Step-by-step guide: how to enrol at university for the first time

Congratulations! You’ve passed the entrance exams, you’ve suffered the wait for the admissions lists and you’ve finally seen your name next to the word "Accepted" for the degree you wanted. Take a deep breath and celebrate, because the hardest part is over.

However, just when you thought you could go swimming, you’re faced with the "last hurdle" of your pre-university summer: the dreaded bureaucracy. Dealing with a university's virtual platform for the first time, understanding what ECTS credits are and compiling documents can be a bit chaotic.

Don’t panic. So that you don't forget anything (and don't lose your place because of an oversight), here’s the definitive guide with the exact steps to formalise your first university enrolment.

Step-by-step guide to stress-free enrolment

The process is 100% online at most universities, so make sure you have a good internet connection and follow these tips:

• Keep an eye on your "appointment" or strict deadline: when you’re accepted, the university assigns you specific days (and sometimes even an exact time) to enter the portal and enrol. If you miss the deadline, they’ll understand that you’re give up your place and it will be given to the next person on the waiting list. Set an alarm!
• Get your documents ready: you’ll need to have at hand (and scanned) your DNI or NIE on both sides, a recent passport-sized photograph, the document that certifies your admission grade (the University Entrance Exam Card) and the bank account number (IBAN) where you’re going to direct debit your payments.
• Apply your discounts: if you’re entitled to discounts, now’s the time to indicate it. Have your Large Family certificate, your disability certificate or proof if you got Matrícula de Honor at high school (which is free for the first year!).
• Apply for the MEC grant: when you enrol, the system will ask you if you’re going to apply for the Ministry grant. Check "Yes". This means that, for the time being, you won’t have to pay the tuition fees until a decision is made on whether or not you’ll be awarded the grant (you’ll only have to pay a small secretarial fee).
• Understand ECTS credits: you’ll see that you’re not enrolling for "5 subjects", but for credits. A full first-year course is usually equivalent to 60 ECTS credits (typically about 10 subjects of 6 credits each). Select all first-year compulsory and core subjects.

Key decisions you’ll have to make during the process

More than just uploading documents, the platform will force you to make some important decisions. Consider the following before clicking the "Confirm" button:

• Single payment or payment in instalments: you don't have to pay the whole tuition fee at once. Universities allow you to pay by direct debit in several instalments (usually between 4 and 8 monthly instalments). Choose the option that is most convenient for your family.
• Choice of timetables and groups: in many schools, the order of enrolment determines who chooses whether to attend in the morning or afternoon. If you enrol quickly, you’ll have a better chance of getting the timetable you prefer.
• "Conditional enrolment": What happens if you’ve been accepted for your second choice (e.g. in Seville), but you’re still on the waiting list for your first choice at another university? You must enrol in the one you’ve been accepted to so as not to lose your place, but you must check the box indicating that you’re waiting to improve your award. If you then enter your first choice, that enrolment is cancelled.
• Save the receipt: when you finish, the system will generate a PDF (enrolment receipt). Keep it safe on your computer because it is the official proof that you’re now a university student.

The other "enrolment" you need (and why it’s urgent)

Enrolling for university is compulsory, but choosing where you will live is what will really define your experience for the next nine months.

If you’ve had to enrol in cities with such high demand as Seville, Pamplona, Salamanca, Valencia or Barcelona, you should know that the clock is ticking. While you’re struggling with the university platform, hundreds of students are already looking for accommodation.

The good news is that, unlike university paperwork, booking your accommodation with Canvas Student is a quick and painless process. Securing your room with us right now guarantees you:

• Peace of mind for you and your family: no more stressful searching for old flats, signing complicated contracts, or getting your electricity and Wi-Fi connected. At Canvas Student, everything is included in a fixed monthly payment. No surprises.
• Top facilities for when the course starts: you're going to need a lot of concentration for those 60 ECTS credits. That's why you'll have quiet study rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and to unwind: gym, cinema and games areas, at your disposal.
• Networking from day one: you'll meet people from other degree courses and places in the world from minute one, creating an amazing network of contacts and friends.

The paperwork's over. Now comes the best part. Check out the Canvas Student website, explore our halls of residence and lock down the place where you're going to live the best year of your life. See you in September!