Game Instructions
Welcome to your First-Year Experience (FYE) at UCI! Play LEVEL UP: UCI’s Pathway to Success. To be at the top of the leaderboard, work your way through each square from your FIRST DAY OF CLASS to FINAL EXAMS! And don’t forget to scroll over the campus buildings to find out about more key places and resources on campus.
Also, remember that every Power-Up Star is a chance for you to LEVEL UP your FYE game! Power-Up Stars are opportunities that have proven to impact students’ academic and personal success. Click on Power-Up Stars to learn more about the opportunities that can enhance your first-year success.
Have you set your goals for the year and quarter?
Hopefully, you completed Uni Stu 87: Pathways to Success over the summer and set clear and smart goals for yourself for the final project. Be sure to print these goals out and post them somewhere to remind yourself of your objectives and progress.
Did you know?
Studies show that individuals who write down their goals are 33% more likely to achieve them compared to those who do not. Learn more about the neuroscience behind goal setting.
Are you excited for your first day of classes?
Stay on track with a digital or physical planner and write down each of your assignment due dates as well as test dates and times. Schedule your study, eat, and sleep times.
Are you comfortable with Canvas?
Hopefully, by now, you’re ready to utilize the Canvas platform for your classes successfully. Be sure to mark the UCI Learn Anywhere webpage as a favorite in your browser so you can easily find the right support for your digital learning needs.
If you run into any challenges with UCI IT, don’t hesitate to use UCI ZotDesk to get immediate help.
Don’t forget!
Chromebooks do not work with some educational technology software and are not recommended for use in your coursework.
Need a refresher from Uni Stu 87?
Also, remember that if for some reason you weren’t able to complete the course or didn’t get enrolled during the summer, you’ll want to complete the course as soon as possible in order to earn your credit and receive a grade.
Are you checking your UCI email daily?
You will get a lot of emails flooding your inbox, but most, if not all, that come from the university are important ones. They are filled with critical deadlines, information about your classes, and opportunities you can take advantage of during your time at UCI. Keeping up with those emails is important, and responding in a timely and professional manner will ultimately help you become a better student.
Did you know?
UCI ZotPass is the UCI platform that brings services from across campus into a free mobile app. With ZotPass, students can see tutoring drop-in times and schedule appointments with tutors at the Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication (Writing Center), the ICS Tutoring Center, the Physics Learning Center, and the Economics Learning Center. Be sure to download UCI ZotPass from your app store!
Do you need a job?
Visit the UCI Division of Career Pathways (DCP), located immediately across Ring Road from the UCI Bookstore and Student Center Starbucks, to learn about campus job opportunities. The DCP can also assist with applications and help prepare you for interviews.
Another great resource is Handshake, a popular online platform that connects you with employers, jobs, and other resources that can help you advance your career.
Finally, look out for the on-campus career fair that will be held at the beginning of Fall Quarter.
Have you found the best ways to study? Are you building good study habits?
There are several resources available on campus that can enhance your learning and help you build good study habits during your first year and throughout your academic career at UCI. Consider utilizing the UCI Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC) and the UCI Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication (Writing Center) early on, as they are two key units on campus that can support your academic goals.
Looking for data-driven, personalized guidance to help you succeed?
UCI Spark is a secure web app that combines student data with a comprehensive list of UCI resources to create personalized dashboards that help students succeed in their selected academic pathways. By logging into UCI Spark, you can receive recommendations and opportunities to take your UCI experience to the next level.
Are you considering dropping or adding a course?
Students at UCI can add or drop courses through the end of the second week of instruction without academic approval. Changes made between the third and sixth week of instruction require approval from the Dean of the student’s major and the Dean of the School or unit offering the course.
Be sure to check out the policies and procedures for adding and dropping courses to move forward with either option. Meeting with your academic advisors can also help you make informed and accurate decisions.
Refer to the Quarterly Academic Calendar for all important academic deadlines
Want to discover new passions?
UCI Freshman Seminars are exciting, small-class experiences specifically designed for first-year students. Taught by a range of top-notch faculty, Freshman Seminars cover a variety of interesting topics that challenge students to engage their creativity and explore the world through new perspectives. Because all Freshman Seminars are limited to small class sizes, they’re a great way to explore new topics while making friends and connecting with your instructors.
Have you gotten involved on campus?
There are many ways to get involved as an incoming freshman at UCI!
Explore over 600 student organizations across various interests, including sports, arts, community service, and more.
From martial arts to cooking to intramural sports, UCI Campus Recreation offers several programs for students to get involved.
UCI’s identity and resource centers within UCI Student Life and Leadership offer a range of opportunities to engage with various student communities representing the diverse population on campus.
Are you preparing for midterms?
Midterm projects, papers, and exams can come at any time during the quarter. To stay prepared, it’s important to keep up with your reading assignments, attend class consistently, and connect with peers from each of your classes.
One often underutilized way that students can prepare for midterms is to meet with their professors and teaching assistants during office hours. Connecting with your professors during office hours can offer insights into the best way to study for midterms and on what content may be covered on exams. It also helps you establish a network of individuals who can attest to your potential when it comes time to apply for jobs or an advanced degree.
Did you know?
Research shows that relationships with faculty on campus are integral to student retention and success. One critical way these relationships are built is through office hours, which allow for more informal interactions where academic and professional mentoring can occur.
Not sure what to ask your professor when you meet them during office hours? Start by asking them about their expertise. Ask them, “Why did you get involved in your field?” or “What are you doing research on right now?” Then, follow up by asking if they have any tips on how to do well on midterms and finals!
Have you found a community of academic support?
UCI Student Success Initiatives (SSI) provides students with personal, academic, and professional support to thrive and succeed at UCI and beyond. SSI fosters learning communities that empower students to be productive and engaged in their academic careers and personal endeavors.
Did you know?
Learning communities have been shown to significantly improve college success rates. Studies demonstrate that participation in learning communities is associated with higher grade point averages and increased chances of continuation.
How is your health?
Transitioning to the academic rigor of college can be difficult for anyone. If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you are not alone. Resources are available on campus to help if you feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed.
Make an appointment at the UCI Counseling Center to get professional help, or connect with the UCI Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion to discover proactive ways to keep you healthy in every way.
The UCI Student Health Center is available to provide primary care and urgent care, as well as pharmaceutical, dental, and wellness services.
Are you registering for winter quarter courses?
To prepare for course registration, explore the UCI General Catalogue to see which courses will be offered through each department during the winter quarter. It’s also a good idea to review the list of General Education (GE) courses and utilize your academic advisors for one-to-one assistance with course planning specific to your major.
You can also utilize the Academic Course Plan Worksheet to map out your academic progress for each quarter.
As a reminder, the UCI University Registrar (the department responsible for maintaining student records, including student status, grades, and transcripts) can provide a current class receipt showing the courses you have registered for once you’ve enrolled in classes and paid your tuition and fees. You can also view your registration via WebReg or StudentAccess and your billing status via Zot Account Online.
Are you preparing for final exams?
The breadth and scope of final exams, along with the tight timeframe in which they fall, can challenge any student. To prepare for finals, try out the suggestions offered in the preparing for midterms section as well as these extra tips to ace your finals.
UC Irvine Buildings
Aldrich Hall
Have you visited your ZotAid Portal and accepted your financial aid?
Have you paid your bill and got your finances in order?
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit your ZotAid portal to review your financial aid offer, accept offered loans and work if they are part of your college financing plan, and review the Documents, Notifications, and Tasks tabs to ensure your financial aid application is complete. If you have questions about your financial aid, visit the Newly Admitted Student FAQs or contact their office to connect with a representative.
Financial Services
UCI Financial Services provides support and resources to students in the areas of billing, collections, payments, disbursements, loan administration and tax information. These services are delivered through Campus Billing and Collections, Payment Services, and Accounting and Tax Reporting.
Office of the Registrar
The Office of the Registrar aims to provide academic support services in an atmosphere of prompt, accurate, and friendly service to the campus community. Students can find information about the Schedule of Classes, course drop dates, grades, and final exams, among other things.
Basic Needs Center
Are you struggling with your basic needs?
The UCI Basic Needs Center offers a variety of services to UC Irvine students, regardless of immigration status, to help them meet their basic needs. From food pantry visits, CalFresh Application Assistance, to consultations with our social workers, the Center’s staff strives to offer support from a holistic approach.
Bookstore
Do you know how you will purchase your books for class?
Visit UCI’s bookstore, THE HILL, in-person on Ring Road connected to the Student Center or through their website to buy course materials and textbooks and shop apparel, supplies, and other student essentials as well.
Dining Commons
Are you set up to eat on campus?
UCI offers great campus dining options! Find out more about your options for dining, locations, daily menus, and the meal plans that are available to you by visiting the UCI CampusDish website.
Libraries
Are you familiar with UCI’s libraries?
There are several reasons you may use UCI’s libraries, including as a place to study, check-out equipment, suggest a book for purchase, or stream media options. Visit the UCI Libraries website for more information.
Student Health Center
Are you set up with health insurance?
Ensure you have what you need to visit the Student Health Center while you are at UCI. Through its website, you can understand your insurance options, make and cancel appointments, and submit any immunization compliance documents that may be needed.
Disability Services Center
Do you need to register with the Disability Services Center?
Register with the Disability Services Center and use the new and improved MyDSC instructor and student portal to send accommodation letters to your instructors, schedule appointments with a DSC counselor, make reservations to take in person exams at the DSC, or access Ring Road Rides.