UCSB Parent FAQ
Here is who handles what at UCSB, from Campus Housing in the UCen to Student Life in the Student Resource Building, with the phone numbers and emails parents use most.
About this group
Is this the official University of California, Santa Barbara parent group?
No. Far From Home is an independent parent community supported by College Cubbies. For official information, visit the University of California, Santa Barbara parent and family page.
Dates and breaks
When is UCSB Parents & Family Weekend 2026?
Friday, Nov 6 and Saturday, Nov 7, 2026. Register online by Thursday, Oct 29 at 5pm Pacific. Reduced early bird pricing applies to registrations before Oct 15, and there is no on site registration.
When do fall 2026 classes start at UCSB?
Instruction begins Thursday, Sept 24, 2026. Fall Quarter officially opens Sept 20, and residence hall move in runs Sept 18 to 20.
When is winter break at UCSB in 2026?
Fall finals end Friday, Dec 11, 2026, and winter instruction begins Monday, Jan 4, 2027. Campus Housing says residence halls close by 10am on the Saturday before a break and reopen at 10am the Sunday before classes.
When is spring break 2027 at UCSB?
Winter finals end Friday, Mar 19, 2027, and spring instruction starts Monday, Mar 29, so the break falls between those dates.
When is UCSB commencement 2027?
Not announced yet. The 2026 to 27 General Catalog lists Commencement as TBA, and spring finals end June 11, 2027.
Travel and where to stay
What is the closest airport to UCSB?
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), 500 James Fowler Road. Uber and Lyft pick up in front of the terminal, and UCSB's directions use the Airport/UCSB exit (Route 217) into campus.
Can we fly into LAX and get to UCSB without renting a car?
Yes. UCSB's family weekend travel page points to the Santa Barbara Airbus, which it says runs 8 daily trips to and from LAX. Airbus has a Goleta stop at 750 Technology Drive; call (805) 964-7759 or book online.
Where do visitors park at UCSB, and what does it cost?
Buy a short term ePermit at a lot pay station or through ParkMobile. Regular rates are $3 an hour or $8 for the day; meters are paid separately, and visitor permits do not work in A, B or housing lots.
Is there a hotel on the UCSB campus?
Yes. The Club & Guest House in Building 581 has 34 rooms and welcomes visiting families; call (805) 893-7000.
Move in and move out
Can my first year student bring a car to UCSB?
A parking ePermit is required for any car in Campus Housing areas, and first year students are not eligible for one.
Can we ship boxes to the residence hall before move in?
No. Housing cannot accept mail or packages for a student before move in day, and items sent early are returned as undeliverable.
What happens to my student's things at spring move out?
Rooms must be emptied, cleaned and keys returned by the posted deadline (10am on June 13 in 2026). Donation containers go up at the halls, apartments and Embarcadero Hall, and bikes left behind are impounded in early July.
Health, safety and local life
What is my UCSB student's mailing address?
Use: name, residence hall and room number, UCSB, PO Box number, Santa Barbara CA 93107. Students in the main campus halls pick up USPS mail at the UCen Post Office, weekdays 9am to 4pm. Santa Catalina residents collect USPS packages at the Package Pick-Up Room in Santa Catalina's North Tower.
Where should my student go if they get sick at night?
Call the after hours nurse advice line at 1 (877) 351-3457. Student Health lists Cottage Urgent Care in Goleta and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital for emergencies; in an emergency call 911.
Does UCSB have a 24 hour counseling line?
Yes. Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) answers (805) 893-4411 at any hour. For a mental health crisis you can also call or text 988.
Is there a safety escort at UCSB?
Yes. Student CSOs provide personal safety escorts on campus and in Isla Vista; call (805) 893-2000. The police non emergency line is (805) 893-3446.
Who to contact for what
Your student is usually the quickest source. Campus Housing reminds parents that a federal privacy law (FERPA) governs how UCSB handles the records of students who are legal adults. When you do need to reach the university, this is where each question goes.
Gaucho Parents & Families. General parent questions, the parent newsletter, and help finding the right office. 2160 Student Resource Building, ucsbparents@sa.ucsb.edu.
Parents & Family Weekend. Registration, schedule and accessibility for the Nov 6 and 7 weekend. Office of Event Management & Protocol, (805) 893-7382, parent@ia.ucsb.edu.
Campus Housing. Move in and move out, room assignments, break housing, hall mail and residence life concerns. UCen Room 3151, (805) 893-4371.
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Aid packages, scholarships and cost of attendance. 2103 SAASB (above the Visitors Center), finaid@sa.ucsb.edu. Phone and in person help run through the QLess virtual line, weekdays 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, though the office notes Wednesday hours are temporarily unavailable.
Office of the Registrar. Enrollment, transcripts, residency and graduation checks. 1105 SAASB, Registration@sa.ucsb.edu. Join its online line during posted hours (weekdays 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm) for a call back.
Billing (BARC). Tuition and housing charges, including move out damage charges, post to the BARC account; details at bfs.ucsb.edu/barc.
Student Health Service. Appointments, the campus pharmacy and UC SHIP questions. (805) 893-3371; after hours nurse line 1 (877) 351-3457.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). Counseling and crisis support for students, and consultation for families. Building 599, (805) 893-4411, answered 24/7.
UCSB Police Department. Non emergency calls and crime reports, (805) 893-3446. Safety escorts through CSO, (805) 893-2000.
Student Life (Dean of Students). Serious concerns about a student's wellbeing, the Student and Parent Liaison, and reporting a student in distress. 2260 Student Resource Building, (805) 893-4569, ucsb.dean.of.students@sa.ucsb.edu, weekdays 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm.
Transportation & Parking Services. Visitor permits and citations, (805) 893-2346.
Commencement. Ceremony questions go to Commencement@ia.ucsb.edu.
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