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
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
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
- Off-Campus Housing Frequently Asked Questions
- Off-Campus Housing Search Database
- Finding Apartments in the Merced area
Finding a Roommate
- Off-Campus Housing Search Database
"Roommate Wanted" is one of the listing and search features in this database. - UC Merced International Affairs Facebook page
California Housing 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 24, 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
- Department links
- Class schedule
- Course catalog
- UCMerced Connect
- Enrollment instructions
- Registration error help
- Enrollment calendar
- Prerequisite clearance request form
UC Merced Connect
- 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
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.
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA)
- School of Natural Sciences
- School of Engineering
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.
- Log-in to access your dashboard: UC Merced Connect and pay your 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.
- 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)
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
- Request late waiver with $50 fee by contacting the Insurance Department
- Spring: November 11, 2021- January 8, 2022
- Request late waiver with $50 fee by contacting the Insurance Department
