Winter Welcome 2025
{Updated on December 4, 2024}
View the interactive campus map and the campus walking map to help you get around campus. Remember to complete all Orientation To-Do items.
Your College Event Calendar will have more programming we expect you to participate in. If you need help, the Orientation Office staff is available during Zoom drop-in hours or by email at orientation@ucsc.edu.
Go to: Thu, Jan 2 Fri, Jan 3 Mon, Jan 6 Tues, Jan 7 Wed, Jan 8 Thu, Jan 9 Fri, Jan 10 Wed, Jan 15 Thu, Jan 16 Fri, Jan 17 Wed, Jan 22 Offices to Visit
Thursday, January 2
Slugs CARE and Title IX Presentation (REQUIRED)
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (PT)
Via Zoom
This mandatory, interactive, three-part presentation promotes community standards and highlights resources available to support students’ well-being and success. All incoming undergraduates must attend the Slugs CARE and Title IX webinar session and will receive an email to their UCSC email address with the subject: Slugs CARE and Title IX Presentation Confirmation. This email contains webinar information and contains a unique link to access the webinar. We encourage students to add the event to their Google Calendar so they will have easy access to it. The session is scheduled for Pacific Time.
Note that you must use your UCSC email address to register. Attendance is mandatory and will be recorded using your student email.
An alternate training is available, for both the online and in-person trainings, for those who may have difficulty with the content due to a current or past experience. For more information, confidential support, or to request an alternate training, please contact CARE (Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education) at care@ucsc.edu or (831) 502-2273.
Friday, January 3
Appointments for UC Required Immunizations
**Call 831-459-2500 or schedule online through Health e-Messenger**
All incoming UC students are REQUIRED to receive certain vaccinations and tuberculosis (TB) screening. Students may receive required immunizations at the Student Health Center by scheduling an appointment through Health e-Messenger or calling (831) 459-2500. These are offered at no cost for students with UC SHIP.
ID Card Services - Pick up your student ID Card
Congratulations on becoming a Banana Slug! Your first student ID card is FREE! If you have submitted a photo through CloudCard, and your photo was approved, your card will be ready for you. If you did not submit a photo by December 1, you will pick up your card after January 3 once you submit your photo and after your photo gets approved. If you have yet to submit your photo, please go to the Photo Upload Instructions page and follow the photo submission guidelines.
For information on when and where to pick up your SlugCard, please refer to the ID Card Services Pickup Instructions page.
Please Note: You will need a government issued ID along with your UCSC Student ID number at the time of pick up.
College Advising Session for Transfers (REQUIRED)
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (PT)
Via Zoom: https://ucsc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpf-mqqzIrHddm_6dc2W187HjagnvQh03-#/registration
College Academic Advising— mandatory for all new transfer students: The College Academic Advising Orientation will provide an overview of important academic information all transfer students should be aware of, including degree requirements, academic planning, academic policies, enrichment opportunities, and tips for a successful transition to UC Santa Cruz.
College Advising Session for First-Year (REQUIRED)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
In-person: Crown College Classroom 208
The College Academic Advising Orientation will provide an overview of important academic information all new first-year should be aware of, including degree requirements, academic planning, academic policies, enrichment opportunities, and tips for a successful transition to UC Santa Cruz.
Monday, January 6 - First day of classes
Orientation Office Zoom Drop-in Hours
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (PT)
Zoom link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/99175288327?pwd=N2lKVit1MUxJVnIwN2dLa1Y5TkVMZz09
Orientation staff is available to help you navigate the Winter Welcome schedule and to answer any questions you may have.
Winter International Student Orientation | Register Here
Required for all incoming F-1 and J-1 students. All other students are welcome to join.
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (PT)
Location details will be sent by email
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 International Student Services and Programming (ISSP) 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. Visit the ISSP website to learn more.
Tuesday, January 7
Transportation and Parking Options On and Off Campus
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (PT)
Zoom link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/92458409957?pwd=rqq6SzxNpeGUSlbB1uCs9hjvBadNru.1
Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) is your ticket to how you'll travel around campus, around town, and back home. We'll go over all your great sustainable options and take the mystery out of Zipcar, Ebike Share, Safe Rides, city and campus buses, bicycle support programs, Cruz511, rideshare, holiday travel, campus parking, and more!
Orientation Office Zoom Drop-in Hours
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (PT)
Zoom link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/99175288327?pwd=N2lKVit1MUxJVnIwN2dLa1Y5TkVMZz09
Orientation staff is available to help you navigate the Winter Welcome schedule and to answer any questions you may have.
Winter Residential Student Welcome
7:00 p.m.
Various college locations
Residential staff will be hosting residential welcome events for all new students.
Wednesday, January 8
Orientation Office Zoom Drop-in Hours
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (PT)
Zoom link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/99175288327?pwd=N2lKVit1MUxJVnIwN2dLa1Y5TkVMZz09
Orientation staff is available to help you navigate the Winter Welcome schedule and to answer any questions you may have.
EOP & STARRS Winter Welcome
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
Register in advance for the Zoom meeting: https://ucsc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsf-6oqDgoGtQTcqs_PZGtLA46bTTCrMXL
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
EOP & STARRS Winter Welcome will serve as an opportunity for students to connect with EOP Staff, STARRS staff, and our Student Staff to learn more about the resources provided for transfer success. Students will learn about the programs under the umbrella of EOP & STARRS and the services provided by both resource centers, respectively. STARRS will also facilitate a quick overview of their services. It will end with STARRS/EOP Transfer Student Panel, to hear directly from your transfer peers on the UCSC undergraduate experience.
Thursday, January 9
Orientation Office Zoom Drop-in Hours
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (PT)
Zoom link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/99175288327?pwd=N2lKVit1MUxJVnIwN2dLa1Y5TkVMZz09
Orientation staff is available to help you navigate the Winter Welcome schedule and to answer any questions you may have.
Transfer Winter Welcome by STARRS
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (PT)
In-person: STARRS Lounge, Bay Tree Building Second Floor
The STARRS Winter Welcome is an opportunity to learn more about people and the resources available to support your transition to UC Santa Cruz. You will make connections with staff and peers through fun activities and a casual networking dinner. You must RSVP to attend, and will receive an invitation directly from Services for Transfer Re-Entry and Resilient Scholars (STARRS).
Friday, January 10
Orientation Office Zoom Drop-in Hours
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (PT)
Zoom link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/99175288327?pwd=N2lKVit1MUxJVnIwN2dLa1Y5TkVMZz09
Orientation staff is available to help you navigate the Winter Welcome schedule and to answer any questions you may have.
Wednesday, January 15
EOP Open House
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Academic Resource Center Patio/Building
The EOP Office will be tabling outside of the Academic Resource Center and hosting tours of the building. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the EOP Staff and Student Staff. Students will also learn more about programs like our Textbook Access Program, our EOP Food Pantry, and Undocumented Student Services. We are hoping to provide lunch for students who are in attendance.
Thursday, January 16
Transportation and Parking Options On and Off Campus
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (PT)
Zoom link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/92539431900?pwd=hH4iuOsRjirSTxPId1DIFZqBaWV0YP.1
Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) is your ticket to how you'll travel around campus, around town, and back home. We'll go over all your great sustainable options and take the mystery out of Zipcar, Ebike Share, Safe Rides, city and campus buses, bicycle support programs, Cruz511, rideshare, holiday travel, campus parking, and more!
Friday, January 17
Are we on Campus or in a Forest? An Introduction to the Campus Natural Reserve Lands2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (PT)
In person: Norris Center Classroom (Natural Sciences 2 Room 233)
Virtual: Join Zoom Meeting at https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/94719978208?pwd=p9PPZ11CtcZNFQepSh82bXMyDruz2v.1
The UCSC Campus is unique within the University of California in that almost 800 acres of the campus have been set aside as a Natural Reserve. These lands are home to 1000’s of plants and animals including bobcat, deer, and the California giant salamander. This event will discuss the animals and plants found on the Campus Natural Reserve and highlight ways you can get involved in research and educational activities at our Natural Reserves and the Ken Norris Center for Natural History. You will also learn about the appropriate use of the reserve and see specimens of some of the animals and plants that occur on campus. For more information, contact the Campus Reserve Manager at asjones@ucsc.edu.
Wednesday, January 22
Student Health Services Open House
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (PT)
Student Health Center
Student Health Services will be open on Wednesday, 1/22/25 from 4 to 6 PM to answer questions about immunizations, health insurance requirements, and to share information about services that are available to students.
** We will not be providing any medical or counseling care during this time. **
IMPORTANT OFFICES TO VISIT |
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Appointments for UC Required Immunizations
**Call (831) 459-2500 or schedule online through Health e-Messenger**
All incoming UC students are REQUIRED to receive certain vaccinations and tuberculosis (TB) screening. Students may receive required immunizations at the Student Health Center by scheduling an appointment through Health e-Messenger or calling (831) 459-2500. These are offered at no cost for students with UC SHIP.
1:1 Confidential Financial Coaching Appointments
Schedule an appointment
Whether you have questions about your UCSC bill, need some guidance with budgeting or taxes, or you are experiencing financial stress or hardships, the SlugCents team is here to help. Make a confidential, no-judgment appointment with a SlugCents Peer Financial Coach to get information and resources that can help you feel better about your money situation, or email us with questions at slugcents@ucsc.edu.
10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.. and 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. (PT)
150 Hahn Student Services
Available in-person at the front counter and by phone at 831-459-4008, or by email at admissions@ucsc.edu. Receive information regarding conditions of admission, transfer credit, sending official transcripts and test scores, and appeals.
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Bay Tree Campus Store
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT)
Quarry Plaza
The Bay Tree Campus Store is your destination for a wide variety of Banana Slug apparel. The Campus Store also features Apple computers (at discounted education prices), Apple accessories, school supplies, art supplies, and gifts.
Hours for January 3 and after
ID Card Services - Pick up your student ID Card
Congratulations on becoming a Banana Slug! Your first student ID card is FREE! If you have submitted a photo through CloudCard, and your photo was approved, your card will be ready for you. If you did not submit a photo by December 1, you will pick up your card after January 3 once you submit your photo and after your photo gets approved. If you have yet to submit your photo, please go to the Photo Upload Instructions page and follow the photo submission guidelines.
For information on when and where to pick up your SlugCard, please refer to the ID Card Services Pickup Instructions page.
Please Note: You will need a government-issued ID along with your UCSC Student ID number at the time of pick up.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
See the Contact Information page for availability information
205 Hahn Student Services
Advisors are available on a drop-in basis to assist students and their families with any questions regarding their financial aid awards, loan requirements, and more.
Monday - Friday starting on January 3, 2025
Student Housing Services
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
(831) 459-2394
The Campus Housing Office staff are available via email, phone, and Zoom to assist you with any questions about housing and dining charges, payment plan options, meal plans, and more.
Orientation Office Zoom Drop-in Hours
See the Orientation Calendar for daily Zoom drop-in hours
Orientation staff is available to help you navigate the campus and to answer any questions you may have.
Hours for January 3 and 6-10
Office of the Registrar
Call at 831-459-4412
Phone: Monday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Friday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
190 Hahn Student Services
Front Counter: Monday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
Open for general questions about registration, course enrollment, and enrollment verification.
Hours for January 3 and 6-10
Residency and Veterans Services at the Registrar’s Office
190 Hahn Student Services
In-Person and Zoom Advising Calendar for Residency and Veterans Services
Email: reg-residency@ucsc.edu
Open for questions about veterans benefits and residency for UC tuition.
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Hours for January 6-10 and 13-17
Residential Computing (ResNet)
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT)
Rachel Carson College Room 258
ResNet assists with residential networks (including ResWiFi and ResWiFi devices) as well as with minor computer repairs. Staff will be available via phone, email, and in-person support (no appointment needed). Call ResNet at (831) 459-4638, email resnet@ucsc.edu, or visit our website resnet.ucsc.edu for more information.
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SlugCents Financial Wellness Program
In-person and virtual meetings available M-F
203 Hahn Student Services (next to Financial Aid)
Email: slugcents@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 502-0781
The SlugCents Financial Wellness Program helps UCSC students build the knowledge and skills they need to feel more confident about their financial decisions. Visit https://linktr.ee/slugcents to register for our financial workshops, learn about financial topics, or make a 1:1 appointment to work on financial issues and goals with a peer financial coach.
Student Business Services (SBS): Financial Service Center
In-person hours: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
102 Hahn Student Services
Email: sbs@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 459-2107
Phone hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
SBS will be available to answer questions about billing, making payments, signing up for direct deposit refunds, and information on Tuition Payment Plans for current registration fees.
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UCSC.iGrad.com: Build Your Financial Knowledge (no advertising or data sharing)
Visit the UCSC.iGrad.com website
UCSC.iGrad.com is the official financial knowledge website for UCSC students, alumni, staff, faculty, and their family members. Sign up for a free account (use your UCSC.edu email address for added security) and you’ll have access to information on nearly every personal financial topic you can think of! From budgeting and financial aid to health insurance and living trusts, UCSC.iGrad.com has it all. There’s even a scholarship search tool with hundreds of scholarship opportunities that have been thoroughly researched for you. And because UCSC’s SlugCents Financial Wellness Program pays for the site, there is no advertising or data sharing to worry about (we promise).
