ucsc self guided tours

Our voices will define the century

The UC Santa Cruz campus takes the breath away while expanding the mind. Come visit us. You’ll see. 

Where we are

UC Santa Cruz, located just above Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast, is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and agriculture. Just 45 minutes from the high-tech center of Silicon Valley and 25 minutes from the fertile farmlands of Watsonville, our geographic placement has helped us practice our social justice values as we seek to develop technology for the social good. 

In addition, the Santa Cruz area’s diverse community and vibrant cultural scene mean students live among towering redwoods and misty ocean fog while also being close to city happenings, social engagement, cultural events, and opportunities for learning, growth, and recreation. 

One campus, many sites

In addition to the 2,000-acre main residential campus, UCSC sites include: 

• Westside Research Park
• Coastal Science Campus
• Silicon Valley Campus
• Scotts Valley Center
• Monterey Bay Education, Science and Technology (MBEST) Research Park

Details…

Closest airports

UCSC is about 75 miles south of San Francisco. The closest airport is San Jose Mineta International Airport . San Francisco International Airport is also an option. Highways 1 and 17 serve Santa Cruz.

Get a feel for the lay of the land before you step foot on campus. 

Transportation and parking

Walking is often the best way to experience campus. Shuttles and buses provide convenient transportation across campus and between the colleges and academic centers.

Find all the information you need about parking and getting around .

Campus destinations

We welcome your visit to UC Santa Cruz! Many places and programs on campus are open to the public to tour, attend, and enjoy. Make sure to include some of these iconic campus spots on your visit for the full UCSC experience.

While you’re here

Find an event or experience some of the creative and intellectual energy on campus. Explore the options and choose your adventure.

Campus art galleries

campus theaters

Quarry Amphitheater

Special events

See for yourself

“From the trees to the seas”: UC Santa Cruz is famed worldwide for its r edwood forests, breathtaking vistas, and the kind of serenity that expands the mind. Take a tour—in person or virtually—and see for yourself. 

What are you looking for?

Top Resources

Begin your journey.

Choose the type of student you are to learn more about the application process.

You are now entering Banana Slug territory!

Useful Links

More than just a pretty place.

Celebrated for its extraordinary beauty, our oceanside campus is a center of learning, research, and the free exchange of ideas. We are near the Pacific Ocean, Silicon Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area -- an ideal location for internships and future employment.

Please note that from April 1 through 19, admitted students and their families will be prioritized for tours. If you are unable to make a reservation during that time, please consider a virtual tour or a self-guided tour . Parking is likely to be highly impacted during the spring season. For a smoother arrival, plan to arrive early, and download the ParkMobile app in advance.

Maps to Guide You

Interactive maps showing classrooms, residential colleges, dining, parking, and more.

We offer a number of events – both in-person and virtual –  in the fall for prospective students, and in the spring for admitted students. Our events are family-friendly and always free!

The Santa Cruz Area

A popular seaside tourist destination, Santa Cruz is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, its scenic beaches and redwood forests, and its lively cultural scene. We are also within a short drive to Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Join our Community

We have an exciting array of opportunities for you! Get involved in one of our 150+ student organizations, our Resource Centers, or the residential colleges!

Health & Safety

Your safety and well being are our highest priority. From the Community Safety Officers in the residence halls, to our Student Health Center and our Counseling & Psychological Services Office -- we work together to help you thrive physically and emotionally as you study here.

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Stevenson College

• Housing & Residential Life
• Alumni & Family

Home / Activities / Self Guided Tour

• Self Guided Tour

The Stevenson College Self-Guided Tour is designed to lead you through the College’s many important areas and small niches. Follow the guide to discover our College including academic and residential life and recreation. 

 Click to explore the map and find out about specific Stevenson locations.

• Leadership & Activities Center
• Stevenson Community Garden
• OWL Recruitment
• The Welcome
• Commencement
• Events at Stevenson
• Student Council
• CSL Studio - College Student Life Production Studio
• Josh Alper Marines Music Room
• Posting Policies
• Apply to be a Programs Assistant
• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: July 16, 2021 128.114.113.87

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Oakes College

• Residential Life
• Colleges Advising

Home / Activities / Self Guided Tour

Oakes Self Guided Tour

Founded in 1972, Oakes College offers students a place to understand, accept, and celebrate human diversity. Poised at the edge of UCSC’s natural preserve, Oakes also leads at the edge of scholarship, community-building, and integrated experiences. Our multicultural theme housing recognizes historical and contemporary figures whose lives and works symbolize the struggles for social justice and equality. In this context, our students are encouraged to see their differences as an opportunity for growth and discussion rather than a barrier. We invite you to enjoy a self-guided tour of our college using this pamphlet for tour stop information. Please use the map below to help guide your way. Feel free to adventure through Oakes!

The tour begins at what is known as the Oakes Circle. This is a main reference point for many of our students and serves as the entrance to our college.

Click here for the Map Image

Descriptions of our Tour Stops

• Academic Building This building is the home to many of our classrooms and academic offices at Oakes College. Our on-campus student mailboxes are also located in this building.
• Student Life Office This office is where we have our Housing Office, Programs Office, and our Residential Life Office.
• J. Herman Blake Provost House, Garden, Lower Lawn Here we have our student-initiated garden and acroos from it, we have the residence of our college Provost. A private residence, the space is often opened up for student and faculty receptions. Below the Provost House is our Lower Lawn. The Lower Lawn is a popular location for students to enjoy basking in the sun as well as the location for our Commencement Ceremony at Oakes College
• Milk & Lili'uokalani-Minami Apartments These apartment buildings are primarily for our continuing and transfer students
• Oakes Café Students often enjoy a bite to eat at the Oakes Café. Next to the café is the Guzman Room, a space for students to study, hangout, or relax. It is also a reservable space for student groups or events.
• Amphitheater & Learning Center The Amphitheater is a great place to enjoy the sun. Groups can reserve the use of the Amphitheater for events as well. The Learning Center is our large scale event space at Oakes College and is often used for tutoring, meetings, events, and a general study space.
• Dorm Quad These buildings are our dorm buildings where we primarily house our first year students.
• Kahlo & Shabazz Apartments, Underdome Underdome is the site of various events and activities including our annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

All of our residential buildings are named after figures who have meant a great deal in progressive social justice issues. All our building namesakes were selected by students.

Click here for our Namesakes Image

Click here for a PDF copy of our Self-Guided Tour Pamphlet.

• Activities & Programs
• Commencement
• Getting Involved at Oakes
• Self Guided Tour
• Family and Friends Resources
• Welcome Week
• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: July 24, 2019 128.114.113.87

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Slug Families

• What Supporters Can Do
• University Expectations & Practices
• Family Orientation
• Tips for Students
• Tips for Parents/Families
• Conditions of Admission
• Legal Residence
• Move-in Details
• Planning Ahead
• Summer Course
• Summer To-Do List
• The First 6 Weeks
• Your Support
• Self-guided Tour
• Virtual Tour
• Family Days
• StoryCruz Podcast
• UCSC Magazine
• Parents and Families Newsletter
• Ways to Give
• Academic Advising
• Billing & Making Payments
• Key Dates: Calendars
• Global Engagement
• Housing & Dining
• Student Health
• Summer Session

Home / Family Online Orientation / Tour the Campus (virtually)

• Tour the Campus (virtually)

Become acquainted with UC Santa Cruz with virtual tours .

Tour the Campus Virtually

**In order to use the tour on this link, click the camera icons to look at that specific part of the campus. Each of the images that appear upon clicking the camera icon is a 360-degree picture. In order to view the whole picture, you will have to either scroll or click the image and drag your mouse to either side.

• Slug Families!
• Statement of Legal Residence
• Transition to College
• Orientation Course
• FERPA and Student Privacy
• The Colleges
• Meeting Deadlines
• Principles of Community
• Advice from UCSC Families
• Support from a Distance
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• Financial Aid
• Bills and Payments
• Policies at UCSC
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• Living on and off campus
• Campus Resource Centers
• HSI Initiatives for All Students
• Transportation
• Santa Cruz Community
• Safety on Campus
• Global Learning
• Alumni Engagement
• Take a Brief Survey
• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: February 14, 2024 128.114.113.87

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Undergraduate Admissions

Self-guided Tour Registration Form

• Accreditation
• Non-Discrimination Policy
• Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
• Sexual Violence Prevention & Response

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• Awards & Honors
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Home / 2022 / March / Campus Tours Update

Campus Tours Update

To:   Faculty and Staff

From:   Blia Yang, Director of Undergraduate Admissions

March 11, 2022

As we all have in the midst of the pandemic, the Tours & Events program in Undergraduate Admissions has had to become creative in meeting the demand from students and families wanting to learn more about our campus. We have responded with a variety of online, YouTube-based, and self-guided options over the last two years.

Recently, we have been carefully resuming our in-person tours, as you may have seen around the campus. The tours are outdoors and serve a limited number of people per group. 

As we enter our Spring Yield phase with a record number of applicants once again, we are prioritizing admitted students and their families for in-person tours. Shortly after receiving their admission notification, students will also receive a link that will allow them to sign up for tours. After yield season ends, we expect to gradually increase our in-person tour options and open them to the general public, health conditions permitting.

In addition to the in-person tours, we will host a range of virtual activities for our admitted students and families, including Banana Slug Day on April 16, an all-online experience that will offer many opportunities for students to connect with our faculty and staff.

Thank you for your flexibility and grace as we navigate the process of reopening tours and offering the best possible experience for our admitted students and families, while continuing to stay safe.

If you are in the area, feel free to stop by and visit Undergraduate Admissions Tours & Events at our new home in Hahn Student Services!

University News

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Other News & Events

• Campus Calendars

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Last modified: March 11, 2022 128.114.113.87

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Arboretum & Botanic Garden

• What's Blooming
• Hours and Admissions
• Gardens and Collections
• Map of the Arboretum
• Exploring Our Gardens
• Birding at the Arboretum
• Meet the Staff
• Support the Garden
• Become a Member
• Dedicate a Tribute Bench

Home / Visit

Located on the west side of the UCSC campus, the  Garden  is between the main campus entrance and the west entrance.  Detailed driving directions...

• Hours and Admission

Learn  More Here...

The Gardens

The garden  contains collections of plants from California  and the Southern Hemisphere ( New Zealand , South Africa , and Australia ) as well as extensive conifer and succulent collections. More...

Norrie's Gift & Garden Shop

Norries Gift and Garden shop is a local treasure! Plants, books & gifts for all occasions. Check SHOP webpage for current hours.   More...

Bird Watching

The Garden is rich in wildlife, and is among the best places for viewing birds in the Monterey Bay area, one of America's birding hotspots.  More...

Create a Self-Guided Tour

Check out these fun and informative resourses to enrich your visit to the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Finding Your Way Around

Walk from California to Australia by way of New Zealand and South Africa! Be sure to visit the gift shop!  Here's a handy map...

There's plenty in bloom throughout the year.   Here's a sample  of  some of the blossoms that can be seen in any given month.

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Last modified: May 10, 2024 128.114.113.87

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Center for Agroecology

• Staff Directory
• Affiliated Faculty
• 2022-23 Activity Report
• UCSC Farm & Alan Chadwick Garden
• Cowell Ranch Hay Barn
• Current Research
• Past Research
• Research Bibliography
• UC Global Food Initiative
• CA Organic Researchers Map
• UCSC Students
• Apprenticeship
• Short Courses
• Public Workshops
• Southwest Regional Food Business Center
• Beginning Farmer and Rancher Evaluation Project
• Food Systems Working Group
• Cowell Coffee Shop
• Campus Food Pantries
• Measure 43 Initiative
• Publications
• Instructional Videos
• Student Opportunities
• Become a Member
• Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner
• Chadwick Garden Renewal
• Produce Sales
• Friends of the Farm & Garden

Home / Visit / Self-Guided Tour Booklet

Self-Guided Tour Booklet

Download the self-guided tour booklet in English

Descargue el folleto de la visita autoguiada en español

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Last modified: May 26, 2023 128.114.113.87

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Porter College

• Residential Life
• Commencement

Home / Activities / Porter Self-Guided Tour

• Porter Self-Guided Tour

• Porter Activities Office, Koi Pond*, Study Center, and Galleries - The Activities Office provides support for Porter events as well as student employment on a variety of different work teams, such as the Slugs, who are known as Orientation Across the way you will find the Koi Pond where people can view our beloved Koi*. The Study Center is also in the area and open to all students. On the second floor near the graffiti murals are the Faculty and Sesnon Galleries which have many shows each year for students and professional traveling artists. Please doe not touch or feed the Koi, with so many visitors, the Koi become over stressed and ill.
• Our trademark“The Wave” (Untitled, Kenney Farrel, 1974 ) - This has become the symbol and unofficial logo for Porter.
• The Porter Circle and Sign - Here stands the sign for Benjamin Porter College. On the back of the sign there are five Roman numeral‘V’s that represent when this college was formerly known as College Five. The College was founded in 1969, but the name Porter was officially dedicated in 1981.
• The Academic Office - This office is where Porter Students come for general academic Whether it’s choosing a major or needing guidance on signing up for classes, our Academic Advisors and peer advisors are here to help. You can also find the Porter Provost’s Office here. The Dining Hall, Mailroom, Cafe, George Hitchcock Lounge, Bridge and J.B. Hall Galleries, and C118 - Porter/Kresge dining hall is not only a dining facility but converts to one of the largest multipurpose programing spaces on campus. It features a large stage, theatrical lighting and sound systems.  The    foyer holds the student mailroom and the entrance to the George P. Hitchcock Lounge which is used for many student activities and student government  meetings known as Porter Senate. The entrance to the Bridge and J.B. Hall Galleries are located inside the dining hall. These galleries are usually reserved for students to display their art shows. Classroom C118 is located below the Cafe primarily used for Porter classes.
• Residence Halls, Residential Life Office, and the Quad - Porter Residential Halls (or the A and B buildings) consist of single, double, triple and quad Some halls have themes such as Outdoor Experience, Film and Digital Media, Performing Arts, Substance Free, and Visual Arts. The A-building houses primarily the Transfer Community at Porter College, the B-building houses primarily new Frosh students. The Quad is known for its stage and open grassy area where students can play music, hang out, or enjoy the sun.
• The Porter Apartments and the I-Lounge - The apartments are another form of Porter student housing, typically for sophomore, junior and senior class students. Each apartment houses six students in single and double room arrangements and is equipped with a The I-Lounge can be found at the end of the Porter Apartments. This room is a common area that can be used for student activities, dances, and as a study lounge.

The Housing & Residential Life Offices are located at Rm. J -301 in the Porter “J” Building across the street from the I-Lounge (at the top of the map). Here you will find the Housing Coordinator, Coordinators for Residential Education (CRE) and both our Associate College Administrative Office (ACAO) and College Administrative Office (CAO).

Click here for a PDF copy of our Self-Guided Tour Pamphlet.

• Welcome Week
• Off Campus Students
• Student Organizations
• Student Senate
• Porter College Calendar
• Porter College Mural Program
• Facilities Event Guidelines
• Porter Posting & Tabling Procedure Guidelines
• MakerSpace Co-Op
• Sesnon Gallery
• Activities in the Time of Covid-19: A Silver Lining
• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: May 17, 2022 128.114.113.87

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Rachel Carson College

• Residential Life & Housing
• Colleges Advising

Home / RCC Activities & Programs / Self Guided Tour

Rachel Carson College Self Guided Tour

Photo Credit: Roy Zhang (Rachel Carson College '20)

Welcome to Rachel Carson College (formerly College Eight)! 

Thank you for taking the time to visit Rachel Carson College (formerly College Eight). We are committed to making Rachel Carson College (formerly College Eight) a safe and inclusive learning community where students will become academically & interpersonally sucessful. Our theme is "The Environment and Society," and through this theme we challenge students to become actively engaged in environmental and social justice issues. 

We invite you to a self-guided tour of our college using this pamphlet four tour stop information. Please use this map to help guide your way. Feel free to adventure through Rachel Carson College (formerly College Eight)! 

#1 - Academic Building

Located on the first floor of this building, the College Office provides assistance with registration processes, student records, and scheduling academic advising appointments. You will also find faculty offices, classroom units, and a computer lab in this building. The Provost, Academic Advisors, and Peer Advisors work out of this office.

• Click here for more about Rachel Carson’s academic initiatives.
• For more information on advising, check out the advising website .
• Room 101 - Our college has a Mac Lab with 19 workstations for you to use a desktop computer or printer.
• Room 258 -  ResNet helps you get and stay online! We are lucky to have support right in our college and they can help you with your computer, wifi, and television needs

#2 - Mail Room

Each resident at Rachel Carson College has a mailbox to receive mail and packages throughout the academic year. The mail room is also a great place to pick up campus newspapers and check out flyers for upcoming UCSC events.

• Check out more  details including address, policies, and hours.

#3 - Dining Hall

**Currently being Renovated**

One of the five dining halls on campus, the Oakes/Carson Dining Hall offers a wide variety of food options, and is open 7 days a week during the school year. The Dining Hall has extended late-night hours for students’ convenience. The Dining Hall is also home to various special events throughout the year, such as movie viewings, “College Night” community dinners, and more.

• You can find out more about all dining options on campus.
• See what’s on the menu for today!

West Field - Located behind the Dining Hall is the West Field, where students can enjoy a spacious field with an incredible ocean view; in addition to tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball courts.

#4 - Redwood Free Market (Formerly College Eight Cafe)

#5 - Student Commons

The Student Commons building is home to the Red Room (201), the Student Life Office (204), College Programs Coordinator (208) and the Student Environmental Center (210). You can also find an all-gender restroom and elevator in the back of this building!

• hosts events and workshops for groups all over campus and students can find activities and entertainment there on a weekly basis. The RCC Council also meets in the Red Room on Monday nights, where they plan events and advocate for Rachel Carson affiliates.
• Students can use the the Red Room for studying between 9am-2am if it is not already reserved. Check if it’s available on the Red Room Calendar .

• is a one-stop-shop for students to get answers about extracurricular life at RCC.
• Here you can find our Housing Coordinator, Office Assistants, and Resident Assistants who support students with housing needs and lock-outs. Review our housing options and resources here .
• Our Student Life Assistant (SLA) manages Red Room and tabling reservations at the college. They also support students in co-curricular programs and get students and families engaged and connected through RCC’s social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram !

• manages events and involvement opportunities at the college. They plan and execute Welcome Week, Commencement, College Nights, Earth Week, sustainability projects, concerts, dances, and more.
• Welcome Leader
• Program Assistant
• Environmental Programming Interns
• RCC Council (student government)
• Carson Activities Team
• The Student Environmental Center (SEC, Room 210) promotes student involvement in creating and implementing sustainable and environmental practices on campus. Learn more about their events and how to get involved.

RCC Garden -  The RCC Garden is a student run space. Students can take a class connected to the garden, which teaches the basics of organic gardening and food justice in a peer-facilitated, experiential setting.

RCC Plaza -  The Plaza is full of activity everyday of the week. You might run into K-12 school students having lunch during their tour, UCSC student organizations tabling and sharing about their programs, or a blow-up slide for a de-stressing event! Make sure to check out the plaza garden with a bronze bust of the college namesake, Rachel Carson, cast by UCSC student Rachel Smith.

#6 - Study Center

The Study Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for students to have a quiet space to continue their pursuit of knowledge. During evening hours, the Study Center is for RCC students only. To gain access at night, on-campus RCC residents can use their ID cards to enter, off-campus students can obtain a key card at the Housing Office.

Next door, you can find the Community Safety Officers (CSOs) who secure a safe living environment for all RCC residents. They support our college as first responders from 7:00pm-3:00am every night.

• Learn more about the program and emergency response at UCSC .

#7 - West Field House

The West Field House is the main recreational center on the west side of campus, maintained and operated by the Office of Physical Education & Recreation (OPERS). The facility holds fitness equipment and students can both watch and participate in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer.

• Find out what’s available on OPERS’ website .
• The Career Center also hosts career and networking fairs for students here!

#8 - Living Areas

Rachel Carson houses 800 students, including the majority of our first-year students. All residents are participants in creating a vibrant, purposeful, mutually respectful, and academically successful community. 

• Make sure to learn about our residential policies .
• A Quad Building Themes: Multicultural Sustainability, Men Promoting Positive Masculinity
• B Quad Building Themes: Social Justice, Continuing Students, LGBTQIA+ Affinity Floor
• C Quad Building Themes: Service Learning
• D Quad Building Themes: Women in Science & Engineering (WISE), Women’s Hall
• Learn about how to become an RA!
• About Student Life
• Rachel Carson Programs & Events
• Rachel Carson College Welcome Week
• Posting and Tabling Policy CHES
• Redwood Free Market
• Commencement
• Leadership Opportunities
• Self Guided Tour
• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: November 22, 2021 128.114.113.87

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