Graduate Student & Postdoc Resources

The Disabled Students Program (DSP) provides academic accommodations and serves as the campus liaison for disability-related issues and regulations, working with departments to ensure equal access for all students with disabilities. 

Graduate Division Academic Counselor Ryan Sims is available for support in academics counseling.

Instructional Development promotes excellence in undergraduate and graduate education by supporting instructional technologies across campus.

The Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) collaborates to enable and promote research-based, equitable teaching and learning across UC Santa Barbara. They specifically provide the training and workshops for Teaching Assistants (TAs) across campus.

The Office of the Ombuds is a safe place to come and discuss workplace issues, interpersonal conflict, academic concerns, bureaucratic runarounds, and many other problems. They serve faculty, staff, students, parents, and anyone else with a campus-related concern. All discussions are kept confidential.

UC Santa Barbara Library is a member of the prestigious Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The Library's vision is to empower researchers and students to create and adapt knowledge for the benefit of society and provide a variety of services to support academic success.

The UCSB Alcohol & Drug Program promotes safe, healthy choices around substance use and offers free, confidential counseling to all students to reduce high-risk behavior and related harm.

CARE offers free, confidential support and prevention services for sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and harassment, serving UCSB students, staff, and faculty of all identities.

CAPS supports student success through inclusive, culturally responsive mental health services that promote well-being, personal growth, and academic achievement for all registered students. All registered students are eligible for services at CAPS regardless of insurance status.

CAPS also offers group counseling specifically for graduate students, including support groups for ADHD and those of African Heritage, providing space to share experiences, voice concerns, and build community.

UCSB Health & Wellness provides resources, peer-led programs, and support services to help students navigate eating disorders and build a healthier relationship with body image.

The Graduate Student Wellness Program is a free program that provides wellness opportunities for all graduate students, covering topics like stress reduction, mindfulness, art therapy, and more.

The Hosford Clinic is a community clinic that provides low-cost and culturally sensitive psychological services to the Santa Barbara community. They serve the general public as well as students, faculty and staff from our university and area colleges. 

The UCSB Mental Health Peer Program offers peer-led support, education, and outreach to promote student mental wellness and reduce stigma around seeking help.

UCSB Student Health offers inclusive, confidential sexual and reproductive health services, including birth control, STI testing, and pregnancy support for all students regardless of financial and insurance status.

Planned Parenthood's Santa Barbara Health Center provides affordable and accessible sexual and reproductive health care services to all people, regardless of their income, insurance status, or other factors.

The Student Mental Health Coordination Services (SMHCS) office is the single point of contact for the campus community to report concerns about a student in distress or a student distressing others. As a non-clinical office, SMHCS is able to collaborate with other departments on campus to provide coordination of care, interventions, social support, and follow-up services from a network of campus resources.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, please call 911.

UCSB Basic Needs provides equitable access to food, housing, and financial support resources to help students thrive academically and maintain overall well-being.

Student Health provides exceptional, inclusive, compassionate, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare services to promote health and well-being in order to empower students to thrive throughout their university experience. They offer a variety of medical services including dental care, vision care, and urgent care, as well as laboratory testing and pharmacy services.

The Student Health also has psychiatrists and social workers who are available by referral from either Counseling and Psychological Services or primary care clinicians within Student Health. 

Our campus cultural resource centers provide resources, safe spaces for community-building, the celebration of identities, and social supports for students.

The UC Santa Barbara Guardian Scholars Program supports the academic and personal success of students who have been part of the foster care system. Program services include academic support, enrichment services, student advocacy, career guidance, peer networking, housing assistance, and financial aid advising.

UCSB’s graduate student organizations provide supportive communities that celebrate shared identities, experiences, and a sense of belonging.

UCSB’s Graduate Student Association (GSA) advocates for grad students, offers funding, hosts events, and provides community through its lounge and campus involvement opportunities.

UCSB's Academic Parenting Accommodations policy offers graduate students with parenting responsibilities options like leaves of absence and time-to-degree extensions to support academic progress while balancing family needs. For more details, visit the UCSB Graduate Division's Academic Parenting Accommodations page.

The Non-Traditional Student Resource Center (NTSRC) is a home for graduate students who are over 28 years old (29+), students with dependents, or re-entering students and provides a space to study, eat, relax, or hang-out, as well as staff to guide you.

The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) serves UCSB’s international students and scholars by providing immigration advising, issuing necessary documents, and offering support throughout their academic journey. OISS also hosts cultural programs year-round to foster connection, community, and student success.

The Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (RCSGD) at UCSB supports LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty through advocacy, education, and programming that fosters inclusion, community, and success across intersecting identities.

Undocumented Student Services (USS) offers programs and resources to support undocumented and mixed-status students, fostering academic, professional, and personal growth in a welcoming community.

The Women’s Center is the primary organization on campus dedicated to providing education on women’s issues, feminism, healthy masculinities, and gender and social equity.  The space and programs are available to all individuals of all genders interested in understanding how gender shapes our social world, and how we can work to eliminate all forms of gender-based oppression.

UCSB's Bicycle Program promotes eco-friendly commuting with incentives like e-bike discounts, free electric bike trials, secure bike lockers, and campus shower facilities for cyclists.

UCSB students, faculty, and staff can ride Santa Barbara MTD buses for free or at a discount by showing their ACCESS card or UCSB ID.

UCSB Campus Housing provides affordable graduate housing for full-time students at San Clemente Villages, as well as Family Student Housing at Storke and West Campus for students who are married, partnered, and/or have children.

University & Community Housing Services is a one-stop resource offering rental guidance, dispute resolution, and support for students, faculty, staff, and property providers.

UCSB Graduate Division offers a comprehensive guide with off-campus housing rates, listings, and general resources to support graduate students in their housing search

The Santa Barbara Student Housing Cooperative (SBSHC) provides low-rent cooperative housing for students, staff, and faculty of UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and other post-secondary educational institutions in Santa Barbara County.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) supports sustainable commuting to UCSB by foot, bike, bus, or shared transit, excluding motorcycles and remote work from its complimentary parking benefits.

If you plan to utilize a car on-campus please check out UCSB Parking and Transportation Services.

• Graduate Student Night & Weekend
• University Owned Apartment Permits
• Graduate Student Employee Permit
• Student Commuter (C) Permit

UCSB’s Associated Students Legal Resource Center (ASLRC) provides free legal education and support to registered students on issues like citations, landlord-tenant disputes, family law, and immigration; while they don't offer legal representation, they assist students in understanding their legal options and finding practical resolutions.

The CSO Safety Escort Program offers free evening and early morning escorts by foot or bike across campus and Isla Vista. Call 805-893-2000 or use a Blue Emergency Phone to request an escort.

The Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU) empowers UCSB and Isla Vista renters through free legal education, lease support, housing resources, and tenant advocacy.

Title IX is a federal law that protects people from sex-based discrimination in education, covering issues like sexual harassment, assault, and gender-based violence. UCSB’s Title IX Office enforces these protections by investigating reports, offering resources, and promoting a safe campus climate.

UCSB’s Campus Regulations outline the rights and responsibilities of the university community, detailing standards for conduct, use of facilities, free expression, and disciplinary procedures.

UCSB’s Office of the Student Advocate (OSA) offers free, confidential peer support and representation for students facing academic, conduct, financial, or grievance-related issues with the university. As a non-partisan branch of student government, OSA empowers students to navigate university policies and advocate for their rights.

The UCSB Police Department is a full-service, 24/7 law enforcement agency dedicated to campus safety, offering emergency response, crime prevention, and community support services. 

UCSB PD values transparency in policing and encourages you to contact them if you have any questions related to the services provided.

Academic Personnel (AP): Your department, in conjunction with Academic Personnel, will coordinate all of your hiring paperwork and benefits processing. For more information, contact your department’s Business Officer or email Billy Ko in Academic Personnel.

Center for Science & Engineering Partnerships (CSEP): CSEP offers numerous opportunities for postdocs to engage in professional development activities and to gain experience in teaching, mentoring, and community engagement. For more information, visit the CSEP Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Researchers page or email Arica Lubin.

Center for Innovative Teaching, Research, and Learning (CITRAL): CITRAL collaborates to create equitable, socially just teaching and learning through seminars, research, workshops, innovations, and assessments. In addition to teaching and learning workshops, consultations, and symposia, CITRAL offers the P3 (Promoting Postdoc Progress) program every spring quarter. For more information, contact Nate Emery.  

Graduate Division Professional Development Unit (PDU): Almost all of the professional development workshops offered through the PDU are open to postdocs. The PDU also runs the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC), and postdocs are welcome to work in the quiet study space. For questions, please use the PDU email.

Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS): Postdocs coming from outside the US will need to coordinate with OISS for visa processing and maintenance of status. For questions or assistance related to employment-based visas (J-1 & H-1B), email the OISS J-1 email or the OISS Long Term Visa email, or visit their website. 

Office of Research: The Office of Research Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) maintains curated lists of grant opportunities for postdoctoral scholars and provides training on grant writing.  Visit the SRI Postdoctoral Scholar Resources website to learn about the Pivot funding opportunities database, find lists of postdoc funding opportunities by subject area, find out how to serve as a PI as a postdoc, and find links to additional resources for postdoctoral scholars.  The SRI Events page lists upcoming workshops; though geared primarily towards faculty, postdocs are very welcome to attend. For more information, contact Danielle Chandler.

You can find more information about employment rights, collective bargaining, and other resources on the UAW website.

You can learn more by reading the Postdoc Handbook. Be sure you're also subscribed to the postdoc listserv to receive important announcements and updates. If you'd like to join the listserv or update your email address, contact Billy Ko.

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is your primary resource for immigration advising, cultural support, and advocacy.

Maintaining your legal status in the United States is crucial. As an F-1 or J-1 student/scholar, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all immigration regulations.

• Newly admitted students can find a detailed pre-arrival checklist, orientation requirements, and essential forms at the “Newly Admitted Students” page. 

• To determine whether an F-1 or J-1 visa fits your situation best, visit the “Which Visa Type Is Right for You” section, where you can compare eligibility criteria, work permissions, and application steps. 

• For important immigration policy changes, campus announcements, and special events, check the OISS News feed. 

• Consult the Student Request Guide & Timelines page for instructions on filling out requests. Requests can range from anywhere between asking for a travel signature, to obtaining approval to reduce your course load, to requesting authorization to work.

• Periodically check with your department’s Graduate Program Assistant regarding degree progress and course requirements. International graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 8 units per quarter, and some departments may require registration for more than 8 units. Visit the OISS Current Students site for more information based on your Visa type. 

OISS Advising: OISS has a team of student advisors who will serve as your primary resource for immigration support.

Traveling To UCSB

The closest airport to UCSB is the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), which is a ~10 minute drive from campus. Other nearby airports include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is a 1.5-2 hour drive, or 100 miles (160km). Transportation options from the airport to UCSB include:

• Santa Barbara Airbus: Offers shuttle service from LAX to Santa Barbara.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Available at both SBA and LAX.
• Public Transportation: Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) provides bus service throughout Santa Barbara.

• If you do decide to drive a car, make sure you apply for a license in California. Visit OISS Driving in the US for more information. 

International travelers should allow at least two hours for passport control and customs. If you miss your connecting flight to LAX or Santa Barbara, ask the airline service representative to rebook your flight and help you find a hotel if you have to stay overnight. The airline will NOT pay for your hotel if you are delayed by customs and immigration officials. Be sure to have at least $200 with you in case of an unexpected delay and stay over. 

Packing List
Typical temperatures: days 18–24 °C (64–75 °F), nights 5–15 °C (41–59 °F).

Consider packing these essential items:
Important Documents: Passport, visa, I-20, admission letter, official transcripts.
Clothing: T-shirts, long sleeves, light jacket, hoodie, jeans, shorts, swimsuit.
Footwear: Sneakers, sandals, closed-toe shoes.
Essentials: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, compact umbrella or rain jacket, adapters for electronic devices.

Visit OISS's Arrival Page for more information. 

Traveling Outside the US

Remember to bring your I-20 or DS-2019 to OISS for travel validation at least 5 business days before you leave the United States. Each travel signature is valid for for 1 year, travel signatures while on OPT are valid for 6 months. See the OISS site for Travel Outside the US for more information about travel outside the United States, and OISS Student Requests to request travel signatures.

International students can work on-campus up to 50% appointment time (not above 20 hours per week) during academic quarters, and full-time (100%) during the summer. To be eligible for off-campus employment, you must have been enrolled as an F-1 student for a minimum of one academic year (9 months). Refer to the websites for students on F-1 and J-1 visas for the most up-to-date information. 

Work & Career Planning

UCSB’s Career Services offers workshops on CV writing, internship search strategies, and guidance on applying for OPT and CPT. They also organize employer panels and networking events.

Interstride is a platform that helps international students find jobs and internships that match their work authorization and visa type, access historical records of H-1B sponsorship by prospective employers, and explore career opportunities in over 160 countries worldwide

TA‑ing

International students interested in teaching can review eligibility criteria, work‑authorization requirements, and the TA orientation schedule on the Office of Teaching & Learning website. The English for Multilingual Students (EMS) TA Info page and the Testing page provide details on English language testing for non-native English speakers who wish to be TAs. EMS also hosts dissertation bootcamps, facilitates peer‑review groups, and offers courses for international graduate students for whom English is not their first language. The Graduate Division also offers writing support.

Additionally, new TA orientation sessions—covering teaching strategies and classroom resources—are offered through the OTL new‑TA program.

UCSB Alert System: UC Santa Barbara's Alert Notification System enables the campus to send emergency messages to our students, faculty, and staff.  Learn more about the system and register.

Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS): (805) 893-2929, oiss@sa.ucsb.edu

Student Health: (805) 893-3361

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): (805) 893-4411

• Emergencies vs. Non-Emergencies
  Life-threatening (fire, medical, crime in progress): Dial 9-1-1 immediately.
  Non-emergency police matters: Call UCSB Police at 805-893-3446 or email info@police.ucsb.edu. 

• Campus Safety Escorts:
  Free 24/7 walking or driving escorts by Campus Safety Officers.
  Request via 805-893-2000 or any red emergency phone on campus.

• General Campus Updates
  Toll-free information line: (888) 488-8272
  Tune to 91.9 KCSB-FM for road closures, weather alerts, and major incidents.

• Health & Wellness Resources: CAPS counseling, wellness workshops, and crisis support.
• CAPS: Individual counseling, support groups, and 24/7 hotline.
• Basic Needs Center: Food pantry, emergency grants, and housing referrals.
• Graduate Parent Resources: Childcare options, parenting support groups, and family housing.
• This document lists markets offering South Asian, East Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American ingredients. 
• OISS Campus Resources

Be aware of internet scams that target international students. Never provide personal information or money to unknown sources. OISS provides information on how to protect yourself and Avoid Scams.

You can look at our International Student Orientation email here. You are also welcome to email the Professional Development Unit at gsrc@graddiv.ucsb.edu if you have a specific question about a resource.

Graduate Student Parents can go to the following resources for more information about financial support:

• Childcare Reimbursement Program: If you are employed for a minimum of 25% time as an Academic Student Employee (i.e. Teaching Assistant, Teaching Associate, Reader, Tutor) or a Graduate Student Researcher, you may be eligible to apply for reimbursement of childcare expenses.
• Flexible Spending Account: If you are employed as an Academic Student Employee (i.e. Teaching Assistant, Teaching Associate, Reader, Tutor) or a Graduate Student Researcher, you may be eligible to enroll in a flexible spending account (FSA) for dependent care expenses.
• Financial Crisis Response Team: The Financial Crisis Response Team exists to assist students who are facing a financial crisis or urgent financial need. Depending on their specific need, students may also want to look at the AS Food Bank.
• Graduate Student Association Childcare Grant: The GSA runs a grant program to help graduate students offset the costs of childcare.

Graduate Student Parents can go to the following resources for more information about different kinds of accommodations:

• Academic: The Graduate Division encourages student parents to maintain open lines of communication with their advisor and department in order to create academic solutions that work for all parties involved. This may include options for parenting leaves of absence as well as expanded time-to-degree provisions for parenting demands.
• Employment: Graduate students who are employed as Academic Student Employees or Graduate Student Researchers may be eligible for limited paid and unpaid leave options related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
• Human Resources Worklife Services: The university offers programs, policies, referrals and education that support faculty, staff, and student employees in the pursuit of a fully integrated life.
• Rights and Accommodations for Pregnant Students: Information from the Title IX office about non-discrimination policies, absences and leaves, confidential campus resources, and more. Pregnant students may also find helpful, non-UCSB information on The Pregnant Scholar.
• Lactation Support Program: Our campus offers access to lactation rooms, breast pumps and supplies, and other types of lactation support through the Human Resources department.

These are some great places to start for graduate student parents who would like an overview of the resources available to them:

• My Family Resources: Myfamily.ucsb.edu provides a centralized location for university employees to find information and resources regarding youth, older adult, and family services.
• Children's Centers: Our campus supports two Children's Centers that provide childcare for student, staff, faculty, and community families. Students may also want to search the Children's Resource and Referral database for other options.
• Family Student Housing: UCSB offers two family housing complexes for graduate students, featuring 1- and 2-bedroom apartments located about a mile from the center of campus. Priority is given to families with children. Students may also want to look at the Community Housing Services page for off-campus options.
• Non-Traditional Student Resource Center: The Non-Traditional Student Resource Center provides a community space for students whose life experiences may differ from traditional students, including graduate students who are over 29 years old, a domestic partnered or married student, and students with dependents.
• Non-UCSB Local Resources:
  • Postpartum Education: This non-UCSB Santa Barbara non-profit is run by trained volunteers and offers free training and support for new families.
  • La Leche League of Santa Barbara (LLL): An international non-profit organization offering mother-to-mother breastfeeding support, encouragement, information, and education.
  • SB MomCo: The local chapter of this international mothers support group hosts gatherings every other week for moms whose kids have not yet entered kindergarten.

Your department is always a great place to start when learning about the resources available to you as a graduate student. The Graduate Division is also here to help!

• Admitted Students Resources: Includes information on accepting your offer, contacting your department, getting situated in Santa Barbara, and beginning your graduate career.
• Orientation, Resource Fair, & Graduate Success Series: Begin building connections and exploring campus resources through the Graduate Success Series, then join us for Graduate Division Orientation and the Graduate Student Resource Fair to meet the Graduate Division team, connect with campus partners, and prepare for a successful start at UCSB. Together, these programs introduce many of the people, services, and opportunities you'll continue exploring throughout the Graduate Success Roadmap.

Course information can be found on GOLD. Some departments may also share information about upcoming courses directly with their graduate students before the first registration pass. If you have questions about which courses you should take, we recommend reaching out to your department.

Finding community is an important part of beginning your graduate experience at UCSB. Here are a few great places to start:

• Community Connection in the Grad Success Roadmap: Discover communities, events, and organizations that can help make UCSB feel like home.
• Mentorship and Inclusivity: Explore mentorship opportunities and resources designed to help you connect with the UCSB community and navigate your new academic environment.
• Shoreline: Explore campus organizations and find upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the UCSB community.

Students can find resources regarding submitting their paperwork and other information by going to the Academic Services Forms and Petitions page.

We highly recommend that you start your job search preparation early. Here are some great places to start:

• Appointment with Maya Hargens: Current graduate students can request a one-on-one appointment with Maya Hargens, the Assistant Director of Graduate Career Education on Handshake to discuss cover letters, CVs, resumes, and more.
• Career Services for Graduate Students: The Career Services website has a section dedicated for helping graduate students prepare for interviews and explore career options.
• Career Development: This section of the Grad Success Roadmap covers the essentials: exploring career options, building professional skills, and preparing for what's next your career. From CV and resume workshops to advising, application support, interview prep, and networking events, you'll find plenty of ways to get ready.

As you navigate your journey as a graduate student, you may need to travel to find resources for your research or need funding to support your time writing your dissertation. We recommend that you start at a few key places:

• Funding Graduate School: This section of the Graduate Division website is a great place to start learning about fellowships, employment opportunities, and financial aid information.
• Graduate Division Digital Fellowship Library: Features fellowship application materials from former successful applicants to a variety of fellowship programs.
• Research & Innovation: This section of the Grad Success Roadmap links to funding databases, campus partners, and emergency funding.
• Graduate Division LinkedIn Page: Weekly posts about upcoming funding opportunities.
• Pivot: A comprehensive database of funding opportunities worldwide and across all disciplines, as well as a flexible portfolio of tools to support research collaborations.
• UCLA GRAPES: Search for awards from among 625 scholarships, grants, fellowships, and postdoctoral awards.