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
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 Graduate Student Resource Center, located in the Student Resource Building, is part of the Professional Development unit—one of the three core branches of the Graduate Division. The GSRC serves as a central hub for graduate students seeking guidance, support, and skill-building opportunities.
Our quiet study space is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, and you can use it to work or meet with our peers to gain advice about career trajectories, finding funding, or building community.
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.)
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. Visit our Orientation Page for details about our Grad Success Series, Welcome Luncheon and Resource Fair and campus tours; more information about each of these events is shared with incoming students via email.
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
Common FAQs and Living & Getting Around in Santa Barbara
Common New Graduate Student FAQs (find information from everything covering health insurance, parking, places to eat, career advising, funding resources, and more).
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!
Grace Kimball, Assistant Director of Professional Development, UCSB Graduate Division
gsrc@ucsb.edu.