I spent this quarter at UC Los Angeles through the intercampus visitor program Read on for more information on how you can get involved!
As a UC student, you have the unique opportunity to explore any and all of the University of California campuses through the Intercampus Visitor (ICV) Program. Once you’ve completed one quarter at your home campus, you’re eligible to apply to spend a quarter—or even multiple quarters—at other UCs. In fact, if you wanted to, you could potentially visit all the UCs throughout your time in college, experiencing the diverse academic and social cultures each campus has to offer.
The benefits of the ICV Program are immense. Imagine immersing yourself in a completely new campus culture, learning from professors you wouldn’t ordinarily encounter, and discovering academic specialties unique to each UC. For instance, UC Riverside has a citrus experiment station, a feature you won’t find at other campuses. Meanwhile, other UCs might excel in drama, marine biology, or another specific discipline. This program connects the UCs in a way that fosters unity and collaboration, giving you access to resources and perspectives beyond the walls of your home campus.
Beyond academics, you’re treated as a regular student at your host campus. You can join clubs, participate in campus events, and even explore internship or work opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. The program expands your horizons, helping you grow both academically and personally. It’s a chance to experience different campus cultures, which prepares you for a variety of professional and life settings.
Getting started with the ICV Program involves a few simple steps:
Visit your registrar’s office or website to check eligibility and application deadlines. You’ll need to complete 15 units at your home campus before applying, and the last 35 units of your degree must also be completed there (this is a UCR-specific requirement; check with your campus for variations). Submit an application, which includes a $70 filing fee, a letter of recommendation from your academic advisor, and a brief statement explaining why you want to participate in the program. Keep in mind that certain UCs have restrictions on which courses you can take as a visitor. For example, UCLA currently limits non-UCLA students from enrolling in most science and drama courses, while UCR is more open, allowing students to take a wide range of classes.
- Here’s the form for UC Riverside. To find your form and respective information click the link of your respective campus.
- UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, UC Davis, UC Merced, UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Riverside, UC San Diego
Once accepted, your host campus will set you up with a student ID, access to their course registration system, and everything else you’ll need to integrate into campus life.
When I participated in the ICV Program, I spent a quarter at UCLA. The experience was eye-opening, offering a glimpse into a campus with a different vibe compared to UCR. While both campuses operate on the same quarter system, the atmosphere at UCLA felt distinct, with its urban setting and slightly different social dynamics. The professors introduced me to teaching styles I hadn’t encountered before, and I was able to take advantage of courses that weren’t offered at UCR.
The ICV Program allowed me to go out of my comfort zone, adapt to a new environment, and build connections with students and faculty I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s an invaluable opportunity for any UC student, whether you’re looking to broaden your academic portfolio, expand your social networks, or simply explore a new city.
While the ICV Program is one of the most flexible and accessible options for UC students, there are other opportunities to consider:
- The UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) allows students to study internationally while earning UC credits.
- The UC Cross-Campus Enrollment Program enables students to take online courses from other UCs, even if they can’t physically visit the campus.
Unfortunately, programs like these often don’t receive as much attention as they deserve. To find information tailored to your needs, check your registrar’s website or speak with an academic advisor. Each UC also has its own set of resources for graduate and undergraduate programs, so be sure to explore those as well. The equivalent of the intercampus visitor program called intercampus exchange is the same format just for graduate students.
The Intercampus Visitor Program isn’t just about academics—it’s about growth, exploration, and connection. Whether you’re drawn to a specific program at another UC, curious about a different campus culture, or just looking to expand your horizons, this program is a fantastic opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and make the most of your UC experience. So why not take the leap? You might just discover a new side of yourself—and the UC system—along the way. To me the Intercampus visitor program goes beyond expanding your horizons. To me it is one of the last reminders that the UCs were once one campus. There is something beautiful in that students can still experience the UCs as a whole.