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Campus Resources at UC San Diego

First-Gen Resources

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Transfer Firsts: Professional Opportunities for Development and Success
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Summer Bridge Summer Program for First Gen Students
UC San Diego undergraduate research Hub

McNair Scholars Program: First Generation Research Opportunity

Resources Around UC San Diego

Need help navigating campus? We’ve got your back! As a first-generation college student, you may face unique challenges. UC San Diego offers a variety of resources to help you succeed and thrive!

Academic

OASIS

OASIS (Office of Academic Support & Instructional Services) is dedicated to supporting the academic and personal growth of UC San Diego students, with a focus on those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. By fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and empowering environment rooted in equity and social justice, OASIS plays a key role in helping students succeed, stay on track, and thrive throughout their college journey

 

Teaching + Learning Commons

The Commons offers tutoring, research, and other kinds of student support to promote student academic success and increase access to education. They’re a great resource to help you make the transition to a 4-year institution! Some services include:

  • Academic Support
    • Tutoring and Group Study
    • Learning Strategies Workshops & Consultations
    • Supplemental Instruction (SI)
    • Writing Support 
    • Summer Success Program 
  • Academic Resource
    • Academic Integrity Office
    • Computing and Digital Media Resource
    • Library Services

 

Tutoring

Many departments have in-house tutoring services for all kinds of classes. Don’t wait until you absolutely need help, they’re there for you whenever you feel unsure about stuff in class or just need another brain to bounce assignment ideas off of!

UC San Diego Libraries

Whether you are looking for a place to study or seeking support on a research paper, the UC San Diego Libraries have everything you need. 

Advising

As a first-generation student, navigating your academic path can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone! Meeting with both your college and departmental advisors early on is one of the best steps you can take. They’ll help you understand your major and GE requirements, plan a manageable course load, and map out a timeline to graduation that fits your goals. The easiest way to contact them is through the Virtual Advising Center (VAC). You can also find more info, including office hours and locations, at the links below.

  • Colleges: College advising can help you figure out your GE requirements for your college, discuss your academic objectives in general, and make sure that you’re on track to graduate! They can also help you work out the information in your Degree Audit on TritonLink.
  • Departments: Departmental advising is meant for questions related to your major or minor requirements. They are also experts who can help you find career and graduate school opportunities within your discipline, lab positions, academic enrichment support, and many other resources related to your department.
  • Creating Your Own Academic Plan: Our department worked with the College Deans of Academic Advising to provide you with the tools to create your own academic plan. See attached!

Career & Professional

UCSD Career Center

The Career Center is here to help you take the next step—whether that’s landing a job, internship, or applying to grad school. They offer personalized support like career counseling, resume and CV reviews, peer advising, job search tools, and practice interviews. Throughout the year, the Career Center hosts seven major career fairs and several smaller, industry-specific events to help you connect with employers. They also provide resources and guidance for exploring graduate and professional school pathways.

Handshake

Discover on-campus and off-campus jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities tailored for UC San Diego students. Register for career fairs, schedule advising appointments, and access a wide range of career resources, all through Handshake.

List of Online Career Resources

This updated list of online career resources can guide you with your career development needs.

Academic Internship Program

  • Looking to gain experience and earn academic credit? Check out AIP (Academic Internship Program) for support in finding internships that align with your studies.
  • For hands-on learning in public service or any major, explore UCDC, a unique program that lets you live, intern, and study in Washington, DC.
  • Interested in public policy or journalism closer to home? UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) offers a chance to intern, take classes, and live in California’s capital. Both UCDC and UCCS are open to all majors and available year-round!

Academic Enrichment Programs (AEP)

Looking to get connected to research while on campus? Visit AEP for many great opportunities.

Dine/Coffee with a Prof Program

Building relationships with faculty can make a big difference in your UC San Diego journey and beyond. One easy way to start? Share a meal! Many colleges offer food vouchers so you and a faculty member can grab coffee or lunch together. Whether you want to discuss classes, career goals, or research opportunities, it’s a great way to connect in a casual setting.

Gordon Center for Engineering Leadership

The Gordon Engineering Leadership Center identifies and trains effective engineering leaders who will create jobs and products that benefit society. Gordon Center provides scholars with a series of interactive workshops, guest speakers and connections to industry, courses, and engineering leadership forums in order to help students develop the necessary leadership skills to be successful

Health Beat

If you are interested in doing pre-med or want to learn more, check out Health Beat. There are many workshops, programs, and advising opportunities available.

More resources for professional development

Financial & Scholarships

Financial Aid and Scholarships 

Scholarships

Health & Wellbeing

SHS - UC San Diego Student Health ServicesThe student health clinic is run by licensed physicians and nurses. They provide a full range of primary care services. Some of those services include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Immunizations
  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • STI Testing
  • Transgender Care
  • Travel Clinic
  • Urgent Care and first Aid
  • X-Ray and Labs

CAPS - UC San Diego Student Counseling & Psychological Services 

CAPS provides confidential individual, couples, group counseling, and referral services to all registered students. There is a CAPS location for non- urgent cases within every College. You can schedule appointments to see a provider online or by phone. CAPS provides Urgent Care Services for students who are in crisis and require same-day treatment.

  • Phone: (858) 534-3755

Crisis / Urgent Counseling

During normal business hours (8am-4pm), students can call the CAPS Central Office to speak and/or meet with an Urgent Care Counselor. The following are crisis numbers available to UCSD students:

Life-Threatening Emergencies / Hospitals

For life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. The local emergency rooms near campus includes

The Hub Basic Needs Center

The Hub: Basic Needs Center provides supportive services to increase accessibility of basic needs resources for students at UCSD. They are located in Student Center A. Some of the programs they offer are:

CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)

CARE (Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education) at SARC is UC San Diego’s confidential advocacy and education office for sexual violence and gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

CARE offers violence prevention education for the entire campus community and provides free, confidential support services to students, staff, and faculty impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking. For support and resources, visit the CARE website or reach out for assistance.

HPS - UC San Diego Health Promotion Service

Health Promotion Services (HPS) supports a healthier campus by promoting student well-being and success through education, resources, and a supportive environment. Their programs empower students to build healthy habits that last throughout college and beyond.

Services include:
• Nutrition Consultations
• Stress & Resilience Lab
• PrEP/PEP Consultations
• Body Composition Analysis
• Tobacco Cessation & Recovery Programs
• Health Coaching & Peer Education
• Time & Stress Management
• Sexual Health Resources
• BASICS/CASICS Substance Education
• Fitness, Healthy Eating, and More 

The Zone

The Zone is a wellness lounge dedicated to supporting your health and personal growth. Located in Price Center Plaza next to Jamba Juice, it offers free programs that promote self-care, balance, and healthy living.

Popular programs include:
• Art & Soul
• Therapy Fluffies
• Meditation & Yoga
• Financially Savvy
• Hungry for Healthy

Visit The Zone website for wellness tips, self-care ideas, and daily inspiration.


Health Coaching at UCSD:

Looking to improve your well-being and stay on track academically? A 45-minute session with a Health Educator can help you make simple lifestyle changes that support your overall health and success.

Topics may include:
• Healthy eating & fitness
• Time management & stress
• Healthy relationships
• Substance use
• Sexual health, and more

To schedule a session, email hps@health.ucsd.edu or use the self scheduling link Health Coaching

Military Connected Students

The SVRC Student Veteran Resource Center is an office on campus that is here to provide support, services, and mentorship for all UCSD Military connected First Gen students.

Student Life & Services

 

Triton Transfers

 Triton Transfers Hub provides support and resources for prospective and current transfer students, whether it's academic, career or events. 

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services offers workshops and counseling on various legal topics, including traffic citations, family law, tenant rights, and more.

  • Contact
    • Phone: (858) 534-4374

    • Student Services Center (Room 527)

    • Email: sls@ucsd.edu 

Office for Students with Disabilities

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) supports UC San Diego students by providing accommodations and services for a wide range of needs, including psychological, psychiatric, learning, attention, chronic health, physical, vision, hearing, acquired brain injuries, and autism.

OSD Services & Events
• OSD Art Exhibit
• OSD Talks
• Emergency Preparedness & Ride Services
• Parking & Rental for Wheelchairs/Crutches
• Scholarships & Club/Organization Access

For more resources, contact OSD below:

Student Identity Programs:

Tax Resources

In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.