Menu Content/Inhalt

Information for Newly Admitted Students

Welcome

IMPORTANT: All official communication from UC Berkeley and the College of Environmental Design will go to your UC Berkeley email address. Please check this address frequently.

New Student Orientation (CalSO)

At the Cal Student Orientation (CalSO) in June, you will review your fall schedule with an adviser and begin enrolling in classes using Tele-BEARS, UC Berkeley's course enrollment system.

RSVP to CalSO as soon as possible to secure your preferred orientation date. If you cannot attend a CalSO program, you still must RSVP online, via the CalSO website, with an explanation of why you cannot attend. Students who have not been approved by the CalSO office to miss orientation (or who do not notify CalSO) will not be able to enroll in classes until July, after all CalSO sessions have ended.

Pre-CalSO Preparation

Acquaint yourself with the course requirements on the CED advising website, download or print your major handbook, and submit your Planning Your First Semester worksheet for adviser review prior to CalSO, as directed on the worksheet:

Freshmen

Please see the section on Freshman Students for important information about:

  • Choosing Your First Semester Courses
  • High School Exam Credit
  • Evaluation of Transfer Work

Transfer Students

Please see the section on Transfer Students for important information about:

Education Abroad Reciprocity Students

Computing

Have questions about what kind of computer to purchase and what types of software to familiarize yourself with? Review CED Computer Technology: Introduction to Student Computing [PDF].

My Years at Cal

My Years at Cal will help you figure out what to do each year to be on track. On this website, you will find strategies for success, links to valuable campus resources, and most of all, advice from current students.

Important Dates

Date Event
April 21, 2012     Cal Day events and activities for new students
May 18, 2012
Freshman Planning Your First Semester worksheet due
June 8, 2012     Transfer Planning Your First Semester worksheet due
June 2012
(various dates)
Cal Student Orientation (CalSO) programs — RSVP as soon as possible for best choice of program dates
July 15, 2012 Deadline for submitting exam scores and final transcripts from schools you have attended
August 20-22, 2012
Welcome Week activities
August 23, 2012
First day of instruction
September 2012
Analytical Writing Placement Examination (for students who have been admitted to UCB but have not yet fulfilled the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement)

Student Services and Programs