
Return to the Redwoods
We can’t wait to see you in 2025!
FRI
AUG 15
2025
–
SUN
AUG 17
2025
Secure your spot!
Housing registration is now open—reserve your on-campus housing today!
Housing options
At Return to the Redwoods, alumni and their guests can stay on campus.
Apartment-Style Housing:

Porter/Kresge Apartments
Accommodate your whole family or friend group with these four-room, six-bed apartments or two-room, three-bed apartments in Porter & Kresge College. Each apartment includes a private entrance and your own bedrooms, shared living space, kitchen, and bathroom—just for your group.
View Porter College virtual tours of apartments and dorms.

Family-Zone Apartments
New this year, we are introducing Family Zone apartments in Rachel Carson College with units prioritized for families with children! Enjoy staying in an apartment located a short walk away from the main festivities while enjoying a quieter space away with your loved ones. Each apartment includes a private entrance and your own bedrooms, shared living space, kitchen, and bathroom—just for your group.
View Rachel Carson College virtual tours of apartments and dorms.
Residence Hall Dorm-Style Housing:

On-Campus Dorms
Rent one (or more) dorm rooms in a traditional residence hall in Porter College. Dorm rooms are in a shared building with fellow alumni guests. Restrooms (including showers) are all-gendered on each floor.

On-Campus Quiet Dorms
New this year, quiet dorms that are tucked away at the bottom of Rachel Carson College, about a 10-minute walk from the main activities in Porter College, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
*Please Note: Dorm room-style housing is restricted to guests aged 18 and older due to safety considerations. Guests of all ages are welcome to stay in the apartment-style housing options.

Weekend passes
Weekend Passes and optional activity registration will open in June!
On April 17, registration will be open for housing, and you can start planning your Return to Santa Cruz.
Starting in June, you’ll be able to purchase your Weekend Pass and sign up for optional activities. You can register your entire group at once or have each person purchase their own pass individually.
All participants for Return to the Redwoods must purchase a weekend pass, even if they are not staying on campus.
Pricing:
ADULT: $85 | CHILD (ages 3-17): $60
Each Weekend Pass includes:
- Campus parking for the entire weekend
- Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday at Rachel Carson Dining Hall
- Gym access throughout the weekend
- Activities & events spanning all three days
- Details about events and optional activities will be announced in June!
- New this year:
- Get around campus easier: a Return to the Redwoods bus will loop campus
- Expanded family programming: We’re offering more activities and events designed specifically for families with children, so everyone can join in the fun!

Schedule Overview
Full schedule to be announced in June
Day 1 – Friday, August 15
- Settle in and celebrate your return to campus
- Dinner and kick-off celebration in the Porter Quad
- Stars ‘n’ S’mores on the East Field

Day 2 – Saturday, August 16
- Breakfast in the Rachel Carson College Dining Hall
- Morning and afternoon activities (guided hikes, lectures, workshops, etc.)
- To be announced in June
- Street Fair highlighting local makers

Day 3 – Sunday, August 17
- Wake up slowly and soak in the morning on campus before saying farewell and heading home
- Breakfast in the Rachel Carson College Dining Hall
- Morning activities to be announced
FAQs
General Event FAQ
Who is Return to the Redwoods for?
All UC Santa Cruz alumni and their families, friends, and more are encouraged to join in the fun. Whether you just graduated or are celebrating a milestone reunion (or maybe somewhere in between), we hope you’ll spend the weekend with us up on our City on a Hill!
Do I have to stay on campus to participate?
While so much of the fun happening this weekend will be on campus, you do not have to stay there if campus housing isn’t your thing. Just don’t forget your Weekend Pass!
Why are housing and Weekend Passes being sold separately this year?
After a few years of running the program, we’ve learned that it’s simplest for our guests to secure housing earlier in the year—typically in the spring—while purchasing Weekend Passes and activities closer to the event in June. As a growing program, we’re continuously learning and making adjustments to improve the experience for everyone. We truly appreciate your patience and flexibility as we fine-tune the process. Thank you for being part of it with us!
Is this event family-friendly?
Yes, Return to the Redwoods is a family-friendly event!
This year, we’ve added more activities specifically geared toward families with children, and we offer Family Zone apartment housing for those with kids under 18. These apartments are prioritized for families, providing shared living spaces in a quieter area close to the Rachel Carson Dining Hall. Please note that, for safety reasons, children under 18 cannot stay in dorm-style housing — but all ages are welcome in the apartments. We look forward to welcoming your whole family for a weekend of fun and connection!
Is parking included?
Yes! Your Weekend Pass includes campus parking for the entire event. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a parking permit to display in your vehicle.
Can I come for just one day?
We encourage guests to join us for the full weekend experience, but we understand not everyone can stay the whole time. While housing is priced per night, the Weekend Pass is required for all attendees, even if you only plan to join us for a day.
What dining options are available?
The Weekend Pass includes dinner at our kickoff party Friday night, and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday at Rachel Carson College Dining Hall. For other meals, you can explore nearby dining options on and off campus.
When we get closer to the event, we’ll share the locations and hours of food options on campus!
Can I use the gym and pool on campus?
Gym and pool access are included in your Weekend Pass! If you’d like to visit the gym or use the pool (located near the East Field House), please stop by Slug Central to complete the waiver and get your access sticker. Once you have your access sticker, you are free to head over and use the facilities (including the pool).
Note: Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring any non-alumni friends?
Yes! While the event is designed for alumni and their families, non-alumni friends are more than welcome to join the fun. Just make sure everyone in your group has a Weekend Pass.
What about pets?
Pets aren’t allowed on campus, so we kindly ask that you leave them at home. Service animals are, of course, welcome.
Domestic animals that are not service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are prohibited on all UC Santa Cruz property. You can learn more about rules and regulations regarding animals on campus here.
What should I pack?
Take a look at our suggested packing list.
Who should I contact to secure any accessibility accommodations?
If you have any accessibility requirements/requests/questions, you can contact reunions@ucsc.edu
My friend let me know this event was happening. Why didn’t I get the email?!
We don’t always have everyone’s correct contact information! Be sure to update your info here, so that you can always be updated on campus news and alumni events!
Housing FAQ
Do I have to stay on campus to participate?
While so much of the fun happening this weekend will be on campus, you do not have to stay there if campus housing isn’t your thing. Just don’t forget your Weekend Pass!
Can I stay in my old dorm room?
Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee placement in your old dorm room, and it’s unlikely we’ll be able to accommodate this request. Housing assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis, based on when reservations are completed.
Can I stay in family housing if I don’t have children?
Yes! While the Rachel Carson apartments are designated with families in mind, you’re welcome to stay there even if you don’t have children. Just note that many of your neighbors may be families with young kids, so the environment may reflect that. All units are private apartments with their own bathroom and shared living space for your group.
Will my group have a private apartment, or will we share with others?
Your group will have a private apartment for each unit purchased. Every apartment includes its own entrance, bathroom, and shared living space, and you won’t be sharing the unit with anyone outside your party.
Can I cook if I’m in an apartment?
Apartments include a fridge, stove, oven, and kitchen space, but they DO NOT include dishes, cookware, utensils, or a microwave.
New Leaf and Safeway are nearby grocery stores where you can stock up on groceries and other essentials.
Who should I contact to secure any accessibility accommodations?
If you have any accessibility requirements/requests/questions, you can contact reunions@ucsc.edu
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation details for campus housing:
- Cancellations with at least two weeks’ notice will receive a refund minus a 6% fee
- Cancellations less than two weeks will be charged $50 and a 6% fee
- Cancellations without at least 72-hour notice will be charged one night’s accommodation and 6% fee
Cancellation details for Weekend Passes and activity registrations:
- Cancellations with at least two weeks’ notice will receive a refund minus a 6% fee
- Cancellations less than two weeks will be refunded 50% minus a 6% fee
- Cancellations without at least 72-hour notice will be charged the full amount.
Any other questions? Feel free to reach out to us at reunions@ucsc.edu

Relive the weekend
The 2024 Return to the Redwoods Weekend was a blast!
If you were there, relive it through the event photos. And, you can still upload your photos from last year’s weekend.
If you missed this weekend last year, the photos will give you a taste of what is in store this year.
The 2025 Return to the Redwoods promises to bring you even more opportunities to connect and celebrate the unique and enduring spirit of UC Santa Cruz.