Campus News
UC Santa Cruz poised to welcome students with annual “Slug Start” festivities
UC Santa Cruz launches Slug Start, a multi-week kickoff series featuring signature events, resource fairs, and campus traditions to help incoming Banana Slugs build community and transition to life on campus.
Presented by the Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS), Slug Start is a multi-week series of events and orientation activities designed to welcome incoming Banana Slugs, help them navigate campus resources, and build community as the new academic year begins.
Signature Slug Start events
Slug Family Welcome
Thursday, Sept. 17 – Saturday, Sept. 19 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Location: Humanities Lecture Hall 206
Dedicated send-off gatherings for families and supporters following student move-in, offering an opportunity to connect with campus leadership and learn about university support systems before students begin their academic journey.
New Admit Class Photo
Monday, Sept. 21 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: East Upper Field
A longtime university tradition where incoming students receive their official class t-shirt and gather on the East Upper Field overlooking Monterey Bay for the annual class photograph.
Late Night at the Athletics and Recreation Center
Monday, Sept. 21 | 7 – 10 p.m.
Location: East Field House
An evening showcase highlighting campus recreation programs, featuring fitness demonstrations (including Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and Indoor Cycling), open pool hours, and information on Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs.
Cornucopia
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 3 – 6 p.m.
Location: East Upper Field
UCSC’s largest annual fall festival and resource fair. The event brings together hundreds of campus departments, student organizations, and local resources for an afternoon of community building, music, and interactive activities.
Student Employment & Work-Study Fair
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: East Upper Field
Hosted by Career Success, this fair connects students seeking part-time on-campus jobs and work-study roles with hiring campus units. (Note: Student registration via Handshake is required).
Boardwalk Frolic
Friday, Sept. 25 | 6 – 10 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
A private, closed-park evening reserved exclusively for UCSC students at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, featuring free rides, games, and entertainment. Tickets are $20, but the price will increase to $40 after 4,500 tickets are sold. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance to secure the lower price and avoid long lines at the event.
Choose Your Own Slugventure
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7– 10 p.m.
Locations: Oakes College Upper Lawn & College Nine/John R. Lewis Multipurpose Room (MPR)
A multi-zone evening event where students can choose between an outdoor film screening at the Oakes Lawn or a silent disco at the College Nine/John R. Lewis MPR
Additional programming and resources
In addition to signature events, each of UCSC’s 10 residential colleges will host individual social gatherings, workshops, and recreational activities throughout the kickoff period. All events hosted by individual colleges are open to all new students, regardless of their specific college affiliation.
For event details visit the Slug Start webpage or contact involved@ucsc.edu. Event updates and highlights will also be shared via social media at @UCSC.DSAS on Instagram.