BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT UC Santa Cruz

2025 - 2026

 

UCEAP Reciprocity and Visa & Immigration Information

International Education Office
International Student Services and Programs (ISSP)
101 Classroom Unit
Contact ISSP
International Student Resources
Reciprocity Student Resources
International Handbook

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.

College Affiliation 

Undergraduate Students

The Colleges: Communities of Learning

UC Santa Cruz combines the resources of a world-class public research university with a distinctive undergraduate experience characterized by our college system. Each college is a vibrant living/learning community supported by faculty and staff who provide academic support, organize student activities, and sponsor events that enhance the intellectual and social life of the campus.

All undergraduate students affiliate with one of 10 colleges. Every college community includes students with diverse backgrounds and academic goals. Your college affiliation is independent of your major, and assignments are based upon space availability.

On Campus Housing

Undergraduate Students

Campus Housing Office

Explore Campus Housing 

Contact Student Housing Services

The colleges at UC Santa Cruz offer two kinds of living accommodations—residence halls and apartments -- both with access to common dining facilities. 

  • Housing assignment is not guaranteed and assignments may be in a college that is different from your college of affiliation.

Application Deadline: You will receive instructions at your UCSC e-mail address. Complete the housing application/contract process by the deadline in the email.

Assignment Period:

  • Fall: Summer
  • Winter: November

Community Housing (Non-UC Housing)

Graduate/Undergraduate students

Community Rentals Office (CRO)

Explore Off-Campus Options
Tips for International Students
Contact Community Rentals

CRO provides listings of rooms in shared housing and units available in the local community exclusively to UCSC students and affiliates. Check out the online Renter's Workshop for first-time renters or those renters new to California.

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: September 18, 2025
  • Winter: TBD

No earlier than

  • Fall: August 26, 2025
  • Winter: December 6, 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 are advised to arrive as early as possible.

Start Date on Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019)

  • Fall: September 25, 2025
  • Winter: January 5, 2026

International Education Office Events

International Transfer and Exchange Orientation

  • Fall: September 19, 2025
  • Winter: TBD (January)
  • Fee: $103 USD (Subject to change)
Visa Check-in via iGlobal

Deadline: on arrival at UCSC.
iGlobal: Complete all required e-forms.

 

Move-In Dates

University Housing Residences

Temporary Accommodation
Ground Transport to Campus

Enrollment Resources

Registering for Classes

Multi-factor authentication keeps your information safe.

Undergraduate Students

Enrolling in Classes
  • Enrollment Period
    • Fall: August 8, 2025
    • Winter: begins TBD (November)
    • All times are California time. Confirm your local time.
  • Enrollment Time
    • Your appointment time will be noted under "Enrollment Dates" in the my.ucsc.edu portal.
    • Problems signing in? Contact the Help Desk
Enrollment Resources

Notes: Student ID number and password required. You may need to provide proof of completion of prerequisites for enrollment in the course. If you have completed coursework at your home university equivalent to the prerequisite courses, contact the department advisor for authorization.

Graduate Students

Graduate students usually register after consultation with the department 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

  • International student fee: $100 charged each quarter.
  • UCSA (UC Student Association) fee: $7; this fee is not mandatory, and you may opt-out (choose to not participate) before the deadline.
    • Opt-out deadline: prior to the end of the third week of the term
    • Fall: $3
    • Winter: $2
    • Spring: $2
  • Health insurance fees: charged each quarter. See Health Insurance & Requirements 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

  • Undergraduates: $1,252 per quarter
  • Graduates: $2,252 per quarter
Payment Deadline

There is a late fee for payment after the deadline:

  • Fall: September 17, 2025
  • Winter: December 17, 2025
  • Spring: March 24, 2026
Effective Dates
  • Fall: September 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026
  • Winter: January 5, 2026 to March 29, 2026
  • Spring/Summer*: March 30, 2026 to September 18, 2026

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

Immunizations and TB Screening

COVID-19

Health Requirements and Recommendations

Deadline

  • Fall: Before arrival on campus
  • Winter: Before arrival on campus

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 Deadline:
  • Fall: September 19, 2025 (late waiver request through October 10, 2025 with $50 late fee)
  • Winter: December 19, 2025 (late waiver request through January 9, 2026 with $50 late fee)
  • Spring: March 13, 2026 (late waiver request through April 3, 2026 with $50 late fee)