BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT UC Santa Cruz

2023-2024

 

UCEAP Reciprocity and Visa & Immigration Information

International Education Office
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
101 Classroom Unit
Contact ISSS
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 Campus Housing

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

  • 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 21, 2023
  • Winter: January 7, 2024 

No earlier than

  • Fall: August 29, 2023
  • Winter: December 9, 2023

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 28, 2023
  • Winter: January 8, 2024

International Education Office Events

Orientation
  • Fall: September 22, 2023; Register (Registration opens in June.)
  • Winter: January 8, 2024 - 5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Humanities 1-210; Register
  • Fee: $100 USD 
Visa Check-in via iGlobal

Deadline: October 6, 2023
iGlobal: Complete all required e-forms.

Global Reception
  • Fall: September 22, 2023
  • Winter: To be announced

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: begins August 11, 2023
    • Winter: begins November 15, 2023  
    • 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 Orientation: $100 (subject to change); International student fee: $50 for one term and $100 for two or more terms.
  • 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: Fees will be billed to your account each quarter. See Health Insurance & Requirements information.

2023-2024 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: $1047 per quarter
  • Graduates: $1,738 per quarter
Payment Deadline

There is a late fee for payment after the deadline:

  • Fall: September 20, 2023
  • Winter: December 21, 2023
  • Spring: March 26, 2024
Effective Dates
  • Fall: September 23, 2023 to January 4, 2024
  • Winter: January 5, 2024 to March 31, 2024
  • Spring/Summer*: April 1, 2024 to September 20, 2024

*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

Deadline

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

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 15, 2023 (late waiver request through October 6, 2023 with $50 late fee)
  • Winter: December 15, 2023 (late waiver request through January 5, 2024 with $50 late fee)
  • Spring: March 15, 2024 (late waiver request through April 5, 2024 with $50 late fee)