/Institutions/University-of-California-Santa-Cruz/json/current/General-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-California-Santa-Cruz/json/current/General-Catalog.json

Orientation

Comprehensive information for incoming new students are detailed on UCSC’s welcome site.

• What to do after admission
• Apply for financial aid
• Set up UCSC accounts
• Housing and meal plans
• ID card
• Health requirements
• Math and writing assessments
• Summer Send-Offs
• Get a head start at UCSC
• Access disability accommodations

Online Orientation Course

All new UC Santa Cruz students who enter in a fall quarter are expected to participate in an online "Slug Orientation" course, for which they earn 1 credit upon passing. This required online course introduces you to how the university works, what’s expected of you, and how to navigate campus life. You’ll complete it in Canvas before your first quarter begins—so you start informed, confident, and ready to succeed. Be sure to check your UCSC email regularly for important deadlines and instructions.

Slug Start / Fall Welcome Week

Slug Start is a multi-week kickoff to your first year at UC Santa Cruz, packed with important activities and sessions designed specifically for new students. Some parts of Slug Start are mandatory, and all the information you receive is valuable. Your first day of programming will depend on your college affiliation and move-in date—plan to start participating as soon as you’ve moved in and be sure to check your UCSC email for Slug Start information.

International Student Orientation

International Orientation 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 under “Pre-Arrival Orientation” in iGlobal.

Note: Students who consider themselves international but are not in F-1/J-1 status are also welcome to register and attend.

The mandatory International Orientation program your transition to university life and introduces you to a research university’s academic expectations, UC level writing norms, campus resources, and the UCSC and Santa Cruz communities.