Are you ready?!

We are excited to welcome you to SBCC!

Check out the information below to help you prepare for your arrival and your classes.

PRE-ARRIVAL MEETING ON ZOOM

Tuesday, January 9

Meet with the International Student Support Program team!

We will review important information, answer questions, and help ensure that you feel prepared to have successful and fun experience.

Choose a meeting time to attend:

Tuesday, January 9

at 10am or 4pm

Pacific Standard Time

Complete the registration steps in the "SBCC: Register for Classes! (Steps to Enrollment)" email.

Your F-1 Visa requires you to enroll in:

12 units minimum; at least 9 units must be in-person

only one online class worth no more than 3 units will count towards 12 units

extra units may also be online

ESL students - must have 12 units in-person; extra units may be online

hybrid classes are considered in-person

A few tips:

• Register for your classes before you arrive.
• Registration Instructions
• Registration Assistance on Zoom - no appointment necessary!
• Look your Schedule & Bill for the dates, times, locations, modality and refund deadlines for each of your courses.

Housing vacancy rates in the Santa Barbara area are extremely low. We strongly recommend you to reserve housing before booking your flight and arriving in the US. If you cannot find housing in the SB area before you arrive, please consider deferring your I-20 to the next semester. A few tips:

• Submit an application right away to get on their waitlist & increase your chances of getting a space.
• Watch out for scams on social media sites!
• Vacancy updates may be found on SBCC Housing roommate finder.

The Coral Group Apartments, cottages, condos and homestays, plus lots of extra services, support, and social events.

Website: coralgroupsb.com

Contact: Kevin & Charlotte Hansen

[email protected] or [email protected]

Additional housing options

Student ID Card & Bus Pass

Your student ID card will be your bus pass during each semester. Your bus pass is activated one week before the semester starts, as long as you:

• are registered for classes
• update Pipeline w/ your US address
• pay for your fees

Enter your U.S. address in Pipeline

Required for your visa status & I-20

After you arrive in SB, your International Advisor is required to register your I-20 and enter your U.S. address & phone number in SEVIS within 30 days. Help us by entering your U.S. address in Pipeline as soon as you sign your lease agreement.

How to Update Your Address in Pipeline

If you do not enter your address in Pipeline within 10 days after your arrival, it may result in a violation of your F-1 visa. A temporary or hotel address is okay; update again within 10 days when you move.

You will be automatically enrolled in the insurance after you register for your classes. GeoBlue Insurance will send an email to your Pipeline email January 16. It contains a link to your account and instructions to download your insurance ID card.

Your coverage dates for fall semester:

Jan 1 - June 2, 2024 (must be enrolled full-time)

How to Use Your Insurance

Insurance Member Guide

SBCC Health & Wellness Center

International Advisors

Jennifer Eggertsen (Last names A-L) 

805-730-4751

[email protected] 

Rosemary Santillan (Last names M-Z) 

805-730-4428

[email protected]

WAYS TO CONTACT US

(All dates and times are listed in Pacific Time)

Before Welcome Week

Mon-Thurs 9-12 & 1-4

Fridays remotely

We will be closed from Dec 22 - Jan 1 & Jan 15

During Welcome Week 

January 16-19

9am-12pm to 1-4

No appointment necessary!

General Questions: 805-730-4040 or [email protected]

We can't wait to meet you!