Orientation & Starting at UCSC FAQs
As a new student, we know that you have a lot of questions! Here are some quick answers to some commonly asked questions. And remember, your Orientation Leader Team is your main point of contact for all things UCSC.
Q: When do I take my ID picture? [show]
A: You will receive information on how to upload your photo after you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). Follow the photo submission instructions carefully to submit your photo and get your photo approved. It is important that you get your ID card photo approved early on since your card gives you access to buildings, dining halls, city buses, and much more.
Q: What is the Orientation Course? [show]
A: The Orientation Course is an online Canvas course required for all new students. You will be automatically enrolled in the Orientation Course after saying "YES!" to UCSC (submitting your SIR). The course is designed to provide you with information and resources to help you successfully transition to university life. If you are starting fall quarter, you will receive one academic credit for completing and Passing the Orientation Course.
Q: I am unable to meet some admission deadline (official transcripts), what do I do? [show]
A: Contact the Office of Admissions immediately. Not meeting deadlines or submitting your official transcripts late may put you at risk of your admission being canceled.
Q: What are the dates and deadlines for the Orientation Course? [show]
A: There are various deadlines for the course throughout the summer (for fall-starting students) and the fall (for winter-starting students). See the specific pages for details: fall start dates and deadlines and winter start dates and deadlines.
Q: How do I access the Orientation Course? [show]
A: After saying “YES!” to UCSC (submitting your SIR), you will be automatically enrolled in the course and begin receiving emails from the Orientation Course via Canvas. These emails will be sent to your UCSC email account. *Note: The required Orientation Course is via Canvas and only online.
Q: Do I have to go to campus for orientation? [show]
A: Orientation is only online. You do not need to come to campus. All you need to do is complete the required online Orientation Course which will provide you with all of the information you need to have a successful transition to UC Santa Cruz and prepare you for class enrollment. You will need internet access.
Q: How do I pay for the Orientation Course (fall start only)? [show]
A: The Orientation Course tuition of $279 will be added to your student account (MyUCSC) as a "Summer Session Course Fee" due in August. Students with financial need may be eligible for financial aid to cover the cost of the Orientation Course fee. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Office will be in contact with students who qualify directly. When you receive your bill, follow the instructions on the billing statement to make your payment.
Q: What happens if I do not complete the Orientation Course? [show]
A: The Orientation Course is required, and you will be left at a real disadvantage if it is not completed. There is so much that is part of the Orientation Course including, uploading a photo for your ID card, class enrollment preparation, completing the We Are Slugs! requirements (which if not met will give you a class enrollment hold for the following quarter), housing, financial aid and scholarships, start-of-the-quarter preparation, and academic and social resources information. To receive an enrollment appointment date (to enroll for classes in August), and to PASS the class, you need to complete the Orientation Course in its entirety.
Q: When will I receive the one academic credit for the Orientation Course (fall start only)? [show]
A: You will receive one unit of academic credit when you Pass the course. This means fully completing each part of the Orientation Course.
Q: I have taken AP (Advancement Placement), and/or IB (International Baccalaureate) exams but I do not see them in my portal? [show]
A: There are two reasons your AP and/or IB scores might not be posted:
--Your score was never sent to UCSC. To have your AP scores sent, contact AP Services at (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427, or visit the AP Scores webpage. UCSC’s school code is 4860. To have your IB scores, visit the IB Scores webpage for more information.
--Your score was sent to UCSC, but it did not correctly match with your student record. This can happen for a variety of reasons including a slightly different spelling of your name, a mismatch on the birth date, etc. If you are sure your scores were sent, contact Admissions and upload the score report you received via their Inquiry Form (choose “Admitted Student,” then “Test Scores”). Admissions will review and respond to your inquiry promptly.
Q: I did not receive any information about the required Orientation Course. What should I do? [show]
A: First, log in to your UCSC email account (ends with @ucsc.edu). Second, check your spam folder as somtimes even important emails can end up there. If there is nothing in your spam folder, then email orientation@ucsc.edu and we will send you access information. Include your full name and your 7-digit UCSC ID number in your email.
Q: What should I do if I forgot my CruzID and gold passwords? [show]
A: Go to CruzID manager at https://cruzid.ucsc.edu or request help from ITS.
Q: Do students who study abroad primarily go in their third year? Is it not possible to go earlier or later? [show]
A: Each student is different! Many students participate in study abroad in their third year, but some do go earlier or later. It depends on the student, their major, and the programs of interest. You should meet with your college advisor and an advisor from Programs Abroad at Global Learning during the academic year to discuss your plan and options. Learn more at the Global Learning website.
Q: Is it possible to order books for my classes so I can study ahead of time to prepare? Do I email professors or can these books be found online? [show]
A: It may be possible to view and find your class textbooks and purchase them in advance. Textbook listings will be added as the quarter start date approaches. You will also receive more information on which books are required through your class syllabus. Most instructors send an email with all required texts prior to the start of the quarter. Most of the time the books are available for purchase from the bookstore. Some classes use textbook apps that come with the homework. The class syllabus will provide details on which reading materials are available for free and which need to be purchased.
Q: What are the tuition fees? Do I pay by unit? When do I pay? [show]
A: View the tuition and fees webpage to see the breakdown of the fees. During the fall, winter, and spring quarters you will pay tuition as full-time or part-time student, not by unit. The bill is available on UCSC eBill/ePay or MyUCSC for students to print or download before the start of each quarter. Note: Some or all instruction for all or part of the Academic Year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event that instruction occurs remotely for any part of the Academic Year. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
Q: What should I do about insurance if I do not have any? [show]
A: All UCSC students are required to be insured. Students are automatically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Program, UC SHIP. The fees will be added to your student account if you do not opt to waive the insurance.
Q: I want to waive UCSC's UC SHIP health insurance. How do I do this? [show]
A: Refer to the UCSC Health Center’s Billing and Insurance Information page for information. UC SHIP has specific deadlines to waive UC SHIP each quarter.
Q: What is Welcome Week (for fal start) or Winter Welcome (for winter start)? [show]
A: Welcome Week begins on your affiliated college’s move-in date. During Welcome Week, new students attend sessions and activities. Students starting fall quarter attend Fall Welcome Week, and students starting winter quarter attend Winter Welcome Week. Your college will send you a detailed move-in email to your UCSC email with full instructions. There are some programs that are optional and some are required. There are some programs that are optional and some are required. All new students are expected to participate.
Q: How do I know if I was accepted into EOP (Educational Opportunity Programs)? [show]
A: EOP will send students a message about the program. You can also check your MyUCSC Student Portal under the "Student Advising Summary" in the "Milestones/Groups" tab.
Q: [Work-study] Is it possible to work on campus at UCSC without being in the work-study program? If so, how can I get involved and how difficult is it to get the job? [show]
A: There are both work-study and non-work-study jobs available on campus. Career Success posts listings for jobs on campus, and you can actually look up different types of jobs and internships.
Q: [Employment] When can I apply for on-campus jobs? [show]
A: You can apply for jobs 10 days before the quarter starts. Utilize Handshake to access employment options.
Q: Does UCSC utilize an online learning management system for students to submit assignments or view grades for a class? [show]
A: UCSC uses Canvas which allows students to view their course syllabi, assignments, and submit homework. Not necessarily all classes utilize this, however it is very common. Ask your professor for more clarification!
Q: How can I communicate with my professor or other students in my classes? [show]
A: Most professors use Canvas which allows students to communicate with their professors and other classmates. We encourage you to attend office hours or email your professor directly! In terms of connecting with other students in your class, most students will communicate with others outside of class or through social networking sites such as Discord, GroupMe, etc.
Q: How do I find out who my counselor or advisor is? [show]
A: You will have a team of advisors at your college and a major advisor. You can find their contact information on the college website or major website.
Q: I come from a semester school, what should I expect from the quarter system? [show]
A: It might take some time to adjust to the quick pace of the 10-week quarter system. It might be stressful at first, but you will be OK. The quarter does go by very quickly; midterms can start as early as the second or third week of class! You can prepare by getting your books early, starting your reading/studying, reviewing the class syllabus, marking all of your exams (midterms and final) in your calendar, and planning your study time in advance. It is easy to fall behind in your work as you transition, so be sure to ask for help as soon as possible. UC Santa Cruz Learning Support Services provides free tutoring and study skill information for all students. Get support early!
Q: How do I learn about tutoring opportunities? [show]
A: You can browse the different tutoring programs, including large group and individual tutoring, through Learning Support Services (LSS) Tutoring Programs once classes begin. Pay close attention to specific course deadlines sent by tutors.
Q: What is research like? What happens during research? What benefits come from participating in research? [show]
A: Everyone has a different experience with research and you can research almost anything! Professors lead research, direct you to resources, and expose you to their areas of expertise. We recommend you look at the Undergraduate Research Opportunities website to get an idea of what research is like at UCSC.
Q: I would like to attend an on-campus orientation, is that an option? [show]
A: There is no on-campus orientation option for summer 2025. However, feel free to schedule a guided tour of the campus offered through admissions or take a virtual campus tour.
Q: I am visiting Santa Cruz, where can I stay? [show]
A: There are many great places to stay in the local area—click here to view local options.
