Orientation Dates
- Q1: Wednesday, May 18
- Q2: Thursday, June 9
Berkeley Law now offers a flexible start date for the professional track. Each summer students must attend at least three consecutive quarters, commencing in either Q1 or Q2. Students may attend all four quarters at no additional cost. Please note that you must commit to a start date upon confirming enrollment and may not change it, as that will serve as your official I-20 program start date.
The orientation program at Berkeley Law is an integral part of the LL.M. professional track curriculum, and attendance is required. Students who begin in Q1 must attend the May 18 orientation, and students who begin in Q2 must attend the June 9 orientation. Q1 students are not permitted to skip the May 18 orientation in favor of the June 9 date.
You will receive more information about orientation approximately one month before the start of your first summer term. Additional orientation information will be emailed to you, so please inform our office of your @berkeley e-mail address once you have established it.
When you arrive for orientation, check in at the registration desk to pick up additional materials and breakfast before the program begins. The orientation program will include important academic and administrative information, and opportunities to meet faculty and fellow students.
What to Expect at Orientation
Plan to spend the whole day at orientation. We will email you a schedule a week or two before arrival, to tell you exactly when and where to show up. We offer a welcome breakfast, typically starting around 9AM, to give you a chance to meet and greet your fellow students, check in with the Advanced Degree Programs Office, and pick up your printed orientation materials.
In the morning, different members of faculty and staff will welcome you and explain important aspects of the program – adding and dropping courses, taking advantage of counseling and advising resources, scheduling social events and how to handle any problems that might come up.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet your second-year classmates over lunch in the law school’s courtyard. In the afternoon, there may be more optional orientation/advising sessions. You will also have the opportunity to get your Cal1 student ID card.
Additional Resources
UC Berkeley has many resources for incoming international students. Browse some of the resources listed here to help plan your arrival.
- Getting to Berkeley – how to get to campus from the region’s major airports and roads.
- Berkeley International Office Arrival Guide – comprehensive information on UC and the city of Berkeley, from neighborhoods and shopping to housing, postal services and transportation.
- Cal1 Card Office – get your student ID card on your first day.
- Parking & Transportation – campus parking structures, regulations and shuttles.
- AC Transit – official site for the bus system of Alameda County (Berkeley & neighboring cities).
- Berkeleyside – an independent newspaper with lots of local information about Berkeley news & events.