New Student Orientation is a requirement for all new students. Orientation will provide valuable information to help jumpstart your transition to UC Merced! Orientation is a three-part experience that begins with Online Pre-Orientation and continues throughout the summer.

  1. Online Pre-Orientation: Complete this one-hour online experience at least 2 weeks prior to your Orientation date. Online Pre-Orientation opens June 1st.
  2. Orientation Day: Learn about what it means to be a Bobcat and how you and your family and supporters are Partners in Success! This three-and-a-half-hour experience is designed for you as well as your family or supporters.
  3. Ongoing Experiences: Participate in a variety of opportunities to continue your journey to UC Merced throughout the summer!

Through Orientation, you will:


  • Learn tips that will help you achieve academic success at UC Merced
  • Get information about essential campus resources
  • Hear from current students about what it's like to be a Bobcat
  • Make new friends
  • Get your questions answered

Register for Orientation by June 9. Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost to participate in Orientation is $50 per student. There is no additional cost for parents, guardians, or supporters. We encourage you to register parents, guardians and supporters so we can provide resources and information designed especially for them.

Computer and Internet


We recommend that you have access to a laptop and reliable internet to complete new student orientation. If you don’t have access to a laptop or reliable internet, you can request one be sent to you by completing this webform: https://ue.ucmerced.edu/form/technology-resources-students-including-graduate-students-without-ta-appointments. You should complete your request at least 2 weeks prior to your orientation date to ensure you receive your devices in time. For questions, please contact undergradeducation@ucmerced.edu.

Important Fall Orientation Dates*

June 9: Deadline to register for Orientation

First Year Student Orientations

Tuesday, June 23

Saturday, June 27

Tuesday, June 30 (Spanish)

Tuesday, July 7 Tuesday, July 14 Saturday, July 18 (Spanish) Tuesday, July 21 Saturday, July 25

Transfer Student Orientation

Friday, July 10

Orientations Presented in Spanish

Tuesday, June 30

Saturday, July 18

*Complete your Online Pre-Orientation 2 weeks prior to your Orientation date.

course registration