After registering for Orientation, please complete the following steps to prepare for your Orientation session.

1) Complete the Pre-Orientation Module. 

All students should complete the Pre-Orientation Module before their Orientation session. This module contains important information about university, general education and major requirements at UCSB, and will prepare students for academic advising sessions at Orientation. Students are encouraged to take notes on unfamiliar concepts or requirements so that they can ask their advisors specific questions during Orientation. 

Access The Pre-Orientation Module

2) Confirm Fall Quarter Course Placements.

Students without prior college-level course credit should complete placement exams for the following departments.

Math

Mathematics Placement Exam Information

The Mathematics Placement Exam (MPE) lets students enroll in Math 2A or Math 3A at UCSB. Some STEM majors require students to complete Math 2A or Math 3A in their first quarter. Students interested in these majors who have not earned college level calculus credit should complete the Mathematics Placement Exam through the link above before their Orientation session.

For students in certain STEM majors, failing to complete the Mathematics Placement Examination before Orientation can delay degree progress. 

 

Writing

Collaborative Writing Placement Information 

The Collaborative Writing Placement (CWP) is designed for students who have not yet satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). Students who have not satisfied the ELWR and have not yet been contacted by the Writing Program should email placement@ucsb.edu to receive an invitation. 

 

Language Placement

Students interested in taking a foreign language at UCSB should contact their department of interest to schedule a placement examination. Students should only schedule a placement examination if they have experience with their target language; students with no experience should take an entry-level course in that language.

3) Reserve Overnight Accommodations.

Students attending in-person Orientation can stay at Manzanita Village Residence Hall overnight during their Orientation session, but students must select this option in their reservation. Parents and guests cannot stay at Manzanita Village Residence Hall.

San Joaquin Villages, the Summer Inn, and the Club And Guest House offer overnight reservations during Summer 2025. These locations are in close proximity to campus. 

The Hotels and Lodging section of our website contains a list of hotels in Goleta and Santa Barbara that will be available during Summer 2025. Please note that these hotels are not endorsed by or affiliated with UCSB.

4) Make a Packing List

Students should bring the following items to Orientation:

  • A laptop or tablet for advising and course registration (Day 1 Afternoon, Day 2 Afternoon). Students must have Multi-Factor Authentication enabled with the Duo application to register for courses.
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts from previous college-level courses (high school transcripts are not needed for Orientation).
  • Comfortable shoes and water bottle. Orientation programming takes place at different locations around campus, and program participants can attend a variety of campus tours throughout each session.

Students staying overnight at Manzanita Village Residence Hall are provided with a pillow, sheets, blankets and towels. 

5) Prepare for Check-In

Orientation check-in lasts from 7:30 AM - 9:10 AM at Manzanita Village on Monday or Thursday, the first day of the two-day session. All students, parents and guests who are registered for Orientation must check in individually, as we will provide important information and program materials for every participant. We advise that students, parents and guests arrive early to participate in morning tours before our Welcome Assembly.

Declared Dance and Theater majors must check in by 8:15am in order to attend an advising meeting with their department at 8:45am. (Please note that Music majors will not have a morning meeting. They will receive an email from the major department advisor with course instructions).

6) Inform Orientation about Special Accommodations

We offer program accommodations for participants with mobility issues and gluten allergies. Please contact us via email sa-orientation@ucsb.edu or call 805-893-3443 during business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM M-F) for further information.