Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On-campus lodging
What should I do if I’m locked out of my room?
- 8 a.m.–8 p.m.: Visit a Conference Office for assistance.
- 8 p.m.–2:45 a.m.: Contact Residential Community Service Partners at (831) 459-2100.
- On-call numbers are posted at the campus Conference Office locations and emailed in advance of the attendee’s arrival.
What should I do if I lose my room key?
Notify the Conference Office immediately. A replacement key will be issued. Lost brass keys are $75, Lost key cards are $25
Do bedrooms have air conditioning?
No. Our residential buildings are naturally cooled by the coastal climate.
Is there a front desk?
Yes, our student-led Conference Offices act as front desks, open daily from 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Are laundry facilities available?
Yes. All residential areas have card or mobile app-operated washers and dryers. Visit the Conference Office for locations.
What should I bring for my stay?
- Adult Conferences: Guests are housed in student apartments with shared living spaces. Bedrooms are furnished with twin-sized beds. Linens and towels are typically provided. We recommend bringing toiletries and personal items.
- Youth Conferences: Youth are housed in dorm-style buildings with shared bathrooms. Participants should bring their own bed and bath linens.
Can I decorate my room?
Decorations are allowed but must be contained within the room. Use low-tack adhesive tape (painter’s tape or adhesive putty) and avoid damaging walls or furniture.
Are kitchens available for cooking?
Apartments have kitchens; however, stoves are disabled for safety during the summer. Refrigerators remain available, but cooking is not permitted.
What if there is a maintenance issue in my room?
Report any maintenance issues (e.g., broken furniture, lights) to the Conference Office or your Conference Coordinator immediately.
Transportation and Parking
Where do I park?
- Parking permits will be issued at check-in.
- Parking may not be directly adjacent to housing. We encourage carpooling or using shuttles.
- For more details, contact your Conference Office.
What if I receive a parking ticket?
Parking tickets are issued by TAPS and are the responsibility of the recipient.
To contest a ticket, visit Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS)
Is there public transportation on campus?
- Shuttle Services: Free on-campus shuttles operate Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m., with limited evening service until 10 p.m. No weekend service.
- City Bus Service: Santa Cruz Metro buses operate on campus daily. Visit Santa Cruz Metro for schedules and fares.
Dining
Where can I eat on campus?
Conference participants have assigned dining halls and meal times. Please check with your Conference Office or program organizer for details.
How can I view dining hall menus?
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian, vegan, and specialty dietary options (gluten-free, non-dairy) are available at each meal. Please inform dining hall staff of any dietary concerns.
Safety and security
Who do I contact in an emergency?
- Emergency: Dial 911 or use any Blue Light Emergency Phone.
- Non-Emergency:
- University Police: (831) 459-2231
- University Fire Department: (831) 459-3473
What are the quiet hours on campus?
Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m.–8 a.m.
Other questions
Do I have access to the Internet while on campus?
Yes. UCSC-Guest is an open-access, unencrypted wireless network available for campus visitors. Instructions to access UCSC-Guest can be found here.
Can I receive mail during my stay?
Yes. Mail and small packages may be sent to the campus Conference Office no earlier than five days before your arrival. Please use this address format:
Participant Name
Conference Name
[West, East, or Central Conference Office]
UCSC
1156 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Is smoking allowed on campus?
No. UCSC is a smoke-free campus. This includes all tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products. Learn more about our smoke-free policy here.
What is the weather like?
Our coastal location offers cool mornings and evenings, with warm afternoons. We recommend bringing a jacket for brisk evenings and comfortable shoes for exploring our hilly terrain.
Can I bring a pet?
No, pets are not permitted. Only qualified service animals are allowed, following UCSC’s Service Animal Policy.
Are there ATMs on campus?
Yes, ATMs are located across from the Bay Tree Bookstore in the campus center.