Fees/Billing
How do I pay my BARC account from overseas?
Many of you will soon receive statements from the UCSB Billing Office (BARC) saying that your fees for housing, health insurance, etc. are due in mid-September. As an international student, you are automatically granted an extension to pay these bills, so you will not incur any late fees or penalties as long as you pay by the third week of the quarter. For the specific payment extension date, contact the EAP Reciprocity Coordinator. If you cannot make a payment by the extension deadline date, please contact the EAP Reciprocity Coordinator so that he can arrange to have an extension granted.
Due to the high cost and difficulty of trying to pay UCSB bills from abroad, we recommend that you wait until arrival to pay your BARC fees. Bills must be paid by cash or check -- no credit cards are accepted. Please plan ahead with this in mind.
How do I open a U.S. Bank Account?
At orientation, you will be provided with information on how to open up a U.S. bank account, including a map of where to find the banks, automated teller machines (ATMs), etc. If you have an ATM (cash) card with a 4-digit pin you should be able to withdraw money from any ATM in the U.S., but there is often a $2.00-$3.00 fee to do so. Please check with your bank to ensure ATM access in the U.S.
Health Insurance
When does UCSB health insurance (SHIP) begin?
For international students coming in the fall, SHIP begins September 1.
Does the UCSB Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) cover 100% of medical fees and prescriptions?
No. SHIP may only cover 60% - 80% of the fees for visiting a doctor outside of UCSB Student Health Services network. It is your responsibility to read the terms and conditions for UCSB Health Insurance and understand what it covers. For more information on SHIP, go to: http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/insurance/index.asp
Do I need additional health coverage?
Many students find SHIP to be sufficient for their needs. However, it is important that each student read the terms and conditions of SHIP to determine whether or not additional coverage is necessary.
Will UCSB health insurance (SHIP) cover me when I travel outside CA and the U.S.?
Yes, SHIP will provide limited coverage outside of CA and the United States. For more information about what SHIP will cover, go to: http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/insurance/index.asp
Is it true that I must have a TB clearance and if so, how do I do this?
Yes, all international students are required to have a tuberculosis (TB) clearance from the Student Health Service. This should be done during the first two weeks after arrival at UCSB and costs around $20.00. You may go to the Student Health Service for a TB skin test or chest x-ray OR you may bring a chest x-ray taken within the past year to be read by a radiologist OR you may bring a copy of an English language chest x-ray report completed within the past year.
Housing
What is the difference between residence halls and apartments?
The main difference between residence halls and apartments is that residence halls require you to purchase a meal plan that will allow you to eat in one of the university dining halls, whereas the apartments have kitchens where you can cook for yourself. Many of the residence halls tend to cater towards first and second year students (freshmen and sophomores) while apartments tend to be occupied by third and fourth year students (juniors and seniors).
When I applied for university owned accommodation, why was I not allowed to choose where I want to live?
When you apply to the UCSB housing lottery, you can choose whether you would prefer the residence halls (dormitories) or the apartments, but not specifically in what dormitory or apartment you would like to live. The lottery results will be emailed to you by in late June. If you are awarded a housing contract, it will be either for the dorms or the apartments and at that point, you will be asked to rank order your exact housing preference (e.g. 1st choice: Santa Ynez; 2nd choice: El Dorado; etc.). If you are not offered a contract, you will be placed on a waiting list.
Is it true that if I live in University-owned accommodation I will have to move out of my housing over the holidays?
It depends. Students living in university-owned apartments are allowed to stay in their apartment during the holidays. Students living in university-owned dormitories, however, will have to leave their rooms over winter and spring breaks, but will not have to move their belongings out of their rooms during this time. The dormitories remain locked over the winter and spring holidays, so belongings should remain safe.
Registration
What is the average course load at UCSB?
The average course load is 16 units per quarter, however students can take anywhere from 12 – 21 units per quarter. In order to remain in good visa status, international undergraduate students are required to register for a minimum of 12 units per quarter. The 12 units cannot be averaged over the course of the year; they must be taken every quarter.
What is the latest date that I can register for classes?
You generally have until the third week of the quarter to add classes and the fourth week to drop classes. For the specific add and drop deadline dates, refer to pages 2 and 3 of the Schedule of Classes (http://www.registrar.ucsb.edu/soc.htm)
My major shows as "undeclared" on GOLD, what can I do to change this?
Nothing. GOLD shows all reciprocity students as having an "undeclared" major. If GOLD says that you cannot take a course because you do not meet the pre-requisite or because the course is open to majors only, you need to contact the undergraduate advisor for the appropriate department. The undergraduate advisor for the major that you declared on your EAP application will have a copy of the transcripts from your home university and should be able to assist you with registration. To find the appropriate undergraduate advisor, go to the UCSB website (www.ucsb.edu) and search for the departmental home page.
GOLD says I do not meet the pre-requisites to take a course. How do I prove that I meet the pre-requisites?
You will need to contact the undergraduate advisor for the appropriate department. The undergraduate advisor for the major that you declared on your EAP application will have a copy of the transcripts from your home university and should be able to assist you with registration. To find the appropriate undergraduate advisor, go to the UCSB website (www.ucsb.edu) and search for the departmental home page.
All of the courses I want to take are full -- what can I do?
It may still be possible for you to take a class that is full through a process called "crashing" (that is, to sit in on a class that is full and add the class as soon as a registered student drops it). "Crashing" may seem intimidating, but is very common here.
To make "crashing" a class easier, email the professor who is teaching the class (Cc the Department Undergraduate Advisor) and ask if you can be placed on a waiting list. Explain that you are an EAP student whose pass time did not start until July and explain why you need/want to take the class. Starting the first week of school, go to all of the classes that you wish to take. Sign the roster so that you reserve a spot and so that the professor knows that you attended. When you successfully get into the class, the professor will provide you with a 4-digit approval code, which you will then use to add the class on GOLD.
In the meantime, you should sign up for a couple of classes even if you have no interest in taking them. This will enable you to get your registration sticker upon arrival and to use student facilities such as the library, recreational center, and to ride the buses for free. You can drop classes once you successfully crash your desired courses, but you must drop courses by October 25, otherwise you will receive a "failing" grade.
This process sounds overwhelming, but try not to worry. There are many students, both EAP and American, in this situation and rarely does someone graduate from UCSB without having crashed a few classes. I, or anyone else in the EAP office, can give you more advice on how to crash, so do not hesitate to contact us!
What is the difference between P/NP and a letter grade?
The basic difference is that letter grades are used in calculating the university grade-point average (GPA). Unit credit is awarded for any grade of D- or above (A+ through D-), while no credit is awarded for F grades. Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) grades, on the other hand, are not included in the computation of the university grade-point average and a grade of P will be assigned for coursework equivalent to a C or higher on the letter-grade basis. A grade of NP will be assigned for coursework equivalent to a C- or below, and no unit or degree credit will be awarded. Some universities will not accept courses taken on the P/NP grading option, so please check with your home university before making your selection. For more information on the difference between the two grading options, go to: http://www.advising.ltsc.ucsb.edu/grades/available.php.
What does "R" in the schedule of classes stand for?
The "R" stands for Thursday ("T" is for Tuesday, "W" for Wednesday, etc.). Thus, a class that meets TR meets Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What is the difference between lower and upper division classes?
Lower division classes are geared towards first and second year students (freshmen and sophmores) and are designed to provide an overview of a particular field. Upper division classes are geared towards juniors and seniors who are majoring in that area of study. Because upper division courses provide a more in-depth review of a topic, they usually require one or more lower division courses as a pre-requisite. We recommend that EAP students take upper division classes in their major area of study and lower division courses in fields in which they have little to no background.
Do I have to take classes in my major?
As far as EAP and UCSB are concerned, you can take courses in any department that you wish, provided you meet the pre-requisites. However, we strongly recommend that you work closely with your home university to find courses that will count towards your degree.
How do I sign up for a physical education course like surfing or sailing?
UCSB offers some physical education courses for 0.5 units. For information on these classes, see “Exercise and Sports Studies” in the Schedule of Classes (http://www.registrar.ucsb.edu/soc.htm).
You can also take recreational courses through UCSB’s Leisure Review (http://www.recreation.ucsb.edu/leisure/leisure.php) or participate in one of UCSB’s recreational sports (http://www.recreation.ucsb.edu/recsports/index.php).
How do I register for an English as a Second Language (ESL) course?
You cannot pre-register for ESL courses because you MUST take the ESL placement exam to see what level of ESL courses you are qualified to take. The ESL exam will be offered during the international student orientation and once you receive your results, you will be able to register for the appropriate ESL course. Please note that ESL courses are open to any student who wishes to improve their English language skills and are not mandatory. For more information, go to: http://www.esl.ucsb.edu/.
How can I get tutorial assistance in my classes?
You can get assistance with your classes through Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) (http://www.clas.ucsb.edu/). Not only does CLAS offer tutorials, but they also offer workshops on topics such as study skills and stress management.
I am having a difficult time understanding my professor. What should I do?
You should speak with your professors about the difficulty that you are having. Sometimes they can offer suggestions on how to be successful in their class. You may also want to ask each professor for permission to tape the lecture so that you can review it at home and rewind when necessary.
In addition, you may want to sign up for an English as a Second Language course (http://www.esl.ucsb.edu/), attend a CLAS tutorial (http://www.clas.ucsb.edu/), and speak with your EAP Reciprocity Coordinator. The EAP Reciprocity Coordinator may be able to offer additional ideas and connect you with an American student with whom you can practice your English skills.
Travel and Visa (pdf)
Other
On the UCSB Admissions website, I saw a deadline to submit my Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) and I am confused as to how to complete this form online. What should I do?
Please do NOT complete the SLR as it does not apply to EAP students.
Is there any way that I can get in contact with other reciprocity students coming in the fall?
Yes. You can join the EAP reciprocity Yahoo group, where people are coordinating arrival information, travel plans, etc. To join, send an email to ucsbreciprocity-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Can I apply to the UC Washington Center : University of California – Washington DC (UCDC) program?
Yes, reciprocity students may apply to the UCDC program. For program details and eligibility requirements, please review the information found on the UOEAP UCDC Site http://eap.ucop.edu/reciprocity/UC-DC/UCDC.htm and the UCSB UCDC program site http://www.ltsc.ucsb.edu/urca/ucdc.php. In addition, please meet with the UCSB Reciprocity Coordinator for further details.
Where can I find out about things to do in Santa Barbara?
For information about weekly community events, The Independent, a local paper published every Thursday, can be picked up on campus free of charge or viewed online at http://www.independent.com/.
General information about Santa Barbara is posted on http://www.santabarbara.com/ and http://www.santabarbaraca.com/.
I want to drive while in CA. What are the requirements for this?
It is recommended that all students who plan to drive during their year abroad obtain a California driver’s license. For more information on how to obtain a CA driver’s license, go to: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/.
I heard that the alcohol policy in the U.S. is very strict and I may be required to show an I.D. card if I try to purchase alcohol - is this true?
YES! We want to remind you that the alcohol policy in the United States is probably enforced more stringently than in your home country. All students are expected to follow state regulations regarding drinking (meaning no alcohol for students under 21 years of age). Even those students who are 21 and older need to be aware of the policies regarding alcohol (see below). Please discuss these policies with a staff administrator or our office if you feel it will be a restriction for you.
Please be aware that in addition to a general drinking age of 21, alcohol in Santa Barbara has certain other restrictions. For example, in order to purchase any alcoholic beverage (in a bar or supermarket) students must show an identification card (I.D.) with their photo and birth date on it to prove they are 21 or older. Many nightclubs will not admit people under 21, so you must provide your I.D. to gain admittance, regardless of whether you intend to purchase alcohol or not. Many establishments will not accept a passport as a form of I.D., so we recommend that all students obtain a CA identification card (or driver’s license). For more information on how to obtain an I.D. card, go to: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/.
Also, it is illegal to carry an "open container" (an open can, bottle, cup or glass of any alcoholic beverage: beer, wine, spirits, etc.) on the streets, parks, and beaches of Santa Barbara, Goleta, or Isla Vista. Please observe these policies or they may lead to fines and/or imprisonment.
I heard that there is a temporary hotel on campus during the month of September, is this true?
Yes, for more information, go to: http://www.housing.ucsb.edu/hchoices/student-hotel.htm
How quickly does the temporary accommodation on campus (provided during the international student orientation) fill up?
There is usually enough space in the temporary hotel to accommodate everyone.
What is the weather like?
Variable. Although we have over 300 days of sunshine a year, it does get cold, especially at night! Pack some sweaters and a warm jacket.
