International Guide

A collage of diverse people engaged in various activities, showing joy and collaboration.
International Guide

Your guide to living, learning and working at UC Davis as an international student or scholar. Explore topics below to find answers to your questions, get to know your new community, and find resources that support your academic and career goals.

Preparing for UC Davis

A woman with glasses smiles while working on a laptop, against a colorful, abstract background.

Arrival Checklists

International students and scholars must complete lists for pre-arrival and arrival.

Find your list
A college student walks with a suitcase, dressed casually against a soft blue watercolor background.

Packing List

Wondering what to pack? Tips for what to bring and what to buy when you get to UC Davis.

Get organized for your trip
Three people engage in conversation about a potted plant that one of them is holding, with a colorful background.

Housing

Learn about your options for on-campus and off-campus housing at and around UC Davis.

Learn about housing
Marching band member in a dark blue UC Davis uniform with yellow stripe accents playing a trumpet against a medium blue watercolor background.

Getting to UC Davis

Find your way to the UC Davis campus from two major area airports, San Francisco and Sacramento.

Plan your trip

Settling Into UC Davis

Three women, two of whom are wearing hajibs, sitting on a couch, collaborating with laptops, surrounded by a pink watercolor background.

Setting Up Your New Home

Finding a place to live is just the start. Find info about utility services and requirements.

Explore your options
A young woman and a man are engaged in a conversation, smiling and gesturing. The background is a light green watercolor brush stroke.

Banking and Finance

How to access your money, pay bills, spend and save. From American bank accounts to mobile apps, be in control of your money.

Learn more about your money
Smiling young man with glasses at a table, surrounded by teal watercolor splashes.

Where to Buy Home Furnishings

There are many places to find furniture, household supplies and more in Davis and Sacramento.

Discover retailers near you
Man in a blue lab coat and gloves, gesturing with a focused expression against a yellow background.

Taxes

Resources and information to help you understand and feel prepared to file U.S. taxes. Get to know your requirements as a visa holder.

Explore information about taxes
A woman wearing a red hijab smiles, with a colorful patterned top and a pink watercolor background.

Transportation and Getting Around

Bikes, buses, cars, trains. Davis and Sacramento give you access to them all.

Plan how to get around town
Four individuals stand together, holding colorful signs against a teal background.

Campus and Community Resources

Your new home has a lot to offer. Find campus services, local organizations and more.

Get to know the community
A man with a visual imparement smiles standing in a suit holding the lead of a black guide dog.

Shopping, Dining, Deliveries

Where to shop for groceries, how to find your new favorite restaurant, and where to receive deliveries.

Start exploring food options
Three cheerleaders in blue and gold uniforms smiling and holding pom-poms.

Families

For those arriving with family, discover information for dependants and spouses, including area schools, community organizations and visas.

Explore resources for families

Taking Care of Yourself

A diverse group of three people in lab coats engaged in a discussion over a tray of items.

Health and Well-Being

UC Davis is committed to supporting your physical and mental health. Prioritize yourself with campus resources.

Find services that can help
A young man thoughtfully resting his chin on his hands, with a blue watercolor background.

Health Insurance

Manage medical expenses in the U.S. with health insurance. Insurance can help make services more accessible and affordable.

Explore your options
Two men engaging in conversation, one wearing a vest, against a colorful background.

Scam Prevention

Don't be fooled by scams and fraud. Learn the signs of illegal attempts by criminals to trick you into giving up your money or personal information.

Protect yourself from scams
Smiling woman with long hair sits at a table, surrounded by soft watercolor background.

Emergencies and Emergency Response

Fire, medical and police services are available 24/7. Learn how to get help and what to do in an emergency.

What to do in an emergency

Beyond the Classroom or Lab

Six individuals standing together, holding certificates, with a bright pink background.

Social Security

Get to know the rules and requirements around Social Security in the U.S., and whether or not you need a Social Security Number.

Social Security resources
Man in a teal shirt smiling against a light blue watercolor background.

Government and Legal Resources

Understanding visa requirements, law enforcement, your rights, legal representation and more.

Find answers to your questions
Two women looking at their smartphones, with a turquoise watercolor background.

Travel

Travel may require specific types of documentation, signatures and visa statuses or renewals. Explore the United States and the world.

Review travel options and important information
A group of six friends smiling and posing together outdoors with pastel-colored background.

Things to Do

There is a lot to do and explore in Northern California and the Davis and Sacramento areas. Learn more about what to do in and around the area.

Plan your next activity

Student Success

Three graduates in caps and gowns pose together, smiling against a colorful blue and purple background.

Preparing for Academic Success

The UC Davis campus is cheering for your success with services to help you achieve your goals.

Learn more about these services
Four young people sitting together, smiling, against a soft green watercolor background.

Managing Homesickness

Homesickness is a very normal feeling for many students. There are several ways to adjust to UC Davis and position yourself to succeed.

Settle into life as an Aggie
A female scientist in a lab coat excitedly uses a pipette, while a smiling male colleague watches.

Career Planning

It's never too early to think about your next step after your program's completion. Explore UC Davis resources to help start your career.

Find information for career planning
A smiling woman with short brown hair sits at a table with a laptop, on a colorful couch. with a blue watercolor brush stroke as the background.

Student Employment

Whether you want to pursue a campus job or a position in your area of study, get to know your student visa's employment benefits.

Learn about student employment
Watch Our Videos