Information for Students

How to use CUNYfirst

CUNYfirst Information for StudentsCUNYfirst replaced eSIMS in April 2012 and has impacted several aspects of the experience as a Hostos student, from registering for classes to accessing your records. A few important points to remember:

  • Once you have claimed your account in CUNYfirst, the CUNYfirst system will send messages only to your Hostos College email address. Make sure that you have activated your Hostos email account
  • Contact the Student Technology Help Desk in room C-595 or by calling 718-518-6646 if your account does not appear to be working properly
  • After claiming your account, it is imperative that you keep your CUNYfirst ID (EMPLID) handy, because you Social Security number will no longer be used to access student information

Advantages of CUNYfirst

As a student on CUNYfirst, you will register for classes, pay tuition, and track and manage their  financial aid through a single sign-on. No more standing in lines and learning multiple systems and processes: CUNYfirst will do it all.

  • Register
    All the information you need to register will be on CUNYfirst—just select and click.
  • Search for Classes
    You don’t have to go back and forth to find classes—it’s in CUNYfirst.
  • Validate Courses
    Course prerequisites are displayed and CUNYfirst will tell you if you qualify.
  • Swap Courses
    No need to wait in line, you can swap a course on CUNYfirst.
  • See Financial Information
    Get answers in CUNYfirst so you don’t need to wait in line at the Bursar or Financial Aid. offices.
  • View Your Course History
    See your entire course history when you are registering on CUNYfirst.
  • Pay Tuition and Fees
    All electronic payments are made online.

Activating Your Hostos Email Account

Email accounts for students who are taking courses for credit at Hostos are automatically created within three business days of registering for courses for the first time. There is no need to request an account or complete a form or application. Students can look up their email addresses at the Hostos account look-up page. Follow the detailed instructions and review the tutorial for how to proceed including how to set up Hostos e-mail on your smartphone. If help is needed to find an email address, contact The Help Desk at 718-518-6646.

Your Hostos email address is important to know and check, because once you have claimed your account in CUNYfirst, the CUNYfirst system will send messages only to that email account. Students should regularly check for notices sent to this address.