New International Student:
Post-Arrival Checklist
Once you arrive at UC Irvine, use this checklist to help you acclimate to campus.
Review Graduate Housing Information
Find information about housing options, community life, and services for new international graduate students on the Graduate Housing website (opens in new tab).
Complete the UC Irvine International Center Mandatory iNavigate Check-In
- F-1/J-1 international students must complete the International Center visa check-in process after arriving in the United States through iNavigateUCI (opens in new tab).
- iNavigateUCI (opens in new tab) must be completed within 5 days of the Program Start Date listed on your I-20/DS-2019.
- Visit iNavigateUCI (opens in new tab) for instructions and additional details.
Activate and Check Your Email Account
- If you have not yet activated your UC Irvine email account, do so after arriving on campus.
- Every student receives a UC Irvine Google (Gmail) account through the Office of Information Technology (OIT).
- Review Getting Started with Email for Students (opens in new tab) for activation instructions.
UC TB Screening and Immunization Requirements
All incoming undergraduate and graduate students must complete required vaccinations and a TB Risk Screening Questionnaire.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete these health requirements before arriving on campus. The final deadline for incoming graduate students is September 22.
Learn more at UC Irvine Immunization Requirements (opens in new tab).
Complete the Misconduct Disclosure Questionnaire and Authorization to Release Form
- All incoming graduate students being considered for employment at UC Irvine must complete the Misconduct Disclosure Questionnaire and Authorization to Release Form (opens in new tab) after submitting the SIR.
- Additional instructions and requirements are included within the form.
- You cannot register for classes until this requirement is completed.
Register for Classes
- If you have not already registered, enroll in courses through WebReg (opens in new tab).
Visit Your Academic Program Administrative Office
- Discuss recommended first-year coursework and academic expectations.
- Ask about eligibility requirements for obtaining an individual taxpayer identification number and completing tax documentation.
Conditions for Applying for a Social Security Number
- If you receive a job offer, you must apply for a Social Security Number (opens in new tab) to work in the United States.
- Contact your department to begin the process for obtaining a Social Security Verification Letter.
- Review the International Center’s Social Security Number eligibility and application information (opens in new tab).
- Bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94
- Visa document
- Job offer letter
- Proof of full-time enrollment
- SSN Student Verification Letter
- If you are not eligible for an SSN, review information about the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (opens in new tab).
Obtain a Student ID Card
- Learn more about UC Irvine’s digital student ID through ZotKey (opens in new tab).
Establish Banking
- Opening a bank account in the United States is recommended for convenience and security.
- Electronic wire transfers are generally the fastest way to transfer money from your home country.
- Most banks require identification and a local mailing address to open an account.
- Some banks may not require a U.S. Social Security number, though services may be limited.
- Banks and credit unions near or on campus include:
Cell Phones
- Cell phone providers may request a Social Security number and credit history, but these are not always required.
- Students without a Social Security number may need to pay a security deposit.
- Many plans require a two-year contract, though prepaid options are available.
- Major providers include:
Health Insurance
- Graduate students are automatically enrolled in UC SHIP.
- You may request a waiver if you have comparable insurance coverage.
- Learn more about UC Irvine Health Insurance (opens in new tab).
- Dependent coverage information is available through UC SHIP dependent enrollment (opens in new tab).
Personal and Campus Safety
- UC Irvine and the City of Irvine are widely recognized as safe communities.
- Students are responsible for maintaining awareness of personal safety resources and campus policies.
- The UC Irvine Police Department (opens in new tab) provides community-oriented safety services.
- The Safety Escort Program (opens in new tab) operates 24/7.
- Additional safety resources are available through campus housing (opens in new tab).
- Students are encouraged to sign up for ZotAlert emergency notifications (opens in new tab).
Transportation On and Off Campus
- Review UC Irvine bike resources (opens in new tab) for maps and safety information.
- Transportation and sustainability information is available through the UC Irvine Transportation website (opens in new tab).
- Anteater Express shuttle information is available through route maps and schedules (opens in new tab).
- UC Irvine also provides a guide for getting around Orange County without a car (opens in new tab).
Obtain a Driver’s License
- California recognizes national driver’s licenses from other countries but not international driver’s licenses.
- Students are encouraged to obtain a California driver’s license within 30 days of arrival.
- A written test and road test are required.
- A Social Security card is not required to apply.
- Schedule appointments through DMV online services (opens in new tab).
- Find office locations through the California DMV website (opens in new tab).
Part-Time Campus Jobs
- Learn about employment opportunities through the Division of Career Pathways (opens in new tab).
- Graduate students may find grader, reader, tutor, or assistantship positions within departments.
- Ask your program administrator about available opportunities.
- Please note: Campus employment opportunities for graduate students are limited.
Connect with People from Your Home Country and New Campus
- UC Irvine offers many international and cross-cultural student organizations.
- Explore opportunities through Campus Organizations (opens in new tab).
- Associated Graduate Students (opens in new tab) provides opportunities to connect with graduate students.
- The Anteater Recreation Center (opens in new tab) offers recreation classes, wellness activities, and field trips.
English Language Assistance
- UC Irvine offers several resources to support English language development.
- The International Center (opens in new tab) offers English conversation and language development programs.
- Student Housing communities may also offer workshops and language support programs.
- Additional suggestions include joining study groups, campus organizations, and conversation partnerships.
Families
- UC Irvine offers services and resources for students with family members.
- Learn more about childcare services through UC Irvine Child Care Services (opens in new tab).
Meet with Your Faculty Advisor or Mentor
- Meet with faculty and advisors early during your first quarter.
- Each academic program has different mentoring expectations and advising structures.
- Use the Graduate Student Individual Development Plan (IDP) (opens in new tab) as a communication and planning tool.