Welcome to UCSB!
Making the transition to graduate school can be an exciting but also anxious time. Check out the information and resources on this website to learn more about the community of scholars that you will be joining and how you can set yourself up for success.
Key Resources to Get You Started
How to Navigate Through Graduate School guide, which includes information about on- and off-campus resources!
Also, check out our Incoming Grad FAQs to see additional questions submitted by new UCSB students just like you
Here are some important resources to connect with from the get-go:
Every department has designated faculty and staff that oversee the graduate program and assist graduate students in a variety of ways – from academic advising to employment and fellowships to registering for classes. Be sure to connect with your department's graduate program faculty and staff early on!
Academic Services can help you find out what you need to know about academic policies and procedures related to graduate school, including forms, petitions, deadlines, degree requirements, interdisciplinary emphases, and academic accommodations. The Graduate Division also offers academic counseling to provide holistic support for students on their academic journey.
The Financial Support unit for Financial Services administers fellowship programs and certifies student eligibility for fellowship funding and graduate student academic appointments. On their website, you'll also find information on student fees, tax information, and parenting accommodation policies related to graduate employment.
The GradPost is the digital outpost of the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC) and serves as the primary source for news, funding, professional development, advice, events, and more related to graduate student life at UCSB. You can access the event calendar for the GSRC and its associated centers on Shoreline. (Note: you will need to log in with your UCSB Net ID.) Sign up for the daily digest from the GradPost for the latest information. You can also find out more about the GSRC staff and peer advisors here.
UCSB has a number of student-led organizations just for graduate students. Check out Shoreline, UCSB's student org management platform, to find out more. (Note: you will need to log in with your UCSB NetID.)
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the elected representative government that ensures graduate student concerns are addressed in the University's on- and off-campus policy decisions. They offer activities, grants, and other opportunities for grads to get involved on campus.
Getting Oriented to Campus
Every year, the Graduate Division hosts a number of events to help incoming graduate students get oriented to campus. See below for an overview; more information about each of these events is shared with incoming students via email.
Make new connections and find your community at the Campus Centers, Student Services, and Student Organization Resource Fair, which will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 11:00am-1:00pm on the Chemistry Lawn.
Join us for the Grad Success Series, a dynamic lineup of workshops and events designed to empower you throughout your graduate journey. Whether you're looking to sharpen your research skills, boost your career prospects, or find a better work-life balance, this series offers something for everyone.
Connect with fellow grad students, learn from experts, and gain practical tools to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your graduate experience to the next level!
Get familiar with our campus and visit the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC) on a grad-led campus tour. Tour dates and times will be the week of the Grad Success Series and led by GSRC Peers. Stay tuned to your inbox for more details this summer!
Other Campus Orientations
This training is provided by the UCSB Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS). Registration and attendance is required for all new international graduate students.
This orientation is hosted by Instructional Development. Attendance is required of all first-time Teaching Assistants and Readers with secured appointments at UCSB, even if duties will not begin until Winter or Spring Quarters.
Check with your department for information about orientation sessions and other pre-quarter activities for new graduate students.
*Please note that this information is subject to change; please contact the host departments directly for the most up-to-date information.
Getting Access, Registering for Classes, & Establishing Residency
Setting Up Your UCSB NetID (you can do this 1-2 days after submitting your Statement of Intent to Register)
Activating Your UCSB Umail Account
Getting a UCSB Access Card (this is your official University ID and used to access essential campus services)
GOLD (UCSB's online registration and information portal)
BARC (UCSB's online portal for paying tuition and fees)
Information About Statement of Legal Residence
How to Establish Residency
Watch a recording of the recent webinar "UC Residency for Tuition Purposes (Grad Students)" offered by the UCSB Office of the Registrar, and access the slides here; if you have questions you can email residency@sa.ucsb.edu or Join the Line to set up an appointment for a phone call with a residency analyst
Living & Getting Around in Santa Barbara
Check out UCSB's new interactive campus map that covers all of the university's premises in Isla Vista and Goleta in addition to the main campus! (And read more about the features of the map in The Current.)
Have Questions? Please Reach Out!
Anna Theogarajan, Assistant Director of Professional Development, UCSB Graduate Division
Anna.Theogarajan@sa.ucsb.edu