Registration & Welcome

Program Registration

All students must attend registration.

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, your orientation will include a detailed overview of academic policies and program expectations.

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 student health center, the library, and the bookstore.

Visa Advising

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

International Student Services

The International Student Services Staff is available every afternoon Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The International Student Service staff is available for advising every afternoon Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.