iNewStudents: First Steps for Getting Started at UC San Diego

Winter | International Students & Programs Office @ UC San Diego

Dear Incoming Triton,

Welcome to UC San Diego!

The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) is here to support you as you begin your journey as a new exchange student at UC San Diego and to help you navigate the ins and outs of your program as an international student. Please review important information below about mandatory trainings, orientation and ways to get involved at UC San Diego.

There are several upcoming deadlines for you to meet, so make sure to note all these important dates.

Let's Get Started!

Visit the iNewStudent Website

This comprehensive site is designed just for new international students to help you understand the different steps you need to follow before you arrive! Go to iNewStudent.ucsd.edu now and click on Exchange Students.

Set Up Your UC San Diego Student Account (Triton Login)

All students must create this account in order to access important services critical to your arrival here and beyond. To do so, follow these instructions to retrieve your PID and create a password.

NOTE: Follow the Step 1 instructions exactly in the order given to set up all of your accounts. There is no “accept your offer” for Reciprocity students. 

Check Your UC San Diego Email Regularly!

UC San Diego, including the International Students & Programs Office, communicates with its students via their UCSD email accounts ONLY. It is important that you set this up and check it regularly in order to receive timely information and updates. You may do this after you set up your UC San Diego Student Account (Triton Login).

Apply for Your Campus ID Card

Many campus services (including dining plans) are linked to your Student ID Card, so it's important you begin the application process before you arrive. This involves first submitting an ID photo online, and then submitting a ticket to request an appointment at the Campus Card Office in order to collect it once you arrive.

Request Your DS-2019

International students requiring a non-immigrant J-1 visa to study in the USA must request and receive a Form DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitor) to begin their program of study at UC San Diego. The Form DS-2019 is required to apply for the J-1 visa.

Before beginning your DS-2019 application, you must first set up password for your UC San Diego Personal ID (PID) using the instructions outlined above.

Processing time for complete iPortal applications is 15 business days. Apply early to avoid visa delays.

Instructions to apply can be found on iNewStudent.ucsd.edu
Funding Requirements for DS-2019 Issuance:J-1 students must show financial support for the entire duration of their program to obtain a DS-2019.
Refer to this link for required funding for your program.
DS-2019 standard start dates: All students admitted for the Winter 2023 quarter should expect to receive a Winter 2023 Program Start Date (January 4, 2023) on their DS-2019.
Students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to this start date (December 5, 2022)

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT DS-2019 REQUEST: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Complete Required Training

Everfi Online Training

Everfi is an online program that introduces incoming students to our student community, educational environment and behavioral expectations at UC San Diego.

For more information, see the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination (OPHD) website.

ACCESS: A link to the Everfi Training will be emailed to your UCSD email address in the coming weeks, so check this regularly!

January 4: iTriton Online Training (Available Starting Monday, October 31)

To help guide you through the adventure ahead, we have created an online training that will map out your journey as an international student here at UC San Diego. There are 20 modules which cover various topics. We have arranged these modules in the order you may encounter them during your program. However, you can explore the modules in any order you'd like!

Newly admitted international students are required to complete the iTriton Online Training during their first quarter at UC San Diego. All new Winter 2023 students will have until January 4, 2023 to complete this REQUIRED training.

ACCESS: An invitation will be sent to your UC San Diego email address on October 31!

Complete Health Screenings and Immunization Requirements

Vaccination and Immunization Deadline

It is important that all incoming students meet the COVID-19 vaccination, Tuberculosis (TB) screening and general immunization requirements as soon as possible to avoid enrollment holds. Click here for more information and how to submit your proof of status.

Enrollment

If you are an Education Abroad Program Reciprocity (EAPR) student, you will begin signing up for courses in early November. Your specific enrollment dates and times will be emailed to your UC San Diego email account. To prepare, review our enrollment guidance here.

Contacting ISPO

Our friendly and knowledgeable ISPO Staff are here and ready to help you! 

Email:iNewStudent@ucsd.edu
Contact Form: i Contact.ucsd.edu
Zoom Virtual Advising: iContact.ucsd.edu
Use the Ask Triton feature in the lower right-hand corner of iStudents.ucsd.edu

WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?

You have been identified as an F-1 or J-1 International Student. To ensure you receive important regulatory information to maintain your immigration status while studying at UC San Diego, you have been automatically added to this newsletter to receive updates. You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by clicking 'Unsubscribe...." at the bottom of this email block. If you are NOT in F1 or J1 status and believe you have been subscribed in error, please email iStudents@ucsd.edu.