Orientation & Summer Programs

Meet your future classmates and get to know campus resources

We are thrilled to have you join the Anteater family! To help you transition to your college career at UCI, you will take part in one of our two mandatory summer orientation programs, Student Parent Orientation Program (SPOP) or Transfer Student Parent Orientation (TSPOP). You are also invited to participate in the additional supplemental programs found at the bottom of this page.

First-Year Orientation

Student Parent Orientation Program (SPOP) – SPOP is a mandatory new student orientation program for all incoming new undergraduate first-year students who have recently graduated from high school. During your Orientation/SPOP session, you will receive academic advising, register for courses, get important information about resources and services, and have plenty of opportunities to make new friends. First-year students who accept their offer of admission by submitting a positive Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by May 1st will receive information in the following few weeks about how they can register for one of ten different orientation sessions throughout summer 2023. 

Transfer Orientation

Transfer Student Parent Orientation Program (TSPOP) – Mini-TSPOP and TSPOP are optional new student orientation program for all incoming new undergraduate transfer students who transitioning from another college or university. Mini-TSPOPs are one-day orientation programs and TSPOP is a 2-day, 1-night overnight program. During these orientation sessions, you will meet current and other new students and learn about campus resources available to you as a UCI student. Academic advising will be hosted separately by your academic school. You will be contacted directly by your school to schedule your advising session and course registration. Transfer students who accept their offer of admission by submitting a positive Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) will receive information in the following few weeks about how they can register for Mini-TSPOP or TSPOP.

Additional Optional Summer Programs

Freshman Edge

July 31 - September 9

Freshman Edge gives you the opportunity to start college in the summer with a small cohort of highly-motivated students. Participants enrolled in Freshman Edge:

  • Earn UCI units toward their degree
  • Gain confidence through meeting and speaking with faculty
  • Meet other incoming freshmen and peer mentors in a supportive and collaborative environment

Learn more

You may be eligible to apply for a Summer Bridge Scholarship, as part of the Freshman Edge program, in partnership with Student Success Initiatives.  Other summer financial aid options may be available through the UCI Office of Financial Aid.

Learn more

Freshman Edge International 

Freshman Edge has a pathway tailored for international students called Freshman Edge International which will help you transition to the university and American life. As a Freshman Edge International participant, you have an opportunity to:

  • Gain further confidence and fluency in using English in the UCI setting
  • Earn UCI academic units that will count toward your undergraduate degree
  • Become familiar with UCI’s academic rigor
  • Participate in programming designed to prepare you to succeed in your UCI studies
  • Make lasting friendships with other incoming international and American first year students

Learn more

Transfer Boost

Transfer Boost provides incoming transfer students a series of helpful workshops, social events, and coaching to help support the transition to UCI. It includes weekly workshops, coffee hours with staff and faculty, and access to success coaching with Transfer Student Center counselors, as well as social and mentor events hosted by current transfer students.

Transfer Boost is open to all incoming transfer students. There is no cost to participate.

Learn more

Summer Session

Summer is a great time to learn! UCI Summer Session makes it possible for students to make progress toward their degree year-round. Choose from over 800 courses across 70 academic disciplines, including an extensive selection of online classes, general education requirement classes, and coursework for your major or minor.

Summer Session I: June 26 - August 3

10 Week Session: June 26 - September 1

Summer Session II: August 7 - September 13

If you are interested in attending, visit the Summer Session website.

Pay for Only 8 Incentive Program

For Summer Session 2023, all UC students who enroll in 8 or more units will pay for only 8 units in per unit course fees.