FAQ

Some common questions about Summer Orientation are answered below. By clicking on many of the questions, you will be taken to the section of this website that provides a detailed description.

What time do I need to arrive?

Freshman Orientation: You must check in at Manzanita Village from 7:30-9:15am.

Transfer Orientation: You must check in at Campbell Hall from 8:30-9:45am.

It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the check-in area. Please allow extra time for parking and walking to check-in.

Freshmen who are declared Dance or Music majors must check in by 8:15am for a department meeting.

What do I need to bring?

• Money - for parking ($8 per weekday and $3 per weekend day, parking fees are subject to change);
  for Access student ID card ($20); for freshman student night out ($5)
• Copies of transcripts from previous college level courses; unofficial copies are acceptable
• Casual, comfortable clothes; shoes for extensive walking; pen and paper for taking notes; jacket for evening during freshman program
• For those who are staying overnight in an on-campus residence hall during the freshman program - alarm clock, personal toiletries, bathrobe (restrooms are not adjoined to bedrooms)

Sheets, blankets, towels, and pillow are provided for those who are staying overnight in an on-campus residence hall.

Is there a fee for parking?

Yes. You will need to purchase a visitor parking permit from the dispenser in the parking lot upon arrival. Display the permit on your dashboard. Parking fees are $8 per day on weekdays and $3 per day on weekends.

Where is the parking lot for Orientation?

Follow the signs to Orientation parking when you arrive on campus. Be sure to purchase a visitor parking permit from the dispenser in the parking lot and display it on your dashboard. See Parking & Directions to UCSB for parking location, fees, maps, and directions.

• In order to park on campus, you must purchase a parking permit
• You may not park in spaces marked Enforced At All Times, Reserved, or Restricted
• Please observe all parking signage; parking violations are subject to citation

Is Orientation mandatory?

Orientation is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

Freshmen: Approximately 96% of the incoming freshman class attends Summer Orientation. At Freshman Orientation, you will participate in small groups for extensive academic advising and register for fall classes appropriate for your first quarter. You'll also learn about campus life and get a chance to meet some of your new classmates.

Transfers: Approximately 77% of the incoming transfer class attends Summer Orientation. At Transfer Orientation, you will meet with an advisor your major, obtain information about course selection and graduation requirements, and register for classes shortly following the Orientation session.

Does my parent or guardian need to attend Orientation?

We recommend it! Parents attend a separate but concurrent program that addresses their unique needs, and introduces them to campus resources and academic life at UCSB.

Do I still need to attend Orientation if I am in the Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP)?

Yes. After the FSSP residence hall move-in on July 30, there is a special Orientation session for FSSP students and their parents on July 31-August 1. See the FSSP section of this website for more details.

Will I register for my fall classes at Orientation?

Freshmen will register for fall classes that are appropriate for their first quarter at UCSB.

Transfer students will have the opportunity to register for classes shortly following the Orientation session.

Will I have a better chance of getting my preferred classes if I attend an early session?

Each Orientation session provides the same in-depth academic advising and fair access to course enrollments. Orientation Programs distributes available class space in appropriate freshman courses equally throughout the Orientation sessions.

Should I wait to attend Orientation until my pending AP and/or IB scores are in?

It is not necessary to wait to come to Orientation. Students with pending AP or IB scores will be able to register for a full set of courses appropriate for their first quarter at UCSB.

What about placement tests for Math and Writing courses?

Math: The Calculus Placement Test is not a requirement for most students at UCSB. However, for certain majors the exam is necessary to place you in a math class. See the Placement Exams section of this website to determine whether you need to take the exam. Students who intend to take Calculus in the fall must either complete the Calculus Placement Test online prior to coming to Orientation or have scored a 2 or higher on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam. The Calculus Placement Test is available online at http://hw.math.ucsb.edu/placementtest/. See the Math Department website for details on math placement.
Please note: Students with college level coursework in Calculus do not need to take the Calculus Placement Test, but do need to bring copies of the transcripts from the Calculus course to Orientation.

Writing: The Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) is not administered during Orientation. For students who did not take the AWPE when it was offered in May, and who have not satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement in any other way, the exam will be offered at UCSB prior to the beginning of classes in September. Advisors at Orientation will let students know whether or not they have already met this requirement. Please see the UC website at http://www.ucop.edu/sas/awpe/ for detailed information about the AWPE.

Where will I stay overnight during Freshman Orientation?

For those who choose the Program With Accommodations option, overnight accommodations are provided in an on-campus residence hall, double occupancy, with students and parents roomed separately. Students are roomed with another same-sex student. Parent couples are roomed together, while parents attending alone will be placed with another same-sex parent roommate. The overnight is between the two full days of the session. Sheets, blankets, towels, and pillow are provided. Space in campus accommodations is limited.

Those who choose the Program Only option will need to make their own overnight arrangements. Local accommodations are listed on this website.

Can I change my session date or other details of my reservation?

Changes are subject to availability and service charges apply to all changes and cancellations. See the Freshman or Transfer reservation section of this website for details. Changes and cancellations cannot be made online. Please call Orientation Reservations at 805-893-2197 if you need assistance.

Why do I have to pay for Orientation?

Orientation Programs is self-supported and non-profit. We receive no state money to offset the costs of the program.

Is there a fee reduction available for the cost of Orientation?

Yes. A limited number of fee reductions are available to eligible students from families with annual incomes of $35,000 or less. If you qualify, you may apply for a fee reduction by completing and mailing the Freshman or Transfer Application for a Fee Reduction on this website. Fee reductions are allocated based on need and in the order we receive applications until funds are depleted. Fee reductions are not available for parent program fees.

When will I be billed for Orientation?

All Orientation charges, including program fees for parents, will be billed in the fall to the student’s UCSB billing account known as the BARC Billing Statement. Fee payment deadlines will be noted on the statement.

Can I pay by credit card?

All Orientation fees are billed to the student’s UCSB BARC Billing Statement. The Billing Office does not accept credit card payments.