Global Aggies Welcome Week
We are excited that you have chosen UC Davis, and we are committed to making you feel as welcome and at home as possible. During Global Aggie Welcome Week, you will have the opportunity to join information sessions, attend an international student social, take a tour, and meet your SISS Advisor.
Virtual Information Sessions
Attend optional Zoom sessions covering a variety of topics to help you adjust to life in Davis. Please refer to this webpage for the 2026 schedule once it becomes available.
International Student Socials
Graduate Student & Postdoc Social
Enjoy free appetizers at an informal social to meet other international graduate students and postdocs!
- Date and Time: To Be Determined
- Location: To Be Determined
Undergraduate & UCEAP Student Social
Enjoy free ice cream, meet new international students, and learn about ways to get connected!
- Date and Time: To Be Determined
- Location: International Center, Room 3119 and Lobby
Campus and Downtown Davis Tours
Join a student-led tour to see different parts of campus and downtown Davis, including the Farmers Market!
- Open to all international students
- Date and Time: To Be Determined
- Location: Meet at the International Center Lobby Entrance
When to Arrive
All students coming to the U.S. to study on an initial I-20 or DS-2019 can enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on these documents. We strongly recommend that students take advantage of this early arrival option to have enough time to recover from jet lag, become familiar with the campus and community, and finalize housing before beginning classes.
SEVIS transfer students may travel and re-enter the United States at any time while between school programs. However, transfer students must re-enter with their UC Davis I-20 or DS-2019, and not the previous school's document. They must also have a passport that is valid at least six months into the future, and a visa in their passport that is valid on the date of return to the United States.
Expectations for F-1 and J-1 Students
Additional information for J-1 UCEAP Reciprocity students
Orientation Resources
- Undergraduates: visit the UC Davis Orientation page for more details about the required, 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.
- 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. 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
- join Global Affairs on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and LinkedIn