Welcome, new Bren PhD students!
Use this page to reference important information, dates, deadlines, and resources to help you as you prepare for orientation on September 15-24, 2025. Orientation is required so please plan to accordingly. If you are completing the Economics and Environmental Science emphasis, please keep in mind that the required Math boot camp starts in August (exact date TBD).
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
May 2025
- Join us on Thursday, May 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time for a Zoom webinar session with Bren admissions staff. The Zoom link is in your May check-in email. If you can't make it, don't worry! The most important information is in the email and on these incoming student pages. We'll also send the webinar recording.
- Submit your student housing application by May 15 if you want to live on campus. Explore more housing options under Campus Resources.
- 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.
- 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 (UCSB graduates are not required to submit official final UCSB transcripts).
- 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 fall.
- 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.
- If you are hoping to pursue the Economics and Environmental Science emphasis, please consult with your faculty advisor, notify Kristine Duarte (kristine@bren.ucsb.edu) and sign up for the required Fall courses.
June 2025
- Begin registering for classes (see the Registration page for details)
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.
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 September 15 - 24, 2025. - If you are hoping to pursue the Economics and Environmental Science emphasis, please consult with your faculty advisor, notify Kristine Duarte (kristine@bren.ucsb.edu) and sign up for the required Fall courses.
- 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 fall.
July 2025
- If you're planning on working as a TA, register for the Fall 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 at (805) 893-2432.
- Submit your immunization records per UCSB requirements (see Student Health page for information).
- Submit your health insurance waiver if you do not wish to use UC SHIP.
- Connect with Bren’s Compute Team if you have any questions about information technology at the Bren School (computing@bren.ucsb.edu). Visit their FAQ knowledge base for general computing questions.
- 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. Also view FAQs for international students.
August 2025
- Begin taking the appropriate steps necessary to establish residency (if applicable; for more information visit the Registrar's website regarding residency status and "Understanding Residency" from UC. Additional questions about this process are best directed toward the Residency Deputy: Residency@sa.ucsb.edu)
- Submit your health insurance waiver if you do not wish to use UC SHIP (deadline October 2024).
- International students, complete the Culture, Academics, Laws and Immigration (CALI) training online. When planning your arrival, please note that you cannot enter the U.S. sooner than 30 days before the start of the PhD program.
- Economics and Environmental Science (EES) Students: Math Camp with the Economics Department starts in August (date TBD). Mark Patterson from the Econ department will be in touch with more information.
September 2025
- Explore Santa Barbara before classes start!
- International students, complete the Culture, Academics, Laws and Immigration (CALI) training online. When planning your arrival, please note that you cannot enter the U.S. sooner than 30 days before the start of the PhD program.
- Acquaint yourself with the UCSB campus by reviewing a map or by taking a virtual or in-person tour. Take a virtual tour of Bren Hall ahead of time!
- 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).
- Submit your Bren School New Student Bio by (deadline TBD). Please submit your bio AFTER you have had it peer-reviewed in the writing workshop, a link will be provided.
- Read the Bren School Graduate Student Handbook
- Attend the Bren School New Student Orientation, beginning Monday, September 15, 2025.
- Participate in the Annual Bren School PhD Student Retreat at the Santa Cruz Island Reserve on September 19-21.
- Fall quarter classes begin Thursday, September 25, 2025.
COVID-19:
The most up-to-date campus requirements can be found here: https://www.ucsb.edu/COVID-19-information
INTRODUCTION & TIMELINE
What should you be doing now?
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
PhD core courses and registration timeline
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
Orientation events for the Bren School, including the PhD Retreat, lab safety training, Graduate Division orientation, and activities for international students
FINANCIAL & RESIDENCY RESOURCES
Cost of attendance, paying your bill, BARC, FAFSA, establishing residency, and TA/GSR positions
CAMPUS RESOURCES
ACCESS student ID cards, computing, email, health insurance, housing, transportation, campus resources, and more