in to a Brown service like Banner, you will be prompted to set up a means of verification, such as a phone number. You can log into MyAccount after setup to add additional devices or phone numbers. Read more about two-step verification at brown.edu/go/twostep

International Students
International numbers are acceptable and they should be entered with a + in front of the country code. If you don't plan to get a US cell phone once in the country, you can use the smartphone app (Duo Mobile) over wifi or without a connection.

Read Financing Graduate School and check out other resources at the Office of Financial Aid.

Explore Housing Options

Housing Webinar

Watch the 2025 Incoming Student Housing Webinar hosted by the Graduate Student Council on May 5, 2025.

Read more about Brown University Graduate School: Deans and staff, governance, where we are on social media, and the Graduate Student Council.

Complete F-1/J-1 New Student Registration online

Newly arrived students in Initial F-1 or J-1 status will need to complete and submit the “New Student Registration” request on the Requests and Documents Tab within their OISSS Gateway account to activate their F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record to maintain valid F/J Immigration status. See the Student Arrival Checklist for further steps upon arrival to campus.

• Deadline: Upon arrival to the U.S. | Location: Online

Social Security

If you are receiving funding from Brown, apply for a Social Security card; provide your Social Security number to the Payroll office.

• Deadline: approximately 10 days - two weeks after arrival. 

Additional information for international students

Brown Card Office

Visit the Brown Card Office (check website for hours before going), Page-Robinson Hall, room 511. Learn about Brown ID Card services.

Deadline: August 31

• Look for an email from Brown's insurance broker, Haylor, Frey, & Coon, for complete instructions.

Deadline

• By September 1

Complete Form

Complete the forms online through the Workday. 

Tips

• On the right-hand side of the page, select "Workday Access".  Once logged in, check your Workday inbox for required tasks to complete.
• Staff at the HR Business Center can also help students review their records and assist with the completion of these forms.

Deadline

• By September 8 for fall starts
• By January 19 for spring starts

I-9

Complete the I-9 Form process (if you will be receiving a stipend), which can be initiated in Workday before arriving on campus and completed at the HR Service Center, Page-Robinson Hall, room 213. If needed, see instructions for completing the I-9. Also, see a list of acceptable documents.

Meet the program leadership, administrators, and your advisor. Consult with your advisor prior to registering for courses.

• See When to Register & Late Fees webpage on the Registrar's website
• Register online for courses through CAB (Courses@Brown).
• Check out the Registrar's website for a calendar with important dates and deadlines and registration information.

Review the Important Dates & Deadlines for Graduate Students.

The Childcare Subsidy award provides doctoral and MFA students up to $6,000 per child (up to 3 children), ages 0-6, per household and up to $3,000 per child age 7-13. Learn more.

Deadline: mid-October (look for a September announcement) for the following year. Applications received after the deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis.