FAQs about On Campus Orientation Session

Does it matter whether we come to Orientation in June or September? When will my student enroll in courses?
When will my Orientation Session start and end?
Will there be food at Orientation?
Will there be childcare at Orientation?
What should I bring to Orientation?
Will students stay in a Residence Hall at Orientation? Do parents and students stay together?
Who will we meet at Orientation?
Can my student reserve textbooks ahead of time?
Does my student need to take placements exams? When and where?
How does my student set up a UCSD email account?
My student is trying out for a UCSD Athletics team. Do you have the practice schedule?
What if I have more questions about On Campus Freshman Orientation?

Does it matter whether we come to Orientation in June or September? When will my student enroll in courses?

Which Orientation program you attend has no impact on student course enrollment. You should pick your session based on convenience for you and your student. All students will be assigned random start times for on line course enrollment between August 31st - September 2nd. Students have more information on this process in their website. On campus housing is available to family members for the June sessions for $30.00/night. We do not offer on campus lodging to family members coming to the September Orientation. Students who are attending the September Orientation and who have a housing contract are able to move into their residence hall before Orientation. All other students will move in on September 18th or after (no exceptions).

When will my Orientation Session start and end?

Orientation begins at 1:15 pm on Day 1 and ends at 5:00 pm on Day 2. When making your transportation plans, please allow plenty of time to arrive on campus before Orientation begins and plan to attend the entire program. You may find a sample of our program under the Welcome tab.

Will there be food at Orientation?

Yes, we'll provide dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day.

Will there be childcare at Orientation?

No, we do not provide childcare. The program is designed for adult relatives/parents, but we realize sometimes younger siblings need to come. Those who do attend the family orientation program, not the student program.

What should I bring to Orientation?

Please wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking to various sessions all around the campus and will have the option of different tours. Additionally, plan to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for our cool evenings, toiletries, an alarm clock, directions to campus as well as your check-in information. During June Orientation, students and families staying on campus will be provided with bed linens, a pillow, and a towel in the Residence Halls.

Will students stay in Residence Hall at Orientation? Do parents and students stay together?

For the June Orientation sessions, students must stay in tan ERC residence hall, though not necessarily the same hall that they will live in during their freshman year (if they've secured on-campus housing). For the September Orientation sessions, students will stay in their actual room if they have received an on campus housing contract. Only students attending the September sessions will be allowed to move in before September 18th.

In June, relatives are housed apart from students and the residence hall suites are assigned by sexes. If parents/family members plan to stay on campus during June Orientation, everyone should pack separately. Please note: we do not have on campus accomodations available to parents in September.

Who will we meet at Orientation?

You will have the opportunity to meet most of the college staff that will be working with your student throughout his/her time at ERC and UCSD, including the Provost of the College, the Deans of Academic Advising, Student Affairs and Residential Life; the Director of International House; as well as staff members in each of those units. You will also meet many new ERC parents and current ERC students. You will have the chance to ask questions of all of the ERC staff and students as well as campus-wide staff members who will be on hand for family session presentations.

Can my student reserve textbooks ahead of time?

Yes! Check out UCSD's Textbook Reservation Service. This will give students the first crack at used books -- saving lots of money and helping them avoid the Fall rush in the Bookstore!

Does my student need to take placements exams? When and where?

Students have detailed information and flowcharts in the New Student Gateway which give them information on whether or not they need placement exams. There are links to the departments offering the exams in their websites. Students should complete all necessary placement exams by June 17th if at all possible. The Chemistry and Language placement exams are offered on line. If students did not take the calculus exams in May, there are some offered in June and again in September on the UCSD campus. Dates, times and information on determining whether a student needs the exams are available at Math Testing If students need to take the Entry Level Writing Exam and did not take it in May, it will be offered again in September. Dates and locations are available on the Basic Writing Program website.

How does my student set up a UCSD email account?

Visit http://acms.ucsd.edu for information on setting up UCSD email accounts.

My student is trying out for a UCSD Athletics team. Do you have the practice schedule?

Yes! You may access the UCSD Athletics Practice Schedule and Coach Contact Information.

What if I have more questions about On Campus Freshman Orientation?

If you can't find the answer to your question about the on campus program here, please call: 858-534-224 or email ercmail@ucsd.edu