We encourage our students to prepare early, get involved, and check in with the CSE advisors!
Preparing for the First Quarter
- Review your Academic History.
- Learn about the UC Advising System.
- Connect with your CSE Advisor!
- Familiarize yourself with the Enrollment and Registration Calendar.
- Explore the CSE Undergraduate Course Information Homepage.
- Review enrollment policies and strategies on the “Enrolling in CSE Courses” website.
- Plan to take no more than 12-14 units in your first quarter.
- UC San Diego is a large campus, check out the campus map to orient yourself with where your classes will be.
- Explore the websites of UC San Diego resource centers to learn about campus resources:
- Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American (APIMEDA) Programs & Services
- Basic Needs Hub
- Black Resource Center
- Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Center for Student Involvement
- Cross Cultural Center
- International Students and Programs Office
- Intertribal Resource Center
- UCSD LGBT Resource Center
- UCSD Recreation
- Raza Resource Centro
- Student Veterans Resource Center
- Teaching and Learning Commons
- Triton Transfer Hub
- Undocumented Student Services
- Women’s Center
- The Zone
Preparing for the First Quarter: Steps for Transfer Students
- If you completed a transfer course in California that is not officially articulated on assist.org or the UC Articulated Coursework page but may be considered equivalent to a CSE course, please review the steps on the CSE Petition website and submit a CSE Petition as soon as possible.
- If the articulation is pre-approved on assist.org or the UC Articulated Coursework during the academic year that you took the course, a petition is likely not required.
- Please submit requests for degree audit updates regarding pre-approved transfer articulations to CSE Advising directly, via the Virtual Advising Center.
- If you have questions about the receipt of your transcripts, you may contact the Office of Admissions directly for questions. For general questions about transcript submissions, please email receiptoftranscript@ucsd.edu.
- Review your CSE Major webpage and check out sample long-term transfer plans.
- Schedule an in-person or Zoom appointment with your CSE Advisor!
- If you already have credit for CSE lower division coursework, take advantage of the UC San Diego Coursera online courses (Object Oriented Java Programming: Data Structures and Beyond Specialization). These were developed by CSE instructors and can help you review content from CSE lower-division courses (such as CSE 8B, CSE 11 & CSE 12).
First Year: Start Off Strong
- Attend CSE Major Orientation and other UC San Diego Welcome Week events.
- Get in the habit of reading your @ucsd email daily!
- Participate in the CSE Peer-Led Academic Cohort (PACE) Program
- Join the CSE SWELL Program to connect with peers & explore co-curricular involvement.
- Attend the Fall Internship Symposium to learn about your CSE peers’ internship experiences.
- Join Student Organizations and get involved - check out CSE Affiliated Student Organizations.
- Make a habit of attending class regularly & going to faculty office hours.
- Ask questions about your academic plan to your CSE major advisors via the VAC, during drop-in advising hours, or by scheduling an appointment - CSE Advisors are here to help you!
- Take advantage of attending the Undergraduate Faculty Committee's Advising Hours.
- Utilize on-campus tutoring resources at the Teaching & Learning Commons and OASIS.
- Review your CSE Major Checklist to create a long-term academic plan, and then schedule a 30 minute advising appointment with your CSE Advisor to discuss your academic plan.
- Check out the Early Research Scholars Program & read about ERSP Application Information.
- Attend Career Center Events and Career Fairs to start networking.
- Think about your summer plans early (research, summer classes, internships, and community service opportunities) and set goals for your next academic year.
Lower Division: Step It Up
- Apply to be a CSE Tutor or apply for tutoring positions at the Teaching + Learning Commons.
- Visit the Career Center for resources and guidance on updating your resume and cover letter.
- If you’re interested in studying abroad, start planning for your Study Abroad experience at least one year in advance. Visit the CSE Study Abroad website for more information.
- Attend Instructor/TA/Tutor Office Hours regularly.
- Bookmark the CSE Undergraduate Newsletter website & check it weekly for new events.
- Explore the CSE Student Success & Opportunities page to find resources & opportunities.
- Stay in touch with your CSE Advisor to update your long-term plan as needed and discuss opportunities in the CSE Department that align with your academic and career goals.
- Explore the Undergraduate Research Hub to find relevant research opportunities.
- Connect with the CSE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and attend DEI Events
- Think about possible internship preparation and your internship goals - explore the CSE Internship & Job Opportunities page to learn more about internship opportunities.
Upper Division: Find Opportunities & Finish Strong
- Gain credit for your summer internship (CSE 197) or on-campus research (CSE 198 - Directed Group Study or CSE 199 - Independent Study).
- Apply to be a CSE Tutor or apply for tutoring positions at the Teaching + Learning Commons.
- Discuss applying for the CSE Honors Program (CSE 199H) with a CSE Advisor.
- Learn about the BS/MS Program and consider applying during your junior year.
- Attend Career Center Events and CSE Career Fairs to continue networking.
- Prepare for Job Opportunities & Technical Interviews by completing the “Mastering the Software Engineering Interview” Coursera course.
- Connect with CSE Faculty by attending Undergraduate Committee's (UGCOM) Advising Hours - have discussions about graduate school, pathways in computer science, and more!
- Build connections and learn more about Computer Science through conversations with faculty or graduate TAs by participating in the Dine/Coffee With a Prof Program
- Meet with your CSE Advisor and College Advisor for a graduation degree check.
- File for graduation by submitting your Degree and Diploma Application.
- Join the CSE Alumni Association!