Quick Guide for Students
This guide provides undergraduate, graduate and professional students with the key information that they need to have a safe and successful academic year. Students can learn more about remote learning support, student services, mental health resources and other updates on the Student Affairs COVID-19 page.
Vaccination
All undergraduate and graduate students are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and receive a booster shot within two weeks of becoming eligible (or have an approved exemption) per UC policy. During the Winter Quarter 2022, students who are not vaccinated and students who are vaccinated but have not received a vaccine booster will be required to test for SARS-CoV-2 two times per week, between three and five days apart, except those who have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
Free COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Price Center COVID-19 Vaccination Site to all UC San Diego students. Appointments are required.
Daily Symptom and Exposure Screening
- Required each day for students living on campus and those traveling to campus or any UC location or property.
- If you are taking an in-person class, you may be asked by your instructor to show your screener results before entering a lab or classroom.
- Student employees, including teaching assistants, should only use the student daily screener.
- Video: how to register »
- Register for the screener »
- Complete the screener »
Testing requirements
- Students who are fully vaccinated and boosted: weekly testing encouraged.
- Students who are vaccinated but not boosted: twice-weekly testing required (every 3-5 days), except those who have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
- Students who are not fully vaccinated: ongoing twice-weekly testing required (every 3-5 days), except those who have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
- Fully remote students: asymptomatic testing as needed. If coming to campus for any reason, required to test within 72 hours of arrival and on the day of arrival.
Regardless of vaccination status:
- Students who develop symptoms of COVID-19 should conduct a test.
- All residential students are required to test if there is a positive wastewater signal in their building.
Free COVID-19 testing is available through:
- Self-administered test kits retrieved from campus vending machines (no appointment needed);
- Provider-observed, self-administered testing at Price Center (appointment needed);
- Or provider-administered testing via drive thru (appointment needed).
Keep Tritons Safer
Keep your fellow Tritons safe by wearing your face covering whenever you are indoors (except in your residence) and eating and drinking outdoors. In addition, get vaccinated, conduct the daily symptom screening and test twice-weekly if you're on campus and not fully vaccinated.
Quarantine and Isolation Housing
In the event a student living in on-campus housing tests positive for COVID-19 at any time during the academic year, they will be moved to designated off-campus isolation housing, where Student Health and Well-being Services will provide care and ensure basic needs such as food delivery are met. Graduate students may choose to isolate themselves in their apartment with their family with consultation and approval from Student Health Services.
Exposure Notification
Add the CA Notify app to your phone to receive an alert if you’ve potentially been exposed to COVID-19. This program has the potential to help stop the spread of the infection and its use is highly encouraged, but it is completely voluntary.
Academic Resources
In anticipation of a surge that may coincide with the planned start of our in-person, residential Winter Quarter, UC San Diego is exercising caution and moving our instruction to a remote-only mode from Jan. 3 to Jan. 17. During this time we will incrementally populate the campus using a more comprehensive testing regiment.
- Learn about outdoor classrooms and study spaces, teaching technology upgrades and more.
- Study at Geisel Library on the first or second floor, no reservation needed.
- Get tutoring, supplemental instruction, writing support and more at the Teaching + Learning Commons.
- Join an academic resource community through OASIS.
- Request a loaner laptop or hotspot through the Tech Lending Program.
- Make an undergraduate virtual advising appointment.
Dining
Although in-person instruction has been delayed, on-campus housing communities will open as previously planned. Food service will be available on a to-go basis. Students can order in person or through the Triton2Go mobile ordering app. More details will be sent to those who have current housing and dining contracts. Masks must be worn indoors and eating and drinking should be done outdoors or within your private residence.
University Centers menus and hours »
Triton Food Pantry
Students can schedule to pick up a pre-bagged selection of food from the Triton Food Pantry up to once per week. Orders should be placed at least three days in advance, and masks must be worn to pick up your order.
Student Life
Learn about what’s happening on campus through the Virtual Student Union. Tune into a virtual performance event through ArtPower, join an Esports team, get moving in an online yoga class and more.
Support
We are in the midst of extraordinary times, and our emotions reflect this. If you’re not feeling like yourself, it may be time to reach out. Counseling and Psychological Services is here for you, available for confidential one-on-one virtual visits. Call 858-534-3755 to connect with us.
Other Helpful Links
- Student Affairs COVID-19 Information for Students
- Updates for Graduate and Professional Students
- International Students and Programs Office (ISPO)
- Housing, Dining and Hospitality COVID-19 Updates
- Student Affairs Academic Success Resources
- Teaching + Learning Commons
- Sign up for Triton Alert Emergency Notifications
- UC San Diego Library
- Student Health Services