What you need to know

You become an MIT student at the start of your first term, or if you are a returning student, the term in which you are readmitted. You will retain regular student status until graduation, unless you withdraw or are disqualified, provided that you are properly registered and up-to-date with your financial obligations.

Some key points to remember:

  • Missed deadlines, such as those for registration or pre-registration, are subject to fines.
  • You do not have to register for January’s Independent Activities Period (IAP) to retain your student status between fall and spring terms.
  • You are not a student if you are not registered and will have no student privileges.

Fall and spring terms

To maintain student status for the fall and spring terms, you must:

  • complete pre-registration according to our instructions.
  • pay all Institute and Fraternity, Sorority, or Independent Living Group charges when due, or make satisfactory alternative arrangements with Student Financial Services or the FSILG.
  • complete and submit your registration to be approved by your advisor or registration officer by the end of the second week of the term.

Summer term

If you are not registered during the summer but have not graduated or withdrawn from MIT, you are still considered a continuing student. However, graduate students doing research or thesis work during the summer must register for the summer session in accordance with Graduate Policies & Procedures.