Overview

SISS orientation is mandatory. International students will learn about maintaining immigration status, student employment options, and the services SISS provides to International Students. These orientation sessions help international students succeed by familiarizing them with the educational and cultural environment at UC Davis, introduce the city of Davis, and provide an opportunity to meet other new international students.  

Fall Orientation

Please find the appropriate link below for all International students starting Fall Quarter.

Winter Orientation

Please click here for information for all international students starting Winter Quarter.

Summer Orientation

Please click here for information for all international students starting Summer Session.

General Advice to All Incoming Students:

Arrive Early:

All students coming to the U.S. to study on an I-20 or DS-2019 can enter the United States up to 30 days before their start date for their program listed on these documents.  SISS strongly recommends that students take advantage of this early arrival option so that they have enough time to recover from jetlag, become familiar with the campus and community, and finalize their housing before attending mandatory Immigration Check-In and SISS Orientation sessions.

Check UC Davis email frequently:

Once you are fomally admitted, official university correspondance will be sent to your UC Davis email address.  Make sure you are able to access your UC Davis email (serviced by Google) and check it regularly. *If you are not able to access your UC Davis email account, please consider one of these options:

• Forward your email to an account you can access regularly.  Instructions for forwarding UC Davis email can be accessed here.
• Try the UC Davis Library's off-campus connection service.

Health insurance:

SHIP (Student Health Insurance Program) benefits begin two weeks prior to the first day of classes. Coverage during this two-week time is limited to use of services at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

• • • Should you require hospitalization or medical services off-campus during this time, you will have to have other insurance coverage or be prepared to pay for all medically-related expenses yourself. Medical care is very expensive in the United States. It may be valuable for you to have additional health insurance coverage during this time or if you arrive in the United States earlier than two-weeks before the first day of class.

• Utilize Pre-Arrival and Arrival Checklists to make sure all requirements for international students have been met.

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