BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT UC MERCED

2021-2022

 

UCEAP Reciprocity and Visa & Immigration Information

International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office
5200 North Lake Road
Kolligian Library, Room 101
Contact your advisor:Lacy Long-Vejar

International Student Resources

Reciprocity Student Resources

GET Started!

Reminders
  • Housing is not guaranteed.
  • Rental agreements last through the end of the academic year (May/June).  If you leave your housing before the end of the agreement, you may be subject to a cancellation fee. Check all terms and conditions.
  • 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

Housing Application

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
California Housing Board

Visit the Board

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, 2021
  • Spring: January 18, 2022

No earlier than

  • Fall: July 19, 2021
  • Spring: December 19, 2021

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 18, 2021
  • Spring: January 18, 2022

Orientation

Fall: To be announced

Spring: To be announced

Take the following to the check-in and orientation meeting:

  • Visa
  • Passport
  • DS-2019 form
  • I-94 form - a document you download from the Customs and Border Protection website after your arrival in the U.S.

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

Costs are subject to change.

Ground Transport to Campus

Costs and times are subject to change.

Enrollment Resources

My.UCMerced

  • Use MyUCMerced to access your student account and enroll in courses. 
  • Once you receive your SID, click the "First Time Users, claim your UCMNetID" link.
    • 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

You will need Duo 2-factor authentication to access your UCM account.

Registering for Classes

Undergraduate

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

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

Health Insurance Fees: Fees will be billed to your account each term. See Health Insurance and Services information.

2020-2021 costs and information are listed below. 2021-22 rates and information are not yet available.

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

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

Insurance Information

  • Fall: $957.96 (undergraduates); $1,342.82 (graduates)
  • Spring/Summer*: $1,341.16 (undergraduates); $1,879.96 (graduates)
Payment Deadline
Effective Dates
  • Fall: August 15, 2021 - January 14, 2022
  • Spring/Summer*: January 15, 2022 - August 14, 2022

*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)

COVID-19

Health Requirements and Recommendations

Deadline

  • Fall: First day of instruction; Hold enforced October 1,2021
  • Spring: First day of instruction

Waiving SHIP

To waive SHIP, you must apply for 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: May 1 - August 1, 2021 -  August 1, 2021
  • Spring: November 11, 2021- January 8, 2022