New Student Checklist

Printable version: New Student Checklist (PDF)

Things to do

Step 1: Apply

Apply for Admission
    • Pay $20 application fee.
    • Look for your welcome letter in 1-2 business days at the email address you provided on the application.
  • Send official transcripts from your high school and/or previous college.
  • Send placement scores from another school or ACT/SAT test scores (taken within the last two years).
  • Apply for financial aid at fafsa.gov. BHC’s school code is 001638. FAFSA is available December 2023 for the following fall semester. Get more information about Financial Aid.

Step 2: Log into myBlackHawk

  • Reference the welcome letter for myBlackHawk login instructions.
  • Access myBlackHawk through the BHC website or myblackhawk.bhc.edu.
    • Login questions? Contact the ITS Help Desk at 309-796-5555 or 5555@bhc.edu.

Step 3: Begin Hawk’s Journey

  • Access Hawk’s Journey, your individualized guide for success, on the Student tab in myBlackHawk.
  • Use Hawk’s Journey to do the following:
    • Determine if you need to complete the placement test.
    • Prepare to meet with an advisor.

Step 4: Work with an Advisor and Register

  • Create your schedule and register with the help of an advisor.
  • Visit Advising for more information or call to schedule an appointment:
    • East Campus: 309-854-1709
    • Quad-Cities Campus: 309-796-5100

Step 5: Pay Tuition

  • Access the Student Billing tab in myBlackHawk to check payment options, due dates, pay online or set up deferred payment.
  • Contact Career Services to explore jobs.
  • Apply for a BHC Foundation scholarship (March 15-June 1).

Get prepared for the first week of classes

Don’t Forget!

  • Check your myBlackHawk email frequently for important messages.
  • Access Hawk’s Journey to view the calendar where important dates and deadlines are noted as well as additional information regarding the remaining items.

Library Card

  • Get your Black Hawk College Library Card at the Quad-Cities Campus or East Campus libraries.
  • Use your library card for free unlimited Metro Link rides.

Books

  • Order books online.
  • Pick up books at the Quad-Cities Campus in the Hawk’s Hub in Building 1 or at the East Campus Bookstore in Building A.

Parking Permit

  • Purchase a permit for $25 at the BHC Police Department at either campus, the Bursar’s Office at the Quad-Cities Campus or Enrollment Services at the East Campus. Summers and minimesters are free.
  • If you are using financial aid to buy your parking permit, pick up a voucher at the Hawk’s Hub or the East Campus Bookstore.

Welcome Week

  • Connect with students, faculty and staff to learn about support resources on campus.
  • Visit bhc.edu/orientation to sign up.

Get Involved

  • Learn more about clubs, organizations and events on campus by stopping by the Student Life Office at the Quad-Cities Campus in Building 4 or the Advising Center at the East Campus in Building A.
  • Visit bhc.edu/studentlife for more information.

Ideal Timeline

Fall Classes

Registration begins in April.
Apply and start financial aid October-January.

Summer Classes

Registration begins in April.
Apply and start financial aid January-March.

Spring Classes

Registration begins in November.
Apply and start financial aid September-October.