Incoming Students

What You Need to Know

• Financial Aid

  Make sure you've read our section on Financial Assistance. It's important that you understand the costs of a VMD and the financial support you can get.

  Learn more about Costs and Financial Assistance...

• Student Services

  Campus Express: With Campus Express, you can access the most essential student services from one central website.

  For security purposes, you will need a Penn ID, or Penn Card, to access certain buildings and facilities both at Penn Vet and at Penn. More information will be provided directly by the Office for Students regarding PennCards and  the Penn ID Center.

• Housing

  Off-Campus Services at the University of Pennsylvania is a resource to help members of the community, including all undergraduate and graduate students, staff and faculty. Visit Off-Campus Services at UPenn to get a sense of what's next. 

  Search for rental listings offered by Penn's Off-Campus Services - https://offcampushousing.upenn.edu/. It's a great way to get acquainted with housing options in Philadelphia and the campus area.

• Student Health Services
  • The University of Pennsylvania requires all incoming students to be immunized against certain diseases and to submit this information to the Student Health Service Immunization Compliance Office.  You must submit immunization history before you matriculate.  This is a multi-step process and the deadline for submission is July 1.

    The following is important information from Student Health Services regarding this compliance and submission of health forms (immunization record and medical history).
    
    An overview of the immunization requirements including links to all instructions, documents, and a FAQ is located on the Wellness at Penn website. You will also fin instructions for submitting your Immunization History.
    

    Veterinary Students should complete the NON-HEALTHCARE STUDENTS form.  Please read the instructions carefully.

    You can leave the Student ID# line blank (it should have been included in your Pennkey Set Up Code letter), but just make sure you include your full name and date of birth.

    You will need to use your PennKey and Password to enter your immunization history.  Please contact the SHS Immunization Office if you need any help. Please do not return this information to the Veterinary School.  Submission of these health forms is a University requirement.  If these forms are not submitted, or are incomplete, the University will place you on hold and not permit us to register you as a student.  We strongly advise you to keep a copy of your immunization form for your records.

    If you have questions regarding the immunization requirement or completing your history, please contact the Immunization Office directly at 215-746-3535 or via secure message at https://shs.upenn.edu.

  • Student Health Insurance: All students must have some form of health insurance or the University will block your registration. University health insurance and enrollment/waiver information are generally mailed directly to each student in early summer.  Open enrollment/waiver begins on July 1 via the Penn Portal.  Please visit the Insurance Office for further information.
    
    If you do not receive information or have questions,  please call the Insurance Office directly at (215) 746-4200.

• What You Need to Get Started
  • Certification of Rabies Vaccinations: You must be inoculated against rabies. You will need to complete and return the Certification of Rabies Vaccinations (PDF) by August 1. Rabies immunization is extremely important as southeastern Pennsylvania is an endemic area of raccoon rabies which is beginning to spill over into the dog, cat, horse, and cow population. Incoming students will be provided with detailed information regarding vaccinations via direct email in May of 2022 from the Office for Students.
  • Computing Information: The Penn Vet IT Group provides a wide array of technology services and technical support for the students, staff, and faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine. All Penn Vet students are provided with an email account and class mailing list services, personal network storage, antivirus software, Web portal access to academic and administrative services, access to digital curriculum, Help Desk support, network wireless connectivity throughout our campuses, and access to computing lab facilities. Penn Vet students also receive support from University IT staff in addition to support and services delivered through Penn Vet. Download the Computing Information (PDF).  
  • Please complete and submit your Class of 2026 Class Notes.  Instructions regarding this form will be provided to incoming students via direct email in May of 2022 from the Office for Students.
  • Microscope Information:  Microscopes will not be required for first year year students for the 2022-2023 academic year.  Requirements for second year students have not yet been determined for the 2023-24 academic year. All students will be notified once information about this is available.
    
  • Anatomy Lab Supplies: Disposable gloves - Nitrile recommended.
    Dissection kit to include: a number 4 GERMAN-MADE handle, a good supply of number 21 or 22 blades, a rat-toothed forceps and a blunt stainless-steel probe. Tingley Over-Shoe Boots - detailed information will be emailed by the Office for Students.
  • Other Supplies -Good quality stethoscope, timing device, coveralls, khakis and polo shirt, Tingley Over-Shoe Boots, long white general use lab coat - detailed information will be emailed by the Office for Students.
    
  • Other course-related information and supplies will be posted by June 2022.
  • Orientation Schedule:
    • Tuesday, Aug. 23, Wednesday, Aug. 24, Thursday, Aug.25, 2022.
      First Day of Class is Monday, Aug. 29, 2022.
  • Class hour-plans will be finalized by mid-August. The tentative 2022-2023 Academic Year Calendar will be posted in May 2022.
    

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