Welcome to the Slug Life
Ready, set, Slug!
Start your UCSC journey
From accepting your offer to arranging housing and completing campus health requirements, this page covers tasks to complete after admission—so you can join the Banana Slug community feeling prepared and confident.
Get oriented and feel at home
Start your UC Santa Cruz experience feeling informed, confident, and ready. From your required Online Orientation Course to live support from Orientation Leaders, this is your guide for navigating your first days as a Banana Slug.
Plan your academic path, Slug style
Enrolling in classes is a big part of launching your UCSC journey. Here you’ll find guidance on the enrollment process and ways to connect with advisors who can help you build a schedule that fits your goals and interests.
Prep like a pro for campus life
From packing and navigating campus to understanding housing, dining, billing, jobs, and required trainings—you’ll find everything you need to settle in smoothly and start strong at UC Santa Cruz. It’s also a time to embrace what it means to be a Banana Slug: living in community, showing up for others, and building a campus culture where everyone belongs.
Live your best Slug Life
As a new Banana Slug, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, and make the most of your college experience. From getting involved to finding resources that fuel your well-being and growth, discover what it means to thrive as a Banana Slug.
Ready to Get Involved?
Looking to meet people, try something new, or make an impact? Explore student orgs, campus jobs, leadership programs, and fun things to do on and off campus through the Get Involved site.
