Welcome, new Aggies, and congratulations on your admission!

Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) is delighted that you have chosen UC Davis for your undergraduate degree.

SISS International Student Orientation

Required; Virtual

• International Student Pre-Arrival Orientation

  • Hear from fellow international students and learn about UC Davis and life in the U.S.
  • Prepare for coming to UC Davis. Topics include Arriving in the U.S., Life in the U.S. and on Campus, Culture at UCD, and more!
  • You must complete Pre-Arrival Orientation to receive your Form I-20/DS-2019. 

• International Student Arrival Orientation

  • Learn about UCD academic policies and international student visa regulations.
  • Prepare to be a successful international student UC Davis. Topics include enrollment requirements, reporting requirements, travel, and more.
  • You will receive access to the virtual arrival orientation by email after you arrive in the U.S. and complete the online check-in.

SISS Workshops and Events

Optional; In-person

• Daily Life at UC Davis Series
  • Attend optional in-person sessions to help you adjust to life at UC Davis
    • Seating is limited. First come, first served.
  • When: September 17 and 18
    • View the full schedule (subject to change)
  • Where: UC Davis International Center, room 3119
  • Previously recorded sessions are available for viewing.
• Campus and Downtown Davis Tours
  • Join a student-led tour to see different parts of campus and downtown Davis, including the Farmers Market!
  • When: September 18, 3 p.m.
  • Where: Meet in the International Center lobby
• Ice Cream Social
  • Enjoy some ice cream and meet new international students!
  • Meet your SISS Advisor and ask general questions
  • When: September 24, 2-3 p.m.
  • Where: International Center lobby
  • RSVP to the event

UC Davis Campuswide Orientation Requirements

Required; Virtual and In-Peron (combination)

• Undergraduate Orientation

  • Required for all first-year and transfer undergraduate students 
  • A three-part experience, including Aggie 101, Aggie Advising and Aggie Orientation
  • Learn about UC Davis resources, prepare for course registration and build community networks

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.

Additional information for J-1 UCEAP Reciprocity students

SISS 12x12 Expectations