
Preparing Your Student for College
Starting college is an exciting milestone—for both students and their families. The transition brings new responsibilities, routines, and opportunities, and your support can make a big difference. Here are some ways both students and families can prepare for a strong start at UC Santa Cruz.
A little preparation goes a long way. With open communication and a shared understanding of what’s ahead, you can help set your student up for a confident and successful start at UC Santa Cruz.

What your student can do over the summer
The months leading up to move-in are the perfect time for students to get organized and feel more confident about the journey ahead.
Encourage your student to:
- Submit all required documents to the Admissions Office by the stated deadlines.
- Read the Fall Admits Timeline and Checklist for important orientation information
- Read all campus emails carefully—these messages often contain important dates, tasks, and reminders.
- Regularly check their To-Do List in the MyUCSC student portal for outstanding items.
- Start planning what to pack—remind them that residence hall space is limited, and essentials should take priority.
- Reach out to their roommates to introduce themselves and coordinate shared items.
- Read the Your Student’s First Year page to get a sense of what their first year might look like.
- Sign up for a Summer Send Off–a chance for incoming first-year and transfer students, along with their families, to connect with fellow Slugs in their local communities before arriving on campus in the fall.


How families can support the transition
Your involvement continues to be important as your student becomes more independent. Here are a few ways to help them—and yourself—get ready for this new chapter:
- Talk about communication expectations. Decide how and when you’ll stay in touch, keeping in mind that the first six weeks are a time of intensive adjustment with mandatory programs, new classes, and social transitions.
- Spend time together before move-in. Move-in day can be busy and emotional. Planning quality time in the weeks before helps ease the goodbye and gives space for meaningful conversations.
Planning a visit
Thinking of visiting your student after the quarter begins? Keep in mind that during the first six weeks of fall quarter, students are strongly encouraged to stay on campus as they participate in welcome activities, adjust to academic expectations, and build community.
To help families stay connected, UC Santa Cruz offers special opportunities throughout the year, including Family Weekend.
Family Weekend
Every Fall Quarter, UCSC hosts Family Weekend – A great time to reconnect with your student and enjoy events across campus.