New Graduate
(Master’s and PhD) Students 

Welcome Guide: This guide is filled with tips and information designed to help you navigate through your first steps as a new international student. It includes a helpful checklist to you keep you on track in your journey to UC San Diego.  

Surf Check: A surf check is an action done by surfers to survey conditions at a location and get an understanding of what the surf will be like. Each surfer may look for different things; some surfers may be looking for huge waves while some may just be looking for windless classic waves. Just like a surf check, ISEO will be providing the necessary knowledge and experience to help you navigate your way to an exemplary experience at UC San Diego. From what to pack when coming to the United States to the best eateries on campus, Surf Check will cover everything you need to know! 

Submit your pending Admission requirements and documents by the mandatory deadlines. Failure to complete your Admissions package by the required deadlines can adversely affect your admission offer. Login to your application account to review any pending items you need to complete. 

QUESTIONS? If you have questions regarding your pending Admissions requirements or documents, please contact Graduate Admissions by emailing gradadmissions@ucsd.edu.  

Ensure that you are up to date with tuition due dates and student fees. Review due dates and learn how to pay your bill. 

QUESTIONS? If you have questions regarding payments toward your Student Account, please contact Student Financial Solutions. 

The University of California is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our students. All incoming students are REQUIRED to obtain certain vaccines and undergo Tuberculosis testing. Failure to meet these requirements by the stated due dates may result in the student receiving registration holds. 

To complete your Health Requirements and review important deadlines, review the Student Health Services website. 

QUESTIONS? If you have questions regarding your Health Requirements, please contact Student Health Services (SHS) by activating your MyStudentChart account (see instructions). Once activated, login to MyStudentChart and use the “Ask-A-Nurse" messaging feature to communicate with the SHS Nursing team. 

Required: 12 units per quarter to maintain F-1/J-1 visa status 

Per U.S. federal regulations, all F-1 and J-1 international students are required to remain enrolled full-time during the academic school year. At UC San Diego, the academic school year is the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Full-time enrollment is considered 12 units or more, each academic quarter. Ensure that by the end of each quarter's add/drop due date, you are enrolled in at least 12 units! 

International students are also required to enroll full-time during their FIRST quarter. If you will be starting your program during the Summer quarter, then you must enroll full-time. Full-time enrollment for the Summer term is defined as: 

Summer 1 Program Start Date 

• Summer Session 1 (6 units minimum) and Summer Session 2 (6 units minimum) OR 
• Summer Session 3 (6 units minimum) 

Summer 2 Program Start Date 

• Summer Session 2 (6 units minimum)  OR
• Summer Session 3 (6 units minimum) 

Summer start students: If you are unsurve which Summer Session your program is beginning in, please check with your academic department for enrollment guidance. 

NOTE: F-1 and J-1 students unable to maintain full-time enrollment due to medical, academic, or other reasons should speak to with international student advisor BEFORE dropping below 12 units to avoid any problems with their immigration status. 

How to Enroll in Classes 

To learn about the graduate booking process at UC San Diego, visit the Graduate Enrollment webpage. If you have questions about booking classes, contact your Academic Department via the contact information on their website.

On-campus housing: Review the HDH Graduate and Family Housing website. 

Off-campus housing: Review the Off-Campus Housing website. 

Although ISEO cannot answer questions about housing, we have compiled ISEO’s Housing webpage to help you learn about renting in the U.S., find suitable housing providers, and more. 

REQUIRED - iTriton: Online International Student Orientation 

All incoming F-1 and J-1 students must complete ISEO’s mandatory online international student orientation, iTriton. To learn more about iTriton, including how to access it, visit iTriton.ucsd.edu. 

Fall 2026 new students: iTriton must be completed by September 1 or your U.S. arrival, whichever is earlier. 

REQUIRED – Academic Program Orientation 

All incoming graduate students must attend their Academic Department’s mandatory program orientation. To learn about your required orientation, contact your Graduate Coordinator and/or visit your program’s website.

REQUIRED – SHAPE Training 

SHAPE Training through the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) is an online program that introduces you to our student community and your role in maintaining a welcoming campus environment. You will receive an email to your UCSD inbox once you have been assigned the training. Students who do not complete the training may receive a registration hold on their account. Learn more, including due dates for completion, by visiting the SHAPE Training website.  

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) Orientation 

The UC San Diego Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) hosts an orientation program (both online and on-campus) designed to support incoming graduate students at UC San Diego and facilitate a successful transition to graduate school. Visit the New Graduate Student Orientation website to see the schedule. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – ISEO's iOrientation Events 

ISEO is excited to meet you! ISEO’s iOrientation will take place in the week(s) leading up to the start of the school year, and is your chance to review the content presented in your iTriton Online Orientation. iOrientation is open to ALL new international students, and it is free of cost. For more information, visit iOrientation.ucsd.edu. 

Major U.S. cell phone service providers include Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint. Other student-focused providers include CampusSIMs and StudentSIMs. 

Once you arrive to campus, familiarize yourself with your new home! Visit Maps.ucsd.edu to search for campus locations, classrooms, college and department advising, dining, and more!