After you accept your offer of admission, you will receive an email with your student ID number and instructions to create your CalNet ID, which will become the basis of your UC Berkeley online identity. You will use your CalNet ID to create your campus email, access campus web-based applications, and other services. Learn more about claiming your CalNet ID.

The Bay Area is an incredible (and competitive) place to live, but there are options:

• Graduate Student University Housing where graduate students get priority and are specifically configured for a graduate student lifestyle
• Berkeley Student Cooperatives 
• Cal Rentals
• Here is comprehensive list of short and long-term housing-related services and resources

Consider if you want to waive out of Student Health Insurance Plan) (SHIP)for Fall. If so, complete the waiver by July 15. All waivers received between July 16 and the final waiver deadline, August 15, will be subject to a late fee of $75.

Get familiar with CalCentral, where you can check academic progress, financial aid, and notifications for any required tasks, including trainings and immunization requirements. 

Click here to sign into CalCentral. Logging in with your CalNet ID and passphrase allows you to access campus applications and services. Resources in CalCentral include: Billing and Finances, Financial Aid, Grades, and more. 

Update your contact information in your CalCentral profile, particularly your local address. Click here for resources for managing your CalNet account (changing passphrase, adding/changing recovery email address, etc.). See the information here about updating your name, if needed.  

Please review the onboarding messages and checklist items under “Tasks” on “My Dashboard” that you will need to complete. This is especially important for international students. Failing to complete tasks can lead to registration holds, which prevent enrollment, so take action early! Note that these tasks update on a regular basis, and completing one task can sometimes trigger another task to appear.

• If you will receive fellowships, stipends, and financial aid – sign up for Direct Deposit.
• Get familiar with residency. Non-residents should/may be required to establish residency and receive the benefit of paying lower resident tuition. This process should be started as soon as you arrive.

Cal Student Central is different from CalCentral. You can go to Cal Student Central for information about key university business related to financial aid, fees and billing, payments, disbursements, registration, and enrollment.

Make sure you’re vaccinated. Review the Mandatory Immunizations Program for all immunization requirements and deadlines including Covid-19.