UCSB Parent Orientation

Orientation for parents & family members takes place alongside the student orientation program and gives you the opportunity to:

  • Learn about a variety of student services including housing, financial aid, student health, community safety, counseling, career planning, and academic support services
  • Meet academic deans and university staff, and become acquainted with their roles in the university community and their contributions to student learning and development
  • Meet current UCSB students and find out their perspectives on life as students and members of the University community
  • Learn about the many ways for parents and families to contribute to the adjustment and achievement of a UCSB student, as well as the transition you will experience at home
  • Find answers to your questions about student life away from home, university level study, and the academic and social environments at UCSB

Orientation is not mandatory, but it gives students an important head start in preparing for their college career. Approximately 95% of freshmen and 85% of transfer students attend Orientation. Parents are not required to attend, but by coming to Orientation they can learn more about UCSB and gain a greater understanding of what students will be experiencing. More than half of incoming freshmen bring at least one parent, and many transfer students bring parents, spouses, or partners.

Parent Comments

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UCSB Tower

"Orientation reinforced our belief that UCSB is a great teaching school. As alums, we felt we were already familiar with UCSB and attended Orientation only to support our son. The program far exceeded our expectations. The content was appropriate; the presentations effective. Our fears were explored and addressed, and our hopes reborn."


"After attending Orientation we feel like family. My daughter remarked that she already feels like UCSB is home. This has been a terrific experience."