Transfer Student Support
Quick overview
Who this is for: Transfer students at any stage—planning to apply, newly admitted, or already at UC Santa Cruz.
What we offer: One-on-one mentorship, transfer prep programs, community events, and personal and academic support.
Connect with us
Location: Academic Resource Center 121
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Email: starrs@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 459-5899
Instagram: @ucsc_starrs
Appointments: Schedule via Slug Success
Welcome, transfer students!
Transfer students bring valuable life experiences, goals, and strengths to UC Santa Cruz. Whether you’re just exploring the path to transfer, newly admitted, or already settling in, this page connects you with programs, mentorship, and resources designed to support your success.
Key programs and services
The Services for Transfer Re-entry and Resilient Scholars (STARRS) team offers a range of Transfer Scholar Programs to support current and prospective transfer students. Two of our core programs are highlighted below: the Community College Partnership Program, which supports students on the path to transfer, and the Transfer Mentorship Program, which helps new transfer students thrive during their first year at UCSC.
Community College Partnership Programs (CCPP)
Pathways to transfer: CCPP
We partner with Cabrillo College, Hartnell, and San Jose City College to support your path from community college to UCSC—with a strong focus on BIPOC student success.
Transfer Scholar Pathways (TSP): For current community college students planning to apply to the UC system. This year-long program includes four events and one-on-one mentorship with a current UCSC student.
- Get started: Transfer Scholars Pathways interest form.
Summer Transition Program (STP): For newly admitted transfer students starting their UCSC journey. This is a four-month commitment consisting of four events and one-on-one mentorship with a current UCSC student.
- Get started: Newly admitted UCSC students from our current partner institutions will receive a priority email invitation to join STP in June.
Transfer Mentorship Program
Peer mentorship for your first year at UCSC.
Get paired with a trained peer mentor from summer through your entire first year. TMP mentors are also transfer students, here to help you navigate UCSC and build community.
As a TMP mentee, you’ll get:
- A year-long mentor/mentee connection
- Academic and personal guidance
- Help navigating UCSC systems, resources, and social life
- Support with housing, transportation, financial planning, and more
Who it’s for: New transfer students entering as sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
Get started: Fill out the TMP Interest Form to get connected with a mentor.
What students are saying
“I am proud of the relationships I made with my peers and leaders. I am proud to say I am a part of STARRS because y’all have helped me so much. I would not have made it without your help and support.”
— Krystle Pale
“When I transferred to UCSC, I remember feeling overwhelmed, and to be honest, I didn’t know STARRS was a program that was available, but I am so glad I found out about it. They helped me achieve a very smooth transition, and I am honored to now be able to help other transfer students that might be facing the same challenges I did.”
— Bianca Aguilera
“When I transferred to UCSC from Long Beach City College, I felt pressured about many things; from getting good grades in my courses to meeting the expectations of my family. The support from STARRS gave me all the resources I needed to be successful and the validation I needed. Because of this, I wanted to become a mentor at TMP, so that I can help transfer students experiencing the same pressure.”
— Steven Favela
Additional resources for transfer students
Preparing to transfer
For computing majors
Scholarships and opportunities
Academic courses and programs
Kresge 25: A transfer-focused UCSC course that helps students succeed in upper-division classes, prepare for jobs and paid internships, and explore graduate school and professional degrees. Offered Summer, Fall, and Winter quarters.
Housing
- Transfer Student Housing
- Family Student Housing
- Community Rentals off-campus housing
Connect with our team
The staff behind STARRS and our Transfer Scholar Programs are deeply committed to supporting students navigating their transfer journey. Whether you need help adjusting to university life, connecting with resources, understanding degree requirements, or just want someone to talk to who understands the unique challenges of transferring, we’re here for you. Our approach is student-centered, community-driven, and grounded in the belief that higher education can be transformative.
Reach out anytime—we’d love to connect.
Email: starrs@ucsc.edu
Our mission
The Transfer Scholar Programs advance social mobility for transfer students by providing transformative higher education experiences. We work to actively remove systemic barriers in order to create access, cultivate belonging, motivate persistence, and nurture wellness for all transfer students on their educational journey into, through, and out of UC Santa Cruz.