University of Kentucky Countdown to Kentucky

Countdown to Kentucky #UK2030's Official Source for all Things UK

Welcome to Countdown to Kentucky #2 (C2KY), you’re getting closer ... and we’ve got you covered.

In just a few weeks, you'll unpack your room, meet your roommate, find your favorite spot on campus and officially become part of the Big Blue Nation. Every week you get closer to your Big Blue Move-In day, and we're here to make sure you're ready without feeling overwhelmed.

This week's Countdown to Kentucky is packed with everything you need right now, from planning your residence hall room to getting a sneak peek at K Week, learning about campus resources and hearing advice from current Wildcats who were in your shoes not long ago.

Take a few minutes to read through it. Future you will be glad you did.

Image of a lightbulb, and a quote saying "tip of the day"

With all the excitement, there’s also plenty of opinions, advice and "must-know" tips showing up on social media, in group chats and from well-meaning friends and family. Some of it will be helpful. Some of it won't.

Remember, when you have questions, rely on official university emails like this one and information found on uky.edu websites.

We'll help you stay on track, avoid unnecessary stress and make sure you're ready when it's finally time to move to campus.

This Week's Top To-Dos

🪪 Get your WildCard mobile ID ready
🛏️ Start planning your residence hall room with your roommate
🎉 Mark your calendar for K Week (Aug. 19-23)

Your Key to Campus

Think of your WildCard ID as your passport to campus life. From opening residence hall doors to grabbing meals and accessing campus resources, you'll use it almost every day. Be sure to submit your photo and activate your WildCard mobile ID before arriving on campus.

COMPLETE YOUR WILDCARD ID HERE

Overhead view of the newly built dorm on Central campus- Kirwan Blanding Hall — Mark Cornelison

Wildcat Living

Your residence hall is about to become your home base. It’s where you’ll study, recharge, decorate, binge your favorite shows, have late-night conversations and make some of your favorite college memories.

Whether you’re wanting a cozy retreat, a colorful space or a room full of Kentucky Wildcat pride, now is the time to start planning.

Reach out to your roommate(s), start a group chat or hop on a Zoom to talk through who’s bringing what and start planning your shared space together.

Before you start shopping, visit the room types page on the Wildcat Living website. You’ll find room layouts, dimensions and a list of everything that’s already included. Comparing lists before you shop can save money, avoid duplicate purchases and make move-in day much easier.

Wildcat Living Website

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Here’s one less thing to pack: every UK residence hall room already includes a refrigerator and microwave, and each building has shared community kitchens available for residents.

Planning to bring an electric scooter, hoverboard or e-bike? Those can’t be stored inside residence halls because of battery safety requirements. Bike racks are conveniently located outside every hall and throughout campus, so don’t forget to bring a lock.

Wondering what else belongs at home? Check out our What to Bring/What Not to Bring Guide before packing.

Still have questions? Contact UK Campus Housing at ukhousing@uky.edu or call 859-257-1866.

What to Bring/ What Not to Bring Guide

Should You Get Personal Property Insurance

While UK works hard to provide a safe living environment, the university isn’t responsible for theft, stolen or damaged personal belongings.

Before purchasing any new coverage, check with your parent or guardian to see whether your family homeowner’s or renter’s insurance already provides coverage. If it doesn’t, you may want to explore student property insurance. UK recommends GradGuard.

Personal Property Insurance

Living Off Campus? You May Need to Arrive Early

Some students who live off campus may need to move to Lexington before official Big Blue Move-In because they’re participating in activities such as the Wildcat Marching Band, are a member of a UK Athletics team or another university organization.

Not every organization requires early arrival, so check directly with your advisor or organization representative.

If early arrival is required, your apartment or housing provider may ask for documentation. In most cases, simply forwarding the email you receive from your UK organization is enough to verify your move-in timeline.

When in doubt, ask. Your organization can tell you exactly when you need to arrive.

Move In Information

Image of the Wildcat Mascot enjoying pastries in the 90 Dining Ha;; — Carter Skaggs

DINING AT UK

The Next Chapter of Dining at UK

Big things are cooking this fall.

You’ll discover exciting new dining concepts, expanded food options, upgraded facilities and improved service as UK begins an exciting new chapter in campus dining.

Even better? Students will see a five percent reduction in meal plan costs thanks to UK’s new dining partnership with Compass Group.

If you didn't make a meal plan selection by July 12, you were automatically enrolled in the All-Access White Meal Plan for the fall semester. Unless you make a change, your fall meal plan will automatically continue into the spring semester.

Living off campus? An off-campus meal plan makes it easy to grab coffee before class, lunch between lectures or dinner after an evening study session.

Explore all meal plan options and pricing at hospitality.uky.edu.

Follow us to stay up to date on all things dining on Instagram @ukyhospitality.

5% Reduction in Meal Plan Costs

View Meal Plan Options

K-Week Dates (August 19-23) Students smiling and throwing football

Before classes begin, campus comes alive with K Week, five days filled with traditions, music, food, new friendships and experiences created especially for incoming Wildcats.

It’s one of the fastest ways to make a campus of thousands start feeling like home.

Throughout the week, you’ll learn your way around campus, meet students from across the country and around the world, connect with campus resources and begin finding your place in Big Blue Nation.

Pro tip: Say yes to as much as you can. Some of the people you meet during K Week may become your classmates, roommates and lifelong friends.

Mark Your Calendar for K Week 2026: Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Sunday, Aug. 23

All new undergraduate students are expected to attend K Week events. Throughout the week, you'll participate in signature events and experiences designed to help you feel at home at UK.

Big Blue U – A high-energy welcome into the Big Blue Nation

Campus Ruckus – Your chance to meet student organizations and enjoy food, games and music

College Meetings – Connect with your academic college and get key information

And So Much More – From social events to info sessions, you can choose based on your own interests

The complete schedule of events will be available in August on the K Week website and in the UK Guides app.

Follow @uk_kweek on Instagram for the latest events and updates.

Learn More About KWeek Here

Disability Resource Center

Need Accommodations This Fall? Start Early.

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) helps students with disabilities access reasonable accommodations that support success inside and outside the classroom.

Students register for many different types of disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health conditions, chronic health conditions and mobility impairments.

If you think you may qualify for accommodation, don’t wait until classes begin. Registering before the semester starts gives the DRC time to review your documentation and helps ensure your accommodations are ready when the semester starts.

Getting Started

Complete the online affiliation form through the DRC Student Portal.
Submit documentation from a qualified provider.
Meet with an accommodation consultant, either virtually or in person.
If you’re eligible, your consultant will explain your accommodations and next steps.

Important
If you had a 504 Plan or IEP in high school, those accommodations do not automatically transfer to college. You must register with the DRC to be considered for accommodation at UK.

*You can request accommodation at any time during the semester. However, accommodations cannot be applied retroactively, so registering early helps ensure support is in place when classes begin.

Register With the DRC

Medical Students Talking in Front of Don and Kathy Science Building

Tips From Current Wildcats

Wildcats Who've Been There Say...

“Check out the organizations on campus and get involved in them early. I would recommend doing one academic related, one social related and then whatever else they’re interested in.”
- Miranda, Accounting and Economics

“Take time to walk around campus before your classes start so you are less likely to be lost on the first day.” 
- Taryn, English and Political Science

“Make time for yourself. It can be hard to balance a social and school life, but college is a once in a lifetime experience where you should try new things, get out of your comfort zone and have fun. You can’t do that if you don’t make time for yourself.”
- Emerson, Human Health Sciences (Pre-Physical Therapy)

“Be willing to try new things and even fail!”
- Grant, Political Science

One Thing Current Wildcats Wish They'd Known

“Don’t be scared to use campus resources. I didn’t use any until my sophomore year because I was nervous to ask for help or figure them out but they are all so helpful.”
- Jacob, Community and Leadership Development

“Take advantage of the campus and Lexington bus systems, they can get you almost anywhere you need to go. Download the Transit app to learn the routes and track arrival times. It may seem confusing at first, but after a couple of rides, you'll have it figured out.”
- Bailey, Public Policy; Taryn, English and Political Science; and Addison, Middle Level Education

“Don’t wait until senior year to visit the Stuckert Career Center or Graham Office of Career Management! They help with resumes, internships, mock interviews and much more.”
- Londyn, Accounting and Finance

Big Blue Start

DON'T FORGET ABOUT BIG BLUE START (or you’ll miss out on earning $200)

There's still time to earn rewards before your first semester begins.

Complete eligible activities in your Big Blue Start Canvas course by August 16, and you can earn up to $200.

It's a great way to learn about campus, prepare for your first semester and get rewarded for doing it.

Students who complete eligible activities and open their UK Invests for Students account by the deadline can earn up to $200, with payments distributed during the fall semester. Sign-ups for the program will begin around the start of the fall semester.

We'll be reaching out again soon!

It's Football (and Basketball) Time in the Bluegrass

Don't miss your chance to get season tickets - check your UKY email for information from UK Athletics on upcoming ticket releases. Follow @_teamwildcat on Instagram for all the latest!

Student Season Tickets

SafeZone

Safety is a shared responsibility: Download the SafeZone app today

Your safety is our top priority - and there’s an easy way to stay connected and protected on campus.

📲 SafeZone is a free app designed to give you peace of mind and fast access to help whenever you need it.

 With just one tap, you can:

 🚨 Request immediate emergency assistance at your exact location

🕵️ Submit anonymous tips to help keep campus safe

🌙 Request a late-night virtual police escort

Plus, SafeZone keeps you informed with real-time UK Alerts through push notifications, so you know what to do in any emergency.

Download SafeZone today on your mobile device and start your journey at UK with confidence.

Learn More About SafeZone

Welcome to Countdown to Kentucky #1 (C2KY), your official guide to becoming a Kentucky Wildcat.

Over the next few months, you’ll receive this e-newsletter filled with everything you need to know before arriving on the University of Kentucky campus this fall. From move-in and housing reminders to campus traditions, Lexington favorites, student tips and important deadlines, C2KY is designed to help you feel more prepared, confident and excited for your first year at UK!

When it comes to important dates, deadlines, requirements and next steps, always rely on Countdown to Kentucky, official UK emails and UK websites or UK-owned social media channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Think of C2KY as your summer roadmap to joining the Big Blue Nation.

Big Blue Move-In Checklist

Activate Your WildCard ID

The WildCard Mobile ID is your “key” to campus.

Students living in campus housing will use their WildCard Mobile ID to access residence halls and individual rooms. Failure to activate your WildCard ID before move-in may impact your ability to access your building when you arrive.

ACTIVATE YOUR MOBILE ID

Schedule Your Move-In Appointment

Beginning June 15, log in to myUK to select your 30-minute move-in appointment.

These staggered arrival times help keep traffic moving and make Big Blue Move-In as smooth as possible for everyone.

You’ll only see dates and times that apply to you based on your residence hall assignment and any affiliated groups, such as Living Learning Programs, athletics, Wildcat Marching Band or other special populations.

SCHEDULE MOVE-IN APPOINTMENT

Submit Proof of Meningitis Vaccination

The University of Kentucky requires all students living in campus housing to receive at least one dose of the quadrivalent (ACWY) or pentavalent (ABCWY) meningococcal vaccine on or after their 16th birthday.

Submit your vaccination record at go.uky.edu/SelfReport.

Questions? Visit the vaccination requirements website or email immunizations@uky.edu.

SUBMIT VACCINATION RECORD

5 Fun Things to Do in Lexington

Horse Culture - Welcome to the Horse Capital of the World!

Lexington is home to rolling green pastures, world-famous horse farms (yes, you can tour them!), the Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland, a historic racetrack that opens to the public each spring and fall. Even if you're not into racing, the vibes, fashion, tailgating and food scene make it worth the trip.
Sporting Events - Catch a game and cheer like a local!

In addition to 23 UK varsity sports including baseball, softball and of course men’s and women’s basketball. You can also head to Legends Field, home of the Lexington Legends, a minor league baseball team just minutes from campus. Additionally, Lexington is home to the Lexington Sporting Club, an American professional soccer club.
Farmers Market Fun

Support local and snack your way through The Lexington Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning at Tandy Park (just off Main Street downtown). From fresh produce and flowers to local honey and handmade crafts, it’s a favorite weekend tradition for students and locals alike.
Outdoor Adventures

Get outside and explore! Lexington offers gorgeous green spaces like the Legacy Trail (a 12-mile bike/walk path), The Arboretum (UK’s own botanical garden), and Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, where hiking trails lead you to scenic views of the Kentucky River.
Downtown Excitement

There's always something happening in downtown Lexington! Don't miss Thursday Night Live at the Pavilion for live music, food trucks and good vibes every Thursday evening during warmer months. Add in coffee shops, rooftop dining, local boutiques and street art, and you’ve got a downtown that’s easy to love and even easier to explore.

Getting Around Campus - UK Transportation Services

Bringing a car to campus? It's up to you. Many first-time, first-year students choose not to, thanks to UK's convenient transportation options.

If you do bring a car, you’ll need to purchase a valid UK parking permit, which must be displayed at all times. Permits are available online, in person or by phone through UK Transportation Services. Check here for detailed information on permit types, prices, and sale dates.

Permit Basics:

• On-campus residents: you may be eligible for R (residential), RK (residential periphery) or X (remote) permits. R permits depend on your UK Campus Housing assignment. RK and X permits are available to all residential students, regardless of the location of your residence hall.

• Off-campus students with less than 60 credits hours are eligible for CK (commuter periphery) permits.

No car? No problem.

UK offers free campus buses - no ID required, just hop aboard! Plus, we’re a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly University with an on-campus bike shop, Wildcat Wheels.

Questions? Call 859-257-5757 or email Transportation Services. Visit transportation.uky.edu to sign up for the department’s e-news list and stay updated on X @UKParking and on Instagram.

Explore Fraternity and Sorority Life

College is about more than classes. It’s about finding the people who challenge you, support you and make UK feel like home.

For many students, Fraternity and Sorority life provides opportunities for leadership, service, academic success and lifelong friendships.

Students can explore organizations within:

Panhellenic Council
Inter-fraternity Council
National Pan-Hellenic Council
United Greek Council

Each council offers unique experiences, different recruitment processes and opportunities to connect with other Wildcats.

Keep an eye on your mailbox. Guides with more details about each chapter are on the way to help you explore your options and find what fits you best.

Sororities at Greek Sing — Explore Fraternity and Sorority Life
Register for Panhellenic Primary Recruitment

UK Invests for Students - Coming Soon

Learn, Earn and Invest

Soon, you’ll receive information and learn about one of the most innovative student programs at UK. UK Invests for Students help Wildcats build financial confidence while earning real money for their future through activites that support academic success, involvement, wellness and personal growth. The best part? Your opportunities to learn and earn continue throughout your academic career at UK.

Watch for more details soon.

Countdown to Kentucky is a collaborative effort to foster student success.

Student Success | studentsuccess.uky.edu
Undergraduate Recruitment | recruitment@uky.edu
Big Blue Nation Orientation | orientation@uky.edu
Campus Housing | ukhousing@uky.edu

Email	admissions@uky.edu
Phone	859-257-2000
Fax	859-257-3823