Registration & Welcome

Program Registration

All students must attend registration and are required to bring the following:

• Proof of Payment (tuition, medical insurance, and fees)
• Passport
• I-20 Form
• Address in San Diego

You will not be allowed to get your ID card or attend class until all fees and documents have been submitted.

Welcome & Introduction

All students will have an online pre-arrival orientation as well as a welcome and orientation at the beginning of their program.

If you are a new ESL student, you will be given an online placement exam approximately one month before your program starts. This exam will determine your level. You will then be placed in the correct program and required classes. 

If you are a university credit or certificate student, you will have a more program-specific orientation.

Choosing Classes

All of the 8-week ESL programs and some of the four-week ESL programs include electives. We have academic advisers to inform you of the elective options available at your proficiency level and help you choose the best electives for you.

Most of the university credit and certificate programs also allow you to choose classes. We have academic advisers for these programs to help you through the process of enrolling in classes.

Orientation

During orientation week students will meet staff and instructors, and will be provided with important information necessary to have a good experience in the U.S.

Campus Tour

The UC San Diego campus is very big and this walking tour takes about an hour. The purpose of the campus tour is both to orient you and to show you campus locations you may need, such as the main athletic center, the parking office, the student health center, the library, and the bookstore.

Service Fair

During the service fair, you will receive information about bike and car rentals, banks, cell phones, the campus athletic center, and other services.

Visa Advising

During orientation week, you are given essential information about the immigration rules in the United States.

International Student Services

Information is also provided about our programs and services–such as housing and medical insurance. The International Student Services Staff is available every afternoon Monday through Friday, from 1-4 p.m., to answer your questions and to make sure that your San Diego experience is enjoyable and productive.