Resources

We are excited for you and know that you will find the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the entire Bay Area a wonderfully diverse place where internationals often feel very much at home. In fact, on an ordinary day in the city you may hear someone speaking your native language, find a local restaurant that serves food from your hometown, or discover a neighborhood shop carrying products from your home country.

San Francisco was the landing point for many immigrants and continues to be one of the most desired places to live in the U.S. San Francisco also has much to offer in the areas of art, entertainment and sporting events. The city is home to an internationally acclaimed opera company, symphony, and ballet. It hosts some amazing museums and has nightclubs to meet any taste in music.

Your time at UCSF will be a wonderful opportunity for you to grow professionally and explore an exciting and beautiful city. But in order to make your transition a smooth one, it is very important that you plan your stay carefully. To begin, it is a good idea for you to do some research on your own with regards to living in San Francisco so that you will know what to expect.

The links within this section were written primarily for international students, scholars, faculty, and their families, but many sections will be applicable to all members of the UCSF international community, whether visiting for a conference, guest lecture or moving to San Francisco from anywhere in the world.

The following sections do not provide specific advice, nor do they endorse any specific service, but rather provide general information and a guide to academic and community resources in the Bay Area.

Please email us comments and suggestions for future updates.