Attend Fall Welcome Week
Fall Welcome Week
Welcome Week is packed with important activities and sessions designed specifically for new students. Some parts of Welcome Week are mandatory, and all the information you receive is valuable. Your first day of programming will depend on your college affiliation and move-in date—plan to start participating as soon as you’ve moved in and be sure to check your UCSC email for Welcome Week information.
Visit Slug Success for more information about Welcome Week events!
Signature Welcome Week events
Welcome Week at UC Santa Cruz is packed with unforgettable events designed to help you connect, explore, and settle into life as a Banana Slug. From festive gatherings and outdoor movies to beachside adventures and downtown discoveries, these signature events are your first step into the vibrant UCSC community. Don’t miss your chance to make memories, meet new friends, and start your journey with energy and excitement!
New Admit Class Photo
Be part of the tradition! Each year, new Banana Slugs gather on the East Upper Field to take the official UCSC class photo. Surrounded by your peers and the stunning views of Monterey Bay, this is your moment to celebrate the start of your UCSC journey and be captured in a memory that will last a lifetime.
Boardwalk Frolic
Kick off your UCSC experience with a night of fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! The Boardwalk Frolic is a private event just for new UCSC students—featuring free rides, games, and the chance to connect with fellow Banana Slugs right on the beach. Enjoy the lights, the ocean breeze, and one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic spots as you make new memories and new friends.
Cornucopia
Cornucopia is UCSC’s signature fall festival and resource fair, bringing together hundreds of campus departments, student organizations, and resources for an afternoon of music, games, giveaways, and community connection on the East Upper Field. As the largest gathering of new Banana Slugs each year, it’s the ultimate chance to explore student life, discover ways to get involved, and start building your UCSC community.
Note: We understand that you might miss some sessions due to religious holidays, family commitments, health concerns, or other reasons. If you can’t attend a mandatory session, please contact orientation@ucsc.edu for support and alternative options.
Welcome Week is just the beginning!
UCSC hosts exciting events all year long—from concerts and festivals to lectures, performances, and more. Keep the fun going and stay connected by checking the Campus Events Calendar for the latest happenings.