The International Student Orientation program (ISO) is designed to help you get to know other students, learn more about the campus, and ease your transition to UC Santa Cruz, with a focus on international student challenges and intercultural adjustment. During orientation, you will meet Global Engagement staff, connect with our Global Leaders (continuing undergraduate students), and learn about campus resources to support your studies and success as a UCSC Banana Slug.
ISO takes place on the UC Santa Cruz main campus and is required for all new, incoming international students in F-1 or J-1 status. More information on preparing you for your arrival at UC Santa Cruz can be found in the “Pre-Arrival Orientation” found in iGlobal.
Students who consider themselves international but are not in F-1/J-1 status are also welcome to register and attend.
Orientation Programs
- International Student Orientation (First-Year Frosh)
- International Transfer/Exchange Orientation
- Graduate Student Orientation
International Student Orientation (First-Year Frosh)
We look forward to welcoming our brand new class of incoming first-year frosh. First-year frosh are degree-seeking bachelor’s level students beginning their undergraduate university studies for the first time at UC Santa Cruz (regardless of whether they attended high school in the U.S.) Participation is required for all incoming international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa. Note: Frosh who are not on an F-1 or J-1 visa are also welcome to register and participate in this orientation.
Program At-A-Glance
A full schedule will be available in early September.
Wednesday, September 17
- On-campus housing move-in
- Students living on campus must register for a One-Day Early Arrival Housing to move in on this date. The cost is $34.99
- Students should select “International Student Orientation” as the group when register for early arrival
- Optional: Evening Welcome Social (hosted by Global Leaders)
Thursday, September 18 (9:00 – 17:00)
The day will begin at Classroom Unit Building
- Global Engagement Welcome
- International Student Overview: Maintaining Your Student Status
- Global Leader Community Building
- Campus Tour
- Lunch
- Closing Mixer & Resource Fair
- Optional: Global Leader Socials
- Optional: International Family Orientation (see below)
Friday, September 19
- Optional: Global Leader Socials
Optional: Airport Ride-share Interest Form
Will you be traveling solo to UC Santa Cruz and would like to connect with a fellow new student to share a ride from the airport to campus? Let us know by completing the form above. Priority deadline (when we’ll first share access to this list) will be Friday, September 5.
International Family Orientation
We extend a warm welcome to all our parents, guardians, and family members of our new international students. International Family Orientation is a one-day, in-person program that takes place concurrently during the International Student Orientation (Frosh). We invite you to join us to learn more about what the UC Santa Cruz experience is like and to meet university staff. There is no additional cost to participate in the Family Orientation.
Program At-A-Glance
Thursday, September 18 (11:00 – 17:00)
- Global Engagement Welcome
- UCSC Academics and Support Services Overview
- Family Luncheon
- Lunch
- Campus Tour
- Closing Mixer & Resource Fair (joining back with first-year frosh)
Parking Information
- Purchase a $10 day “A” permit at the kiosk at the base of campus (High Street and Bay Drive)
- Map of Parking: https://taps.ucsc.edu/pdf/parking-map.pdf
Reminders for Family Members
- Your student’s orientation will take place separately at the same time on Thursday, September 18. They will be busy during the family orientation.
- Your student will start their day on Thursday, September 18, at 9:00 at Classroom Unit Building.
- You will meet back with your student at 15:30 at the Closing Mixer & Resource Fair.
International Transfer & Exchange Orientation
We look forward to welcoming our brand new class of incoming transfer and exchange students. Transfer students are typically continuing F-1 students who have previously attended another U.S. institution of higher education and are transferring to UC Santa Cruz to continue their university studies. Exchange students typically hold J-1 status and are here on a short-term exchange for 1-3 quarters.
Program At-A-Glance
A full schedule will be available in early September.
Thursday, September 18
- On-campus housing move-in
- If you are planning to arrive prior to September 18, you must apply for Early Arrival Housing. Additional fees apply.
Friday, September 19 (9:00 – 15:00)
- Global Engagement Welcome
- Breakout Sessions for Transfers and Exchange Students
- International Student Overview: Maintaining Your Student Status
- Global Leaders Student Panel
- Campus Resources Overview
- Campus Tour
- Lunch
Optional: Airport Ride-share Interest Form
Will you be traveling solo to UC Santa Cruz and would like to connect with a fellow new student to share a ride from the airport to campus? Let us know by completing the form above. Priority deadline (when we’ll first share access to this list) will be Friday, September 5.
Graduate Student Orientation
Global Engagement will give a presentation to newly admitted international graduate students online as part of the Graduate Student Orientation. This session is mandatory for all new F-1 and J-1 graduate students and is expected to take place on Wednesday, September 24, in the morning.
More information about Graduate Student Orientation can be found on the Division of Graduate Studies website.
Optional: Airport Ride-share Interest Form
Will you be traveling solo to UC Santa Cruz and would like to connect with a fellow new student to share a ride from the airport to campus? Let us know by completing the form above. Priority deadline (when we’ll first share access to this list) will be Friday, September 5.
If you have any questions about International Student Orientation, please contact us at iprogramming@ucsc.edu.