Welcome
Welcome to UC Irvine! We’re so glad you chose to join us.
We want your experience to be rewarding, memorable, and fun. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you meet your academic and personal goals and are ready to support you throughout your journey, even after you’ve returned to your home country.
Orientation
All students will participate in orientation at the beginning of their program. During orientation, you will:
- Learn more about your programs and meet instructors and staff
- Discover the campus resources and support services available to you
- Fulfill government regulations related to your stay in the US
- Meet new people and make friends from around the world
If you are a new ESL student, you will also take a test to place you into the English class that will best meet your English language needs.
Student Handbook
Read our Student Handbook for important academic, cultural, and practical information. It will answer many of your questions and prepare you for successful studies with us.
Vibrant Classes
- Small classes of international students—future friends, business, and life mentors
- Internationally-minded, warm, talented teachers who understand, challenge, and support you
- Interactive lessons targeted to skill-building
- One-on-one conferences with instructors
Academic Advising
- One-on-one support
- Team of advisors waiting to meet international students and discuss your study questions
- Support with navigating classes and your study/career plan at UCI and beyond, U.S. college counseling, problems around your classes
Immigration Advising
- One-on-one support
- Advisors who answer and guide
- Topics: visas, extending your stay, vacations, study leaves, travel regulations, working, school transfers, leaving the U.S., and more
Health and Wellness Advising
- Full-time Wellness Advisor to support you with your personal health and well-being, including assistance with receiving medical care, psychological concerns, health insurance, and referrals to campus and community resources
- Workshops on a variety of wellness topics such as stress management, meditation, and nutrition
Activities
- Full calendar of student-life activities, campus and local events, weekend trips
- UCI student conversation partners
- Workshops: hip-hop dance, prepping for job interviews, and more
- Support navigating class technology, connecting with local transportation and resources, accessing UCI student clubs
- Communication about ways to stay safe—including safety escorts on campus
