New Students
- New First-Year Advising
- New Transfer Advising
- First-Year New Student Orientation
- Families and Triton Supporters
- New Student FAQs
Welcome to the Eighth College Community!
Here at Eighth College, we recognize that this transition can bring excitement and confusion, along with many other emotions…and we want you to know that we are here to help!
Your Eighth College Orientation Program aims to provide guidance and support to best prepare you for your transition to UC San Diego, while exploring our Eighth College theme: Engagement & Community. During your orientation experience, you will be introduced to various campus resources, connect with other incoming students, and meet the amazing faculty and staff that will support you throughout your academic journey. You will also have the opportunity to see how your personal story and experiences can help build and inform our new and growing community.
Meet the Orientation Leaders
Serving under the supervision of the Senior New Student Program Specialist, Orientation Leaders (OLs) work with and assist the Eighth College staff. OL’s welcome and inform new students, transfer students and parents for the upcoming Eighth College Orientation program. The program is looking for students who align with our mission while being a role model to incoming students. An ideal candidate would also include being upbeat, taking initiative, reliable, confident, and collaborative to name a few.
Eighth College Orientation Overview:
Part I: Enrollment and Academic Planning Webinar
- Offered early August, this mandatory webinar will be Part I of your Eighth College Orientation experience. Eighth College Academic Advisors will provide information on how to best prepare for Fall Quarter enrollment and answered your academic questions. You received an email with registration links included. Please register by Thursday, July 24, 2026.
Part II: Eighth College Orientation Canvas Course - Open Friday, August 10 - Wednesday, September 23
- Launching early September, the Eighth College Orientation Canvas Course will introduce students to the use of the use of Canvas and will offer insight on resources and opportunities available year-round. All incoming Eighth College students will need to complete the mandatory Canvas course by the start of classes. More information to come! Be sure to check your UC San Diego email.
Part III: On-Campus Orientation
- Our on-campus orientation program is designed to orient you to campus and provide an opportunity for engagement in campus life. Throughout the program, small group sessions will be facilitated by an Eighth College Orientation Leader and encourage connections between you and your fellow Eighties! You received an email with registration links included. Please register by Friday, July 24, 2026.
Additional Orientation Resources and Opportunities
New Student Academic Advising
Questions regarding your UC San Diego and Eighth College degree requirements? Visit the Advising for First Year Students page for a look at the timing of when you'll get access to academic advising and resources!
Living in Eighth College
Excited to live on our wonderful Eighth College campus? Visit Residential Life in Eighth for insight on all things move-in and what to expect while living in our Eighth community.
Expand Your Experience
International Students
If you are a new International Student, additional programs may be required. iOrientation is designed to help orient you to the UC San Diego campus community, inform you of your F1/J1 rights & responsibilities, and give you an opportunity to connect with other new international students.
Wilderness Orientation
Learn to thrive on campus and in the backcountry through Outback Adventure's Wilderness Orientation (WO). This supplemental orientation program will help you learn life skills, make lasting friendships, and unplug before starting school at UCSD.
Additional Questions or Concerns
For additional questions or concerns regarding orientation, please contact the Eighth College Orientation Program at eighthorientation@ucsd.edu.
Have Your Plans Changed?
If your plans to attend UC San Diego have changed, please complete and submit the "Decline My Offer of Admission After Acceptance" form at the bottom of your Applicant Portal. If you do not formally decline your acceptance, you will receive a bill for New Student Orientation. If you decline your acceptance after attending Orientation, you will still be billed and are responsible for the fees owed.