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STEP 3 - UPON ARRIVAL

Arrange Your Transportation to San Diego

Learn how to get to UC San Diego after your arrival at Los Angeles or San Diego airport. 

Review Transportation Upon Arriving in the USA: U.S. Airline and Airport Guidelines (U.S. Transportation Security Administration) 

We recommend students schedule 2-3 hours between connecting flights, or when crossing a land border, for SEVIS status verification processing at U.S. Ports of Entry.


Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport 


San Diego is located 112 miles (180 kilometers) south of Los Angeles.  
If you are arriving at The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you will need to take a commuter flight, bus, train, or shuttle to San Diego. 

Bus service

Commuter flights

Shuttle & Ride Share Services 

Shuttle service from LAX to UCSD costs may vary. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

Train

  • Amtrak (departures from LA Union Station)
  • Metrolink (departures from LA Union Station)

Arrival at San Diego International Airport 

 

Also known as Lindbergh Field, San Diego International Airport is located 11 miles (18 kilometers) south and slightly east of UCSD.

A taxi or rideshare to the UCSD area costs will vary.

Shuttle & Ride Share Services

Check-In & Review Documents

Within 10 days after arrival into the USA, take the following steps:

  1. Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation: Once you arrive to the U.S. or begin your courses from inside of the U.S., ISPO will need to activate your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. Submit the Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation.
    • Students will only need to do this once upon initial arrival to the U.S. during your program of study.  
  2. Document Self-Check: Complete the International Student Document Self-Check. It is important for you to review and verify that your documents were processed correctly at the port of entry.
    • Please note that there is no need to notify International Students & Programs Office when you complete document self-check unless you have questions or if you believe there is an error in your visa status.
    • You should fulfill the document self-check requirement every time that you reenter the USA.

UC San Diego Campus Directory & Map

Once you arrive to campus, familiarize yourself with your new home! Visit Maps.ucsd.edu to search for campus locations, classrooms, college and department advising, dining, and more! 

TOPIC/RESOURCE
CAMPUS OFFICE
CONTACT INFORMATION
General Campus Resources 
Transcripts & Admissions Letters (Undergraduate Students) 
Office of Admissions
https://admissions.ucsd.edu/contact/contact-us.html 
Transcripts & Admissions Letters (Graduate Students) 
Graduate Admissions
https://grad.ucsd.edu/admissions/admitted-students/index.html 
Immunization and Health Requirements 
Student Health Services 
https://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/resources/health-requirements/index.html 
Health Insurance 
UCSD Student Health Insurance (SHIP) 
https://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/resources/health-requirements/index.html 
Paying Tuition & Fees 
Student Financial Solutions (Student Billing Office) 
Student ID Card 
Student Financial Solutions (Campus Card Office) 
Orientation
International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) 
https://iorientation.ucsd.edu 
Move-In/On Campus Housing 
Housing, Dining & Hospitality
Academic Advising & Classes 
Enrolling in Classes/Using WebReg

Undergraduate College (Undergraduate Students) 

Graduate Coordinators & Departments (Graduate Students)

https://students.ucsd.edu/aca
Academic Advising (Undergraduate Students) Undergraduate College (Undergraduate Students)  https://students.ucsd.edu/academics/advising/ 
Academic Advising for Graduate Students (Graduate Students) Graduate Coordinators & Departments (Graduate Students) Contact home department
Books & School Supplies  UC San Diego Bookstore  https://ucsandiegobookstore.com/
Taking Classes in the Summer  Summer Session  https://students.ucsd.edu/academics/advising/ 
Immigration Resources 
F-1/J-1 Status and My Immigration Documents 

International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) https://students.ucsd.edu/academics/advising/ 
Traveling to Mexico/ General Travel Guidelines  International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) https://iTravel.ucsd.edu 
Working On/Off-Campus  International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) https://iTravel.ucsd.edu 

 

Getting Started at UC San Diego: What To Do Once You've Arrived

Not sure where to start? Check out Getting Started in San Diego to learn about necessary and recommended steps to a smooth start in your life at UC San Diego.