Game Instructions
Welcome new Anteaters! To play “LEVEL-UP – Summer Edition”, work your way through each square from START to CONVOCATION! Don’t forget to scroll over the Campus Buildings to learn more about key resources on campus. Also, keep in mind that each BONUS SQUARE is a chance for you to “Level-Up” your First-Year Experience. Bonus squares reveal opportunities that have proven to enhance students’ academic and personal success. Click on each square to find out more!
Do you know where to start?
Use the first-year checklist to work through each step you will need to take in order to join us in the fall, from now and throughout the summer.
Have you decided where you’re going to live?
Students who applied for on-campus housing by the May 10th deadline will receive their housing contract by email by early-June. To secure your space for fall, complete the contract and reservation fee payment by the deadline listed in the offer email. If you’re going to commute from home or live off-campus, UCI offers a Commuter Lounge in the Student Center for those coming and going on a day-to-day basis.
Have you considered being a part of a LIVING and LEARNING Community?
UCI Housing offers a wide range of housing options with themes that allow students to live with others that share common interests while learning and studying together as well.
Did you know?
Studies show that students in LLCs often report a high sense of belonging, increased faculty support, and often experience a smoother transition to college life.
Are you ready to be a successful digital learner at UCI?
Visit UCI’s Learn Anywhere website which will help you with the digital technologies you will use while you are here at UCI, including UCI’s Canvas Management System, among other tools and resources.
Are you ready to attend SPOP?
Registering for UCI’s Student Parent Orientation Program is an item on the First-Year Student Checklist. Before you finalize your decision, jump ahead a few squares and consider applying for one of the Freshman Summer Success Programs at UCI. FSSP students attend SPOP 6 so it aligns with the program dates.
Note: Some SPOP sessions are designated for specific sets of students. Campuswide Honors Students should attend SPOP 1 or SPOP 2 unless otherwise directed.
Do you know who your Academic Advisor is yet?
Academic advisors/counselors at UCI facilitate the academic development of all students and assist them in achieving their academic, personal, and professional goals by providing high quality academic advising and guidance. Students will connect with their School or Undergraduate/Undeclared advisors to register for classes at SPOP. Maximize your orientation experience by completing the online advising modules before attending your on-campus session at SPOP.
Have you scheduled/taken your placement exams?
Scheduling and taking your placement exams are also on the first-year checklist. Several courses require placement tests to register. In most majors, it’s critical to complete your placement processes before attending SPOP. Consult your advising modules and visit the Academic Testing Center website for information about what determines placement, testing dates, and a guide that can help you determine what you might want to or need to take.
Ready to find and enroll in your classes?
To prepare yourself to register for classes at UCI during SPOP, you can visit UCI’s General Catalogue of courses that are offered through each department. You may also want to take a look at the list of General Education Courses as well. Your academic advisors will help you identify courses to register for in your first quarter at UCI.
As a reminder, official registration at UCI consists of two separate steps that must be completed in order to be officially registered – enrollment in classes and payment of tuition and fees. The Registrar’s Office is the department responsible for maintaining student records, including student status, grades, and transcripts; visit the Registrar’s Office website to view your enrollment and pay status via Student Access.
Have you considered taking a First-Year Seminar?
First-Year Seminars at UCI are a great way to connect with other students in a classroom since the class sizes are small and working and learning together is encouraged.
Did you know?
Research indicates that students who participate in a first-year seminar are more likely to develop a sense of belonging and motivation, leading to persistence and completion of their degree programs.
Are you familiar with the Freshman Summer Success Program (FSSP)?
Begin engaging on campus and taking classes as early as the summer by participating in the Freshman Summer Success Programs. These programs are designed to prepare you for the academic rigor associated with college combined with an opportunity to connect with faculty and other first-year students.
Not enrolled in FSSP, but want to get ahead in your coursework at UCI? Want to save money on courses?
You can take classes as early as the summer at UCI if you choose. Doing so might help you graduate on time or early, attain an extra major or minor, explore new academic interests, and save you money while getting ahead. For more information, visit UCI’s Summer Session website.
Did you know?
According to several studies, students who participated in summer bridge programs had a higher grade point average and were more likely to continue to their second-year compared to those who did not participate in a summer program.
Have you acknowledged your enrollment in Uni Stu 87: Foundations for Success?
Foundations for Success (University Studies 87), is a one-credit, online required course featuring dozens of popular faculty and staff on campus, and designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel academically from the very beginning of your college experience. In order to ensure your enrollment in the course, please submit the acknowledgement link. Once you have completed the acknowledgement, you will need to wait 7-10 business days (weekdays) before you are officially enrolled in the course.
Have you made plans to attend Welcome Week and the Anteater Involvement Fair?
Mark your calendar and start your on-campus experience at UCI’s Welcome Week – a week full of events, both academic and social, that include time-honored traditions and world record-breaking events. You will have opportunities to explore campus, meet your peers, prepare for the first day of classes, and attend the Anteater Involvement Fair, an opportunity to visit with hundreds of campus organizations you can join.
Stay tuned — updated details for the 2025–2026 academic year are coming soon!
Reserve September 25th for New Student Convocation!
Finish the Summer Edition of LEVEL-UP by attending New Student Convocation, where you will get the chance to hear from campus leadership, take advantage of the many ways that you can connect to others, and hear about expectations of you as you begin your first-year at UCI.
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.
Parking
Have you purchased your Parking Pass and test driven your commute?
Visit UCI’s Transportation and Distribution Services website for information on Parking and logging into your myCommute Portal to purchase parking permits.
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.