Incoming MEDS Student Guide

Incoming MEDS Student Introduction & Timeline

Guide Sections:

Introduction & Timeline
Registration
Computer Requirements and Software Installation
New Student Orientation
Financial and Residency Resources
Campus Resources

Summer Timeline

Please note that the timeline will be continuously updated as dates approach and events are added.

April 2025

• Send in your official documents. Please send your official transcripts to the UCSB Graduate Division if you were asked to do so in your official admission letter. See the Graduate Division’s Admitted Applicants page for detailed information about where to send them and special instructions for international students.
• Submit your student housing application by May 15 if you want to live on campus. Explore more housing options under campus resources. Please note that due to the early move-in, we strongly recommend MEDS students submit their housing contacts ASAP.
• International students, please visit the UCSB Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS)'s Newly Admitted Students page to start your visa process and make sure you're on track to matriculate this summer. 
• Review your MyUCSB Student Dashboard for important links to UCSB Housing, Financial Aid, Billing Office information, U-Mail, Registration, and more.
• Register for your UCSB student email service, U-Mail, if you haven’t done so already. 
• All students must submit your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR). Failure to do so may result in additional out-of-state fees and issues with financial aid. You will need your UCSB Net ID and password to log-in. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at Residency@sa.ucsb.edu or 805-893-3033.
• File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To qualify for federal aid for the entire duration of the program, MEDS students must file both the 24-25 FAFSA and the 25-26 FAFSA.

May 2025

• Join us for a Zoom webinar session with Bren Admissions staff on Thursday, May 8 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Pacific Time. Find the Zoom link in your April check-in email. If you can't make it, don't worry! We'll also send you the webinar recording.
• Join the MEDS Class of 2026 Slack channel. You will receive an invitation through the email address used in your application.
• Review the vaccine requirements. All incoming UCSB students are required to receive the vaccinations and tuberculosis screening noted in the immunization requirements outlined on the UCSB Student Health website.
• Secure your housing for the upcoming year (see the Housing section under Campus Resources) and make sure you move to the area in time to attend orientation on July 31 - August 1, 2025. Courses will take place at NCEAS in downtown Santa Barbara in Summer and at Bren Hall during the regular academic year. 
• Begin registering for classes (see the Registration page for details)
• Review our personal computer requirements and recommendations and ensure that your equipment meets the listed requirements.
• Submit a health insurance waiver if you do not wish to use UC SHIP (deadline to submit is June 17, 2025).
• If you’re interested in working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or course Reader next year, start exploring UCSB undergraduate departments and inquire about their application process. Most departments hire their TAs for the next academic year in the preceding Spring quarter. Although we don’t encourage taking on a TA position during your first quarter, we know many students rely on this financial assistance. See more information under Financial and Residency Resources. 
• Mark your calendar for New Student Orientation Part II on September 22 - 24, 2025.

June 2025

• Review your MyUCSB Student Dashboard for important links to UCSB Housing, Financial Aid, Billing Office information, U-Mail, Registration, and more.
• Register for your UCSB student email service, U-Mail, if you haven’t done so already. 
• Begin taking the appropriate steps necessary to establish residency (if applicable). For more information visit the Registrar's website regarding residency status and the UC's "Understanding Residency" page. Additional questions about this process are best directed toward the UCSB Residency Deputy: Residency@sa.ucsb.edu)
• If you are a US citizen currently residing or planning to reside in Santa Barbara County prior to your program start date, you may be eligible to begin CalFresh nutrition assistance program early. To check your eligibility, contact a CalFresh Advocate via the UCSB Basic Needs website.

July 2025

• If you're planning on working as a TA, register for the September 2025 TA Orientation here. Attendance at the annual campus-wide TA Orientation (TAO) during the week before Fall quarter is required of all first-time UCSB TAs and Readers with secured TA or Reader appointments, even if duties will not begin until Winter or Spring Quarters. 
• If you filled out a FAFSA application, it is likely you will receive your financial aid packet by the end of July. The Bren School does not have access to your financial aid information so if you do not receive your packet by the end of July, please contact the UCSB Financial Aid Office, (805) 893-2432.
• Submit your immunization records per UCSB requirements (see Student Health page for information).
• International students, start the CALI Training Webinar Series, the first step toward your Culture, Academics, Laws and Immigration (CALI) training online. There will also be an email series and video tutorials so keep an eye on your inbox and check the CALI webpage for more details: https://oiss.ucsb.edu/programs/cali-training. 
• Explore Santa Barbara before classes start!
• Acquaint yourself with the UCSB campus by reviewing a map or by taking a virtual or in-person tour.
• Purchase your student ACCESS card and then complete the Bren School after-hours building access form (this form can only be completed once you've purchased your UCSB ACCESS card; see Campus Resources for more information). ACCESS cards are campus ID cards that allow students access to resources and serve as a free bus pass. All Bren students are required to purchase a card.
• Read the Bren School Graduate Student Handbook. 
• Attend the Bren School New MEDS Student Orientation Part I, on Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1, 2025.
• Summer Session classes begin Monday, August 4, 2025.
• Mark your calendar for New Student Orientation Part II on September 22-24, 2025.