BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT UC Santa Cruz
2021-22
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
GET Started!
Reminders
- Housing is not guaranteed.
- Rental agreement last 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. 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.
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
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 assignements may be in a college that is different from your collage 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.
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: September 22, 2021
- Winter: To be announced
No earlier than
- Fall: August 28,2021
- Winter: December 4, 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 are advised to arrive as early as possible.
Start Date on Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019)
- Fall: September 23, 2021
- Winter: January 3, 2022
International Education Office Events
Orientation
- Fall: September 17, 2021 (online); Registration begins July, 2021.
- Winter: To be announced
Visa Check-in via iGlobal
Deadline: Within 15 days of your program start date
Instructions: See list of items required for check-in. You will submit items electronically.
Move-In Dates
Temporary Accommodation
- Places to stay while looking for housing
- Hostelling International- Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Visitor's Bureau
Ground Transport to Campus
Enrollment Resources
- Department links
- Class schedule
- How to use Class Search
- Course catalog
- Enrollment "my.ucsc.edu"
- Enrollment FAQ
- Enrollment calendar
Registering for Classes
Multi-factor authentication keeps your information safe.
Undergraduate Students
Enrolling in Classes
- Enrollment Period
- Fall: July 23, 2021. All times are California time. Confirm your local time.
- Winter: November
- 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
- Department advisor contact information
- Recommendations for engineering and computer science, economics, mathematics and physics.
- Prerequisite clearance request form
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.
- Log-in to access your dashboard: MyUCSC to pay for your fees
Fees
- International Student Orientation: $100 (subject to change)
- ID Card: $25. Payments must be made in person via cash or check only.
- Health Insurance Fees: Fees will be billed to your account each quarter. See Health Insurance and Services information.
2021-2022 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.
- Undergraduates: $986 each quarter
- Graduates: $1,670 each quarter
Payment Deadline
There is a late fee for payment after the deadline:
- Fall: September 16, 2021
- Winter: December 15, 2021
- Spring: March 22, 2022
Effective Dates
- Fall: September 18, 2021 to January 2, 2022
- Winter: January 3, 2022 to March 27, 2022
- Spring/Summer*: March 28, 2022 to September 17, 2022
*If you are a registered student during Spring quarter, your spring SHIP fee provides coverage through the end of summer.
Immunizations and TB Screening
Health Requirements and Recommendations
Deadline
- Fall: September (To be announced)
- Winter: To be announced
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, 2021 (later waiver request through September 30, 2021 with $50 late fee)
- Winter: December 15, 2021 (later waiver request through December 30, 2021 with $50 late fee)
- Spring: March 15, 2022 (later waiver request through March 30, 2022 with $50 late fee)
