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

1) Complete the Pre-Orientation Module

All freshmen should complete the Pre-Orientation Module before their Orientation session. This essential module dives into all the must-know details about academic requirements at UCSB. Completing it is your first step toward understanding your academic path and will leave you feeling prepared and confident for selecting your first quarter classes. Make sure to jot down any questions to ask your Orientation peer advisor and UCSB staff!

Access The Pre-Orientation Module

2) Take Placement Assessments (if applicable)

UCSB offers placement assessment for multiple subject areas including: math, writing, and chemistry. These assessments are extremely important to gain access to register for the appropriate courses during your first quarter. Not every student needs to take an assessment. Review all of the placement assessment information to ensure you complete any assessments relevant to you prior to your Orientation schedule. 

Review Placement Assessment Information

3) Reserve Overnight Accommodations (if applicable)

Students attending in-person Orientation have the option to stay at Manzanita Village Residence Hall overnight during their Orientation session. If you want this option, you must select it when you make your Orientation reservation. This lodging option is only available to students; parents and guests cannot stay here.

If you or your family/guests need accommodations, San Joaquin Villages, the Summer Inn, and the Club And Guest House offer overnight reservations open to the public. All locations are conveniently located near UCSB!

The Hotels and Lodging section of our website contains a list of hotels in the surrounding areas of Goleta and Santa Barbara. Quick disclaimer: UCSB does not specifically endorse or have any formal affiliation with any of the hotels listed.

4) Make a Packing List

Students should bring the following items to Orientation:

  • A laptop (preferred) or tablet for academic advising and course registration. You will use your UCSB NetID and password, and must have Multi-Factor Authentication enabled with the Duo application to register for courses.
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts from previous college-level courses and AP, IB, or A-Level exam scores (high school transcripts are not needed for Orientation).
  • Comfy footwear as you will be doing extensive walking across our beautiful campus
  • Hat, jacket and clothing that layers. Santa Barbara is known for cool/misty coastal mornings and hot/sunny afternoons.
  • Reusable water bottle. Hydration stations are conveniently located in most UCSB buildings. 

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

5) Request an Access ID Card

Students who will live in university-owned housing for the school year can pick up their Access ID Cards at Orientation check-in. Student must upload a passport-style photo to the UCSB Access Card Portal several days before their Orientation session begins. An email with further instructions and information will be sent to incoming students seven days in advance of their session.

To submit a photo to the Access Office, students must sign in to the UCSB Transact eAccounts website using their NetID and password.

6) Inform Orientation about Special Accommodations

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

7) Prepare for Check-In

Orientation check-in runs from 7:30 AM - 9:10 AM on the first day of your session (either Monday or Thursday). Every program participant (students, parents, and guests) must check in individually. This is how you will receive your essential program schedule and important materials. We recommend arriving early so you have time to participate in the morning tours before the Welcome Assembly begins. Coffee and tea will be provided at check-in!

Declared Dance, Music and Theater majors must check in by 8:15am in order to attend an advising meeting with your department.

We look forward to meeting you at Orientation!