Welcome to UC Davis
You have made a wonderful choice for your education and future. We are excited that you have chosen UC Davis, and we are committed to making you feel as welcome and at home as possible. Use the resources on this page to begin your Aggie journey.
Orientation includes information about the SISS advising staff, making appointments, important immigration regulations, your work authorization benefits, community resources and more. If you have any questions about International Student Orientation, please email SISS@ucdavis.edu.
First Year and Transfer Students
Undergraduates entering their first academic term and degree-seeking students from another institution.
Graduate Students
Masters, doctoral and post-graduate programs.
Exchange Students: UCEAP*, MBA Exchange and JD Exchange
Programs for a short-term exchange program, non-degree-seeking students.
Orientation Resources
- Undergraduates: visit the UC Davis Orientation page for more details about the comprehensive orientation experience for all new UC Davis undergraduate students.
- Graduate students: learn more about the Graduate Student Orientation event from Graduate Studies, an intensive social and academic overview for new graduate students.
- New students arriving in the U.S. should watch our videos to learn more about what to bring when entering the U.S. and how to navigate through customs and immigration:
- Daily Life at UC Davis Series: To learn more about the City of Davis and UC Davis campus resources, watch the videos below.
- U.S. Health Insurance 101: get an overview of the U.S. health care system and how to access health services in Davis.
- UC SHIP: for students that have UC SHIP (UC Student Health Insurance Plan), learn about the benefits and how to access care.
- Safety in Davis and on Campus: Learn more about safety and the city of Davis.
- Bicycles: Learn more about bike safety and the importance of having a bike in Davis.
- Shopping: Learn about U.S. phone services, how to set up a U.S. bank account, and where to buy groceries, clothing, furniture, and more in Davis.
- First-Year Aggie Connections
- Apply to get a mentor through our Global Ambassador Mentorship Program
- Read the International Student and Scholar Handbook
- Parents of Aggies: View a recording of the virtual panel event, "How to Support Your International UC Davis Student" designed for parents of international students.
Trouble watching the videos? Don't forget to sign into the UC Davis VPN through the Library.
More Information
As always, Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) is dedicated to helping you obtain and maintain the appropriate legal status. SISS Advisors are assigned by the first letter of your surname, can be found online. Advisors are available for in-person and virtual appointments.
Stay up to date on the latest news and upcoming remote programs and events for our international community:
- sign up for our international student and scholar newsletter
- request to join our international student Facebook Group
- join Global Affairs on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter