In order to help set you up for a successful transition, we have put together a New Student Checklist for new Pratt graduate and professional students. Click on the arrow by each task to expand the section for more information and be sure to pay very close attention to the noted deadlines!
Master of Engineering and Master of Engineering Management Students: Officially reserve your place by accepting the offer of admission.
Admitted students in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Engineering Management, Game Design, Design Technology & Innovation, and Financial Technology must also submit a non-refundable $1,000 Enrollment Deposit. Make a secure payment via Cybersource for your Duke Enrollment Deposit. Only credit card payments are accepted. Submit your Enrollment Deposit Now and then continue with the new student checklist.
Master of Science and PhD Students: If you are a Master of Science or PhD student, The Graduate School requires that you accept your offer of admission by April 15 or within 15 days of receiving your admission notification, whichever is later. For more information about the required steps, visit The Graduate School’s website or contact grad-admissions@duke.edu for assistance.
You should receive a separate email from the Office of Information Technology (OIT) with instructions to set up your NetID and email alias. Your NetID is your electronic key to online resources, including your Duke email account, DukeHub (course registration/grades), MyDuke (student portal), Box cloud storage and more. Please do this as soon as you receive this email.
Visit this SITE to learn how to access your Duke email account. Once you have access to your Duke email, begin the practice of checking and using this address. Your Duke email address will become the primary source for all communications from Duke.
Master of Engineering and Master of Engineering Management Students: If you are a Master of Engineering or Master of Engineering Management student, you should receive these instructions from OIT after your matriculation has been processed. Contact pratt_masters@duke.edu with questions.
Master of Science and PhD Students: If you are a Master of Science or PhD student, The Graduate School will not matriculate you until they have receipt of your official transcript and/or visa paperwork (if applicable). You may visit this LINK for more information or contact grad-admissions@duke.edu for assistance.
International students requiring a visa must submit all required documents to the Pratt School of Engineering (for MEng and MEM programs) as soon as you are able! You will be contacted in a separate email about these requirements.
Master of Science and PhD students must submit all required documentation to The Graduate School, visit this LINK for more information.
Welcome to Duke and Durham, North Carolina! Durham is a vibrant community with plenty to enjoy. Below are tips and resources to help you begin your housing search.
Where to Begin Your Housing Search
• Duke.is/OffCampusHousing: Explore housing options, find roommates, and access helpful off-campus resources and information on the Duke Off-Campus Housing Website.
• Duke Off Campus & Community Life: Information on moving to Durham and searching for housing. Office hours for advice and consultation.
• Duke Housing & Residence Life: Apply for on-campus and university-affiliated apartments for graduate students. (Limited availability, Duke credentials required)
Safety Information
• Use the Community Crime Map to research the neighborhood where you’d like to rent.
• Read reviews on platforms like ApartmentRatings.com or Google.
• Connect with current Duke students to learn their experiences with Durham neighborhoods.
• Check with apartment management about safety measures (e.g., gated entry, cameras, staffing).
• Familiarize yourself with Duke’s emergency resources like the LiveSafe app and Duke Police.
Additional Considerations
• Budget: Set a realistic budget, keeping in mind that cheaper options may lack amenities or safety.
• Transportation: If you will not have a car, we recommend living within walking distance of a Duke bus line and within the Duke Vans zone. Understand your transit options:
o Duke bus routes (free for students).
o Duke Vans (free late-night rides within 2 mile radius of campus).
o GoDurham & GoTriangle buses (free with GoPass).
o Parking on campus: $258/year for annual pass. Alternative parking options available.
• Furniture: Most rentals are unfurnished. Students can purchase used furniture and household goods on DukeList, or at local thrift shops like TROSA and The Habitat ReStore. Furniture rental options include CORT Furniture Rental or AFR Furniture Rental.
• Neighborhoods: Learn about the safety, amenities, and transportation options of local neighborhoods before you make your housing decision.
• Amenities: Review services included in rent (e.g., gym, Wi-Fi, package lockers).
• Renter’s Insurance: Consider protecting your belongings.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
• To have rights as a tenant, your name must be on a signed lease, even if renting with another student(s).
• Leases are binding contracts; breaking a lease often incurs fees.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes. Duke University does not endorse any landlords or properties.
Course registration for Master of Engineering and Master of Science students officially opens for the Fall 2025 semester on April 2. Students enroll in courses through DukeHub. The Office of the University Registrar has a number of GUIDES to help you navigate through the registration process. Students will need to clear any holds on their account, such as the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement, before being able to register. Your DukeHub Dashboard will indicate if there are any holds that must be completed. Note: some of our programs recommend that you meet with your academic advisor before performing your course registration. Before taking action, you should consult with your program or department staff for further instructions.
Master of Engineering Management students should NOT register for courses at this time. You will receive further details in mid-to-late June about your cohort placement and required course sections before you are permitted to register for elective courses.
PhD students should consult with their individual department before registering for courses.
All Duke students who will reside in North Carolina must comply with Duke University’s Immunization Requirements and submit the Mandatory Immunization Requirements Form and TB Screening Questionnaire by June 15. Detailed instructions are available for all of these requirements HERE.
If you are unable to complete your immunization requirements before arriving, you will be required to schedule an individual appointment to receive your immunizations on campus. Students will be withdrawn from the University 30 days after classes begin if the mandatory immunization and TB requirements have not been met. Pratt does not monitor the submission of immunization forms nor do we know whether Student Health has received your form. If you have questions about your submission, please email the Student Health Immunization Compliance Coordinator at: immunizations@duke.edu. It may also be helpful to reference the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to commonly asked questions.
If you plan to drive a car while in Durham, parking on campus is a challenge -even for staff! You may apply to purchase a parking permit HERE. Luckily there are also numerous free bus routes, biking, carpool programs, and walking options. To learn more about your parking options on campus, visit Duke’s Parking & Transportation webpage.
The Duke Bus System is FREE. You may get on and off Duke buses at no cost. Duke’s GPS transit system allows real-time location data for Duke buses. Duke community members and visitors can use a computer or mobile device to track buses at any of the 113 bus stops on and around campus. Visit this website to track buses or download the TransLoc Rider app.
All students are required to maintain adequate medical insurance during their enrollment at Duke.
International Students: Students on F-1 or J-1 visas are automatically enrolled in the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP).
Domestic Students: Domestic students can choose the SMIP or complete the waiver process if you will be covered by other health insurance.
To learn more about the SMIP Health Insurance, the following websites are available:
If you have specific questions regarding the SMIP that are not listed on the website, please send an email to insurance@studentaffairs.duke.edu or call 919-684-1481.
Your mobile DukeCard is one of the most important tools you have while you are studying at Duke. This card is a mobile photo ID, with your name and unique ID number on it. With your mobile DukeCard, you can access academic buildings, recreational facilities, library books, parking lots, campus events, and campus photocopying.
To download a mobile DukeCard, students must first submit a photo. New students must upload a photo for their Mobile DukeCard by going to this LINK. Photos should be submitted before July 15. The last date to download Duke Mobile Card is August 15. After email approval for that photo is received, then students are able to download a mobile DukeCard.*
Students will not automatically receive a physical DukeCard. A Mobile DukeCard has replaced a physical card; however, those who will be working in a lab or the Medical Center and require prox access can request a physical card for the Duke Card Office. An individual appointment is required. Click HERE to schedule.
The class list that professors and advisors use to address their students can be updated to include your preferred name and preferred pronouns.
Preferred Name: please log into DukeHub, then click on the tab that says “My Profile.” On that page, go to “Biographical Information”. To add a preferred name, select “Add Name” and then select “Preferred” name type. Enter information for preferred name and save. A message will display indicating “Success – Preferred name was updated”.
The Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. Accessibility is an essential feature of the Duke campus, and we strive to create an inclusive community for our students. We strive to ensure that students with disabilities are provided the tools they need to fully access all aspects of student life inside and outside of the classroom.
The SDAO is committed to providing educational opportunities for students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
The first step in receiving consideration for an accommodation is to submit a request.
All incoming engineering master’s students must submit
official transcripts to enroll at Duke. Submit all official transcripts by August 1.
- MEng and MEM students
- MS students and PhD students (follow submission directions sent directly by the Graduate School)
There are a number of technology tools you will want to become familiar with before you arrive! Some of the most commonly used tools can be found HERE. There are also a number of software products that Duke offers for free or at a reduced price, these are available HERE. Additionally, through an agreement with Microsoft, engineering master’s students can access a suite of Microsoft Products not available to the broader Duke Community.
Duke University is a community dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service and to the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability. Citizens of this community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic and nonacademic endeavors, and to protect and promote a culture of integrity.
To uphold the Duke Community Standard:
- I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic endeavors;
- I will conduct myself honorably in all my endeavors; and
- I will act if the Standard is compromised.
All students are required to adhere to these principles and conduct themselves in accordance with these values. We ask that you take some time to review the Duke Community Standard by August 1.
In addition to the general Duke Community Standard, please review your program’s community guideline to ensure you are aligned with the expectations and value specific to your department.
The first day of Fall 2025 classes at the Pratt School of Engineering will be Monday, August 25*.
It is recommended that you arrive in the area as early as possible so you can ensure that any outstanding immunizations and/or forms are complete prior to welcome/orientation activities and the start of classes.
The closest airport to Duke University is Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and additional transportation services are all readily available from RDU. Duke is approximately 30 minutes from the airport.
Graduate Student Programs and Services and each program/department will begin hosting New Student Orientation sessions for all incoming Fall 2025 graduate and professional students starting on Monday, August 18. More information will be sent to you via email regarding these events in mid July. Also, feel free to check this page.
If you are a Master of Science or PhD student, you will also hear directly from the Graduate School about additional on-boarding requirements during that week.
All new students should plan to be settled in the area and prepared to participate in events by Monday, August 18.
Officially reserve your place by submitting your non-refundable $1,000 Enrollment Deposit. Make a secure payment via Cybersource for your Duke Enrollment Deposit. Only credit card payments are accepted. Submit your Enrollment Deposit Now and then continue with the new student checklist.
You should receive a separate email from the Office of Information Technology (OIT) with instructions to set up your NetID and email alias. Your NetID is your electronic key to online resources, including your Duke email account, DukeHub (course registration/grades), MyDuke (student portal), Box cloud storage and more. Please do this as soon as you receive the email.
Visit this SITE to learn how to access your Duke email account. Once you have access to your Duke email, begin the practice of checking and using this address. Your Duke email address will become the primary source for all communications from Duke.
Master of Engineering and Master of Engineering Management Students: If you are a Master of Engineering or Master of Engineering Management student, you should receive these instructions from OIT after your matriculation has been processed. Contact pratt_masters@duke.edu with questions.
Course registration opens for the Fall 2025 semester on April 2. Students enroll in courses through DukeHub. The Office of the University Registrar has a number of GUIDES to help you navigate through the registration process.
Not all of our engineering master’s programs require self-enrollment and some of our programs recommend that you meet with your advisor before performing your course registration. Before taking action, you should consult with your program or department staff for further instructions.
The class list that professors and advisors use to address their students can be updated to include your preferred name and preferred pronouns.
Preferred Name: please log into DukeHub, then click on the tab that says “My Profile.” On that page, go to “Biographical Information”. To add a preferred name, select “Add Name” and then select “Preferred” name type. Enter information for preferred name and save. A message will display indicating “Success – Preferred name was updated”.
Preferred Pronouns: please log into DukeHub, then click on the tab that says “My Profile.” On that page, go to “Biographical Information”. To add gender pronouns click on the pencil icon, which will provide a drop-down of choices. You may choose one of these values. If the pronouns you use are not listed, or you use more than one set of pronouns, use the “Enter My Own” Option to share your pronouns then save. A message will display indicating “Success – Personal pronoun was updated”.
Consider adding your pronouns to your email signature and Zoom profile after your name.
The Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. Accessibility is an essential feature of the Duke campus, and we strive to create an inclusive community for our students. We strive to ensure that students with disabilities are provided the tools they need to fully access all aspects of student life inside and outside of the classroom.
The SDAO is committed to providing educational opportunities for students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
The first step in receiving consideration for an accommodation is to submit a request.
All incoming engineering master’s students must submit
official transcripts to enroll at Duke. Submit all official transcripts by August 1.
There are a number of technology tools you will want to become familiar with before you arrive! Some of the most commonly used tools can be found HERE. There are also a number of software products that Duke offers for free or at a reduced price, these are available HERE. Additionally, through an agreement with Microsoft, engineering master’s students can access a suite of Microsoft Products not available to the broader Duke Community.
Duke University is a community dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service and to the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability. Citizens of this community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic and nonacademic endeavors, and to protect and promote a culture of integrity.
To uphold the Duke Community Standard:
- I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic endeavors;
- I will conduct myself honorably in all my endeavors; and
- I will act if the Standard is compromised.
All students are required to adhere to these principles and conduct themselves in accordance with these values. We ask that you take some time to review the Duke Community Standard by August 1.
In addition to the general Duke Community Standard, please review your program’s community guideline to ensure you are aligned with the expectations and value specific to your department.
All students who are part of one of our online programs will hear directly from their program about new student orientation dates and/or residency information.
