First-Year Experience FAQs
Your Skidmore student ID is a personalized multi-digit number. It was emailed to you by the Admissions team to the email address you used when applying to Skidmore. In that email were instructions to create your Skidmore Account, including your email.
Your Skidmore Account is a personalized username and password set up by you. You received instructions to set up this account in the same email referenced above that Admissions sent to the email you used when applying to Skidmore. It is a combination of a name-based user name (e.g. JJonas or TaylorSwift) and a password you set up. This creates a "single sign on" universal username and password that you'll use across multiple systems (including email). Further account activation instructions are here.
This is our two-factor authentication tool to keep all Skidmore usernames and passwords secure. Instructions for setting this up are in the account activation steps.
https://skidmore.okta.com/ and use your Skidmore Account to log in information.
Check the Dates and Deadlines list. Don't panic if you've missed something, just reach out ASAP to let us know.
It's important that all students complete items on deadline. We know that may not be possible for everyone and things happen! Please email fye@skidmore.edu for questions and concerns.
Your email was created when you set up your Skidmore Account. It follows this format: username@skidmore.edu and the password you created. It is hosted by Microsoft Outlook.
It's the same login information but different systems. Your Skidmore Account is your universal username and password, which you use to log into email. The username you created in setting up your account is also the front half of your email address (e.g. jjonas@skidmore.edu or taylorswift@skidmore.edu).
- Option 1: https://skidmore.okta.com/ and use your Skidmore Account to log in. Then go to the Outlook App.
- Option 2: https://login.microsoftonline.com/ and use your Skidmore Account to log in. If you're on a new device, this will likely prompt an Okta verification. The code will be in the Okta app.
For more email questions, visit the IT Knowledge Center. You will need your Skidmore Account information to log in.
Please visit the Financial Aid webpage for additional information and important deadlines.
Enrolled and admitted families are encouraged to meet one-on-one with a financial aid counselor. They are prepared to provide a comprehensive financial aid overview and answer questions or concerns about affordability. To make an appointment, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Whether you are moving your student in for Pre-Orientation or New Student Orientation, Skidmore offers a number of events for families on move-in day. Information and schedules are available on the Orientation page and will continue to be updated throughout the spring and summer.
If the account creation process was successful, you should be able to log in here.
- Try a different web browser other than the one you were using.
- Some campus systems require the use of your full Skidmore email address for login (username@skidmore.edu) while others just require your username. Make sure to try both.
- Restart your computer or phone.
- If all else fails, take note of any error message(s) you get, and contact the IT Help Desk. Their hours of operation are M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM EST, with the exception of lunch 12PM-1PM.
- Be sure to have your birth date and Skidmore ID number (starts with 00) available when calling or emailing.
- After creating your account you can access your email at http://outlook.com/skidmore.edu (you should not try to access it via gmail/Google).
Scribner Seminar information for the Class of 2029 can be found on the FYE webpage.
Room and roommate assignments are based on the preferences you submit in your housing questionnaire.
Need a housing accommodation?
Visit skidmore.edu/accessibility. The priority deadline is June 16. Late requests may be placed on a waitlist depending on availability.
Fall semester payments must be submitted by August 15.
Students move in on August 28 (Pre-Orientation) or August 31. You'll receive emails in early and mid-August with your assigned move-in time. You’ll have about two hours to get settled before lunch and programming begins — and yes, that’s plenty of time!
View full academic calendars for 2025–29 at skidmore.edu/registrar.
Save these 2025–2026 dates:
- September 3: Fall semester begins
- October 17–19: Homecoming and Family Weekend
- November 26–30: Thanksgiving break
- December 19: Fall semester ends
- December 20 – January 17: Winter break
- January 20: Spring semester begins
- March 7–15: Spring break
- May 8: Spring semester ends
- May 19, 2029: Your anticipated graduation date!
All first-year students living in residence halls are automatically enrolled in the Unlimited Meal Plan. This includes unlimited meals at the dining hall, three guest meal passes per semester, and $50 in dining bucks for concessions.
Allergies or dietary restrictions? Contact Dining Services at 518-580-5850 to meet with the Executive Chef and develop a plan.
You’ll be assigned a mailbox number in late August through the Residential Life Housing app in Okta. Yes, you can ship packages but please wait until you receive your mailbox number.
Mailing format:
Your name and class year Mailbox #
Skidmore College
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1632