Incoming MEDS Student Introduction & Timeline

Guide Sections:

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

Welcome, Bren School MEDS Class of 2027! 

Use this page to reference important information, dates, deadlines, and resources to help you as you prepare for the first day of orientation on July 30 - 31 and September 21 - 23, 2026. Orientation is required so please plan accordingly.

If you still have unanswered questions after you've reviewed this page, please contact the Student Affairs & Admissions team at admissions@bren.ucsb.edu.

Summer Timeline

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

 

  • Join us for a Zoom webinar session with Bren Admissions staff on Tuesday, May 5 from 11:00 am - 12:00 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 2027 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 30 - 31, 2026. 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 TBD).
  • 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 21 - 23, 2026.
  • 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.
  • If you're planning on working as a TA, register for the September 2026 TA Orientation (exact dates TBD). 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 an 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 30 and Friday, July 31, 2026.
  • Summer Session classes begin Monday, August 3, 2026.
  • Mark your calendar for New Student Orientation Part II on September 21-23, 2026.

INTRODUCTION & TIMELINE
What should you be doing now? 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
MEDS curriculum overview, core courses, how and when to register 

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS AND INSTALLATION
Computer specifications and software installations for the MEDS program

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Important information on mandatory Bren School orientation events

FINANCIAL & RESIDENCY RESOURCES
Cost of attendance, paying your bill, BARC, FAFSA, establishing residency, and employment opportunities.

CAMPUS RESOURCES
Graduate Student Housing, UCSB student ID cards, computing, university email, health insurance, transportation, campus resources, and more.