UCI Parent FAQ
A short directory of the UC Irvine offices parents reach out to most, from Housing in Laurelin Hall to the Registrar in Aldrich Hall, with what each one handles.
About this group
Is this the official University of California, Irvine parent group?
No. Far From Home is an independent parent community supported by College Cubbies. For official information, visit the University of California, Irvine parent and family page.
Dates and breaks
When does fall quarter 2026 start at UC Irvine?
Fall quarter began Monday, Sept 21, 2026, and instruction began Thursday, Sept 24, per the registrar's quarterly calendar.
When is Thanksgiving break at UCI in 2026?
The registrar lists the Thanksgiving holiday as Thursday, Nov 26 and Friday, Nov 27, 2026. Fall instruction continues through Dec 4.
When do fall finals end so my student can fly home?
Fall 2026 finals run Saturday, Dec 5 to Friday, Dec 11, and winter break is Dec 14 to Jan 1. Wait until your student knows their own last exam day before booking a flight.
When is spring break 2027 at UC Irvine?
Spring break is March 22 to 26, 2027. Spring instruction begins Monday, March 29.
When is UC Irvine commencement in 2027?
The registrar lists commencement as June 11 to 14, 2027. Individual ceremony times were not posted on the commencement site when we checked in October 2026.
When is Anteater Family Weekend 2026?
Parent and Family Engagement lists Anteater Family Weekend for November 13 to 14, 2026, with registration on its Family Weekend page.
Travel and where to stay
What is the closest airport to UC Irvine?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, about 4 miles from campus and roughly 15 minutes by car. Long Beach (LGB) is about 24 miles away and LAX about 43.
Where do I catch an Uber or Lyft at John Wayne Airport?
Rideshare pickups are on the top levels of parking structures A2 and B2, and on the upper level of the Terminal C parking structure next to ticketing.
How much does visitor parking cost at UCI?
UCI Transportation lists general visitor parking at $4 per hour or $16 per day, with pay by space stalls at $5 per hour. A valid permit is required at all times on campus, and permits are sold at dispensers, information kiosks and through PARKbyPLATE by major credit card.
Is there a shuttle from UCI to the airport at breaks?
At select holiday breaks UCI Transportation runs a free Holiday Shuttle from the flagpoles by Aldrich Hall to SNA and the Irvine Transportation Center. Reservations are required at 949-824-RIDE (7433).
Move in and move out
When is residence hall move out in June 2027?
The 2026 to 27 residence hall sample contract says students must leave by noon on Saturday, June 12, 2027, with a late charge of $32 per hour after that.
What comes in a UCI residence hall room?
Each furnished bedroom has a bed with an extra long twin mattress (38 by 80 inches), a mattress cover, a desk and chair, and a wardrobe. Storage space is limited.
Can my student bring a microwave or mini fridge?
The only microwaves allowed in student rooms are the ones built into a micro fridge combination unit, which can be rented or bought through a UCI endorsed company. Any personal fridge must be UL approved and no larger than 4.3 cubic feet.
Do UCI residence halls stay open over winter break?
Yes. Housing says residence halls remain open over winter break, but there is no meal service during that time.
Health, safety and local life
What is the mailing address for a student in UCI housing?
It depends on the community. For Mesa Court use (Resident name), (Bldg #) Mesa Rd. (Room #), Irvine, CA 92617; Middle Earth and Arroyo Vista use their own formats listed on the Housing parent page.
Where should my student go if they are sick after hours?
Students on UC SHIP can call the Wellfleet Nurse Advice Line at (866) 440-2752 any time. UCI Health Urgent Care in Irvine at 19200 Jamboree Road is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and for emergencies call 911.
What is the UCI Police non emergency number?
The UC Irvine Police Department 24 hour non emergency line is (949) 824-5223. The free CSA Safety Escort is (949) 824-7233.
Who to contact at UC Irvine
When something comes up, a direct line to the right office beats a general campus number. Here is who handles what, with the contact details each office publishes.
Parent and Family Engagement
Email parentengagement@uci.edu. The office is at 510 East Peltason Dr., Suite 5000. It runs Anteater Family Weekend, the parent newsletter (sign up on its site), the Parent Executive Board and volunteer opportunities for families.
Student Housing
Call 949-824-6811 or email housing@uci.edu, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is in Laurelin Hall, Suite 2301. Housing handles room assignments, move in and move out, contracts and cancellations, housing payments and the mailrooms in Mesa Court, Middle Earth and Arroyo Vista.
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Call 949-824-8262 or email finaid@uci.edu. The office is at 102 Aldrich Hall and covers aid packages, scholarships and disbursements.
Office of the Registrar
Call (949) 824-6124 or email registrar@uci.edu, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 215 Aldrich Hall. The registrar publishes the academic calendar and handles enrollment and academic records.
Student Health Center
Call (949) 824-5301 for appointments and the campus pharmacy. After hours, UC SHIP members can reach the Wellfleet Nurse Advice Line at (866) 440-2752.
UCI Counseling Center
Call (949) 824-6457. The center is in 203 Student Services 1, and its site includes resources for parents. In a crisis, call or text 988.
UC Irvine Police Department
Dial 911 for emergencies and (949) 824-5223 for the 24 hour non emergency line. The free CSA Safety Escort is (949) 824-7233.
Office of the Dean of Students
Call 949-824-5181 or email studentlife@uci.edu. The office is in G308 of the UCI Student Center and oversees student life and leadership programs.
UCI Transportation
Call 949-824-7275 or email parking@uci.edu for visitor permits and parking questions. For the Holiday Shuttle to SNA, call 949-824-RIDE (7433).
Commencement
Email commencement@uci.edu with graduation questions.
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