Welcome to UCSC Silicon Valley Extension!
We are excited to welcome you to UCSC Silicon Valley and the vibrant international student community! This page provides all the essential information you'll need to prepare for your journey and orientation as an F-1 visa student. Please review the details carefully and reach out to extensioninternational@ucsc.edu if you have any questions.
Before your departure, we will send out important communications. Please respond and complete the required forms linked in each email.
- Visa Status Update Request
6 weeks before orientation- Let us know if you have received your approved visa.
- 5 weeks before orientation
RSVP to Attend Orientation Request- Confirm your attendance at orientation
- Orientation is MANDATORY. If you are unable to attend, we will schedule a make-up orientation day.
- 4 weeks before orientation
International Student Fee Added to Student Account- Pay the International student fee. This is required before attending the mandatory orientation.
- 4 weeks before orientation
Health Insurance Information Sent Out with Enrollment Form- Complete the health insurance form:
- If you plan to enroll into the school-sponsored plan.
- If you plan to waive and have met the requirements to waive.
- Complete the health insurance form:
- 3 weeks before orientation
Pre-Arrival Check-In, Student Policies, & Reminders Sent Out
- 1-2 weeks before orientation
Final Reminders Sent Out
- 1 day before orientation
Recommended Schedule Sent Out- View the recommended courses to enroll in. Our advisors will be on campus to support you and assist with the enrollment process after the orientation campus tour.
Before your departure, make sure you've completed the following:
- Visa and Documentation
- Housing Arrangements
- Off-campus housing: Secure a rental and confirm availability upon your arrival.
- Temporary housing: If you need temporary accommodation, explore options near the campus.
- Health and Vaccination Requirements
- Complete your required immunizations before arriving in the U.S.
- Review your health insurance coverage to ensure it meets visa requirements.
- Packing Essentials
- Bring documents such as your passport, I-20, admission letter, and travel insurance.
- Pack weather-appropriate clothing and essentials such as medications, adapters, etc.
- Consider items that help you adapt to cultural differences such as snacks and specialty items from home.
- Airport
We recommend that you fly into a nearby airport:- San Jose International Airport | SJC
- San Francisco International Airport | SFO
- Oakland International Airport | OAK
- Check-In with International Office
- Within 10 days of arriving, you must check in with the International Student Office.
- Required documents for check-in:
- Passport and visa
- I-94 (available online after arrival)
- I-20 form
- Complete the online form sent to you to complete this process.
Our Orientation Day is designed to help you transition smoothly into life as an international student. Here’s what you can expect:
- Welcome Session
Time: 9:30 a.m. (PT)
Meet university staff, international student advisors, and fellow new students.
- Immigration and Visa Compliance
Learn about maintaining your F-1 visa status, including enrollment requirements, travel, and work regulations.
- Academic Advising Session
Advisors will guide you through course selection, registration, and academic expectations.
- Student Resources and Support Services
Learn about services that will support your academic success and well-being, including counseling, health services, and career development.
- Campus Tour
Get familiar with key campus locations such as the student center, library, and health services.
- Course Enrollment Support
Advisors will stay with you and assist with questions while you enroll into your first quarter courses. If you are already enrolled, you are free to leave.
- Mandatory health insurance
Learn more about health insurance here. - Enrollment info
- Students must be enrolled in 12 units mandated by visa requirements to maintain legal status.
- Enrollment deadline is Friday after the orientation
- Student ID card
- We will take your photo at the orientation and the ID cards will be ready within two weeks.
- Keep your student ID card on you whenever you enter the building. You will scan your card to show in-person attendance for your courses.
- Academic Integrity Policy
Useful Resources
- Student Handbook: [Download PDF]
- Transportation
- Housing & Residential Life
- Health Insurance
- Declare candidacy in your program.
- Certificate Review Enrollment.
- Transcripts: Request unofficial and official transcripts.
- Drop/Swap Policies
- Student Services
Contact Us
If you have any questions before your arrival, please reach out.
International Student Office
Email: extenisoninternational@ucsc.edu
Phone: 408-450-4965
Student Services
Email: extension@ucsc.edu
Phone: 408-861-3860
You are now well-prepared for your new journey at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension. We look forward to seeing you on Orientation Day!
International Inquiry Form
Speak to an international programs representative.
Call +1 (408) 450-4945
Envelope extensioninternational@ucsc.edu
To schedule an online meeting with an international advisor, please click here.
Recent International Stories
What Students Are Saying
"From assignments, class exercises, and group discussions to the project work and quizzes—it all helped me build strong foundations and solidify concepts."
— Neville Mistry
International Student
Program Manager
"I made a lot of good connections while I was here."
— Aakash Dave
International Student
Entrepreneur, Founding CEO of Spotmi
"It’s a very supportive program. The engagement within our class was great. We learned from the professors as well as our classmates."
— Renuka Adnane, MSOD PHR SHRM-CP
International Student
Human Resources Business Partner
"It was pretty deep and the assignments were demanding so I had to work hard to get the point."
— Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA
International Student
Director of Digital & Analytics | Data Analytics Professor
"The response from my fellow students was so enthusiastic that I had to think more in depth. It evolved. Every course demands that you think in a certain way. Every course took me a step further."
— Bouwien Luppes
International Student
Art Entrepreneur and Marketer
"She’s really inspired me to do a lot of things I was not doing with the kids. It helps you think differently about your role. It helped me a lot with teaching art and creativity. If they want to color a heart blue, we let them do it."
— Vandana Gupta
International Student
Child Care Teacher
"Diana is a fabulous instructor and is always willing to share her insights and make sure course content is adapted to everyone's needs. She is approachable and willing to help you have a thorough understanding of the content without judgment."
— Jasleen Kaur Monga
International Student
Learning Specialist | Educational Therapist
"Jagadeesh really prepares for the sessions and the assignments, not letting students to lose focus during classes, engaging all. He has got a lot of examples to share and makes people think to apply what we learn in the class."
— SasiKumar Arumugan
International Student
Lead Software Engineer
"The class involved whiteboard sessions and collaboration projects which really prepared me well to start working in the industry and tackle UX design interviews."
— Agnieszka Zimolag
International Student
Product Design, Cloud at IonQ
Visit our general events page and the international events calendar.