BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT UC MERCED

2025 - 2026

 

UCEAP Reciprocity and Visa & Immigration Information

International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office
5200 North Lake Road
Kolligian Library, Room 101
Contact your advisor: Kassity Veloz

International Student Resources 
Reciprocity Student Resources

Get Started!

Reminders

  • Housing is not guaranteed.
  • A campus housing rental agreement lasts through the end of the academic year (June). If you leave your housing before the end of the agreement, you may be subject to a cancellation fee. Rental agreements in the community may last through August 31, and may not allow for cancellation.  Check all terms and conditions before making a commitment.
  • If you apply for more than one housing option, accept only one. You will be financially responsible for all agreements you accept.

On-Campus Housing (UC Housing)

Undergraduate Students

Explore Campus Housing

Application Deadline: Apply as soon as you receive your UCMNetID. Apply as a transfer level student.

Even if the deadline has passed, there still may be places available in campus housing. E-mail the assignments office if you are interested in applying for housing after the announced deadline. For the best chance of placement, include "any room type, any location" in your list of housing preferences.

Community Housing (Non-UC Housing)

Students should be aware that this housing is not UC sponsored or endorsed and that it is not advisable to rent before arrival when you can visit the rental in person.

Finding a Place
Finding a Roommate

Dates

We strongly urge you to purchase airline tickets AFTER you have obtained your visa and confirmed travel conditions to the US from your home country. When you do purchase a ticket, purchase a refundable/changeable ticket.

When should I arrive?

No later than

  • Fall: August 25, 2025
  • Spring: TBD

No earlier than

  • Fall: July 28, 2025
  • Spring: December 21, 2025

You may arrive no more than 30 days prior to the start date printed on your visa certificate of eligibility (DS-2019). Students who do not have pre-arranged housing should arrive as early as possible.

Start Date on Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019)

  • Fall: August 27, 2025
  • Spring: January 20, 2026

Orientation

Check-in instructions

  • Deadline: Check-in by email after arrival.

Move-In Dates

Residence Hall Move-In Date: Check your housing contract. Earlier move-in by arrangement is possible, check with Housing.

Temporary Accommodation Information

Non-UC Housing

Ground Transport to Campus

Costs and times are subject to change.

Enrollment Resources

UC Merced Connect

The UC Merced Connect Platform is an important resource that you'll use throughout your time at UCM.

  • Once you receive your SID, you must claim your UCMNetID and create a password.
    • You will need
      • the email address you used on your University of California application.
      • and the preferred first name you provided on your UC application
    • You do not need to SIR - this has been completed on your behalf.
    • Select "Claim your UCMNetID".
  • SID (Student Identification) is a 9-digit number assigned by UCM to every new student.
  • UCMNetID is a unique identifier that you claim using your SID number and other required personal information to confirm your identity. 

Get Duo

Duo 2-factor authentication keeps your information safe.

Registering for Classes

Undergraduate

  • Enrollment Time- Check "MyRegistration" in your UCMerced Connect account for your appointment time. All times are California time.
Advisor Contact Information:

Your UCM School academic advisor is here to assist you with enrollment and answer your questions.

Graduate Students

Graduate students usually register after consultation with the department’s graduate advisor. Check with your host department for registration advising.

Student Account

Check your account regularly to pay your fees and avoid late fees.  

Fees
  • UCSA (UC Student Association) fee: $7 ($3.50 each semester);  this fee is not mandatory, and you may opt-out (choose to not participate) before the deadline.
  • Health Insurance Fees: Fees will be billed to your account each term. See Health Insurance and Services information.

2025-2026 costs and information are listed below.

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

You will automatically be enrolled in your host university health insurance plan. No action is required.

Insurance Information

  • Fall: $1,138.95 (undergraduates); $2,084.07 (graduates)
  • Spring/Summer*: $1,594.54 (undergraduates); $2,917.71 (graduates)
Payment Deadline
Effective Dates
  • Fall: August 15, 2025 - January 14, 2026
  • Spring/Summer*: January 15, 2026 - August 14, 2026

*If you are a registered student during Spring semester, your Spring SHIP fee provides coverage through the end of Summer.

Immunization and TB Screening (Mandatory)

Health Requirements and Recommendations

Deadline

  • Fall: August 27, 2025
  • Spring: TBD

Waiving SHIP

To waive SHIP, you must apply for a waiver by submitting documentation of comparable health insurance. Waiver must be approved by your host UC.

Waiver Deadlines

Students may return the waiver request form using the online form.

  • Fall: April 28 - July 28, 2025
  • Spring: November 10, 2025 - January 5, 2026