Your end-of-semester checklist: What to do before you leave campus
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 4, 2026) — As the semester comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to get organized, finish strong and prepare for what’s next. Whether you’re heading into summer classes, an internship or a well-deserved break, here’s your end-of-semester checklist to keep everything on track.
Here’s what to check off before the semester ends:
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Ace your finals. Stay organized, plan ahead and take advantage of campus study spaces and resources to finish strong.
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Meet with an advisor. A quick check-in can help make sure you’re on track and set up for next semester.
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Register for classes. Summer and Fall 2026 registration is open. Lock in your schedule now so you’re not scrambling later. Learn more online.
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File your FAFSA. Financial aid isn’t automatic; be sure to complete your FAFSA — Free Application for Federal Student Aid — if you haven’t already.
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Return your books. Don’t forget to return all library materials to William T. Young Library or other campus locations to avoid fines.
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Select your dining plan for Fall 2026. Flex plans are also available for students staying on campus during Summer 2026.
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Use your meal swipes and Flex Dollars. Any remaining balance will expire at the end of the semester and does not roll over.
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Make your residence hall move-out appointment. All students living on campus must select a move-out time through myUK. Learn more about moving out in UK Housing’s move-out guide.
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Return your residence hall keys. Be sure to return your mail key and bedroom key (if applicable) to your hall’s front desk to avoid charges.
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Explore summer housing options. Planning to stay in Lexington? Visit the Summer Housing page for more details.
As you wrap up the semester, taking care of these final steps can help make your transition into summer a lot smoother. A little planning now goes a long way, whether that means staying on top of deadlines, securing your classes or simply giving yourself peace of mind before heading out.
Finish strong, stay organized and take advantage of the resources available to you. Then, take a moment to enjoy the accomplishment of completing another semester at UK.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.