Know Before You Go
Important Weekend Reminders
Please review the following to make sure you and your party are prepared for the weekend.
Everyone needs a Weekend Pass
Everyone in your party is required to have a Weekend Pass. The Weekend Pass serves as your access to meals and activities throughout the program. If you need to add additional members to your registration please log back into Iris.
All Return to the Redwoods attendees are required to have a weekend pass, even if they are not staying on campus.
Know your registration details
If you registered your party for housing: ensure you have added everyone staying in your dorm or apartment to your registration. If guests are not on your additional registrant list they will not be given keys at check in. If you need to add guests to your housing order, please log back into Iris.
If you are staying on campus but someone else made your reservation: ensure you know which person in your party did make the reservation, and remind them to make sure you are listed. You will need to tell staff who made your housing reservation when you arrive so we can provide you your key.
Register for additional Weekend activities
There’s still time to register for additional activities! Between guided hikes, a tie dye workshop, and Forest Talk lectures, there’s something for everyone.
See the full weekend schedule.
Some additional activities are included in the cost of the Weekend Pass, while others have an added cost.
Check-in & Parking
Check-in
Check-in is located at Porter College Parking Lot 125.
Thursday Early Bird Check-in
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
**Please note that Early Bird Check-In is only available to those who purchased Thursday night housing on-campus
Friday Check-in
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Check-in after 8 p.m.:
- Park in a 20 minute spot in Parking Lot 125
- Call
(831) 332-0705 (8pm – 8am) - Staff will activate your parking permit and bring you your welcome packet and housing keys
- If you know in advance that you’ll be in after 8pm, please email alumni@ucsc.edu so we can prepare for your arrival.
Parking
Parking permits at Return to the Redwoods are included in your Weekend Pass!
At check-in, our team will collect your license plate number and add it to our system to activate your parking permit (it is associated with your specific vehicle, and not transferable). Your permit is valid from the day you arrive, to 5pm on the day you’re scheduled to check out.
Where can you park?
Your permit allows you to park in several lots around campus. All lots you are able to park in are marked on this map in yellow. If you need assistance determining where to park please contact us.
- The closest lots to Porter College are Lots 124, 125, 126.
DMV Placards and Medical Spaces:
Anyone with a DMV placard or license plate may park in the following spaces:
- ADA (a.k.a. Accessible) parking spaces
- Any “A” designated lot without a sign (Not valid in Zipcar, Provost, CRE, Vanpool spaces etc.)
- Medical spaces
- in time zones (e.g., 10-minute spaces) for longer than the time specified
- in mobile pay and paystation spaces without additional payment when no other parking is available
- out of a marked parking space, as long as you don’t park in fire lanes, tow-away zones, or next to red curbs. You also can’t block other vehicles, access to dumpsters or loading docks, buildings, sidewalks, pathways, or traffic.
Guests without DMV placards or plates are not permitted to park in the spots labeled ‘Medical’.
If You Don’t Have a DMV placard or license plate:
You may apply for a temporary Medical parking permit. This requires submitting medical documentation to Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS). The documentation must be from a healthcare provider (e.g. physician, surgeon, chiropractor, etc.) and must include the duration of the temporary parking need and the type of accommodation: Close-in, or Medical (difficulty walking more than 50 yards).
- Contact the TAPS sales office at 831-459-4543 or at tapssales@ucsc.edu
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm
*Please note: the TAPS sales office WILL NOT be open during the weekend of Return to the Redwoods. Arrangements for a medical permit must be completed ahead of the weekend.
Get a workout in.
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), stop by Slug Central to complete the waiver and get your access sticker. You are then free to head over and use the facilities.
Pick up some gear.
The Bay Tree Bookstore will be open during the following times:
- Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: CLOSED
- Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alumni get a 20% discount on one apparel or gift item.
See “Remain in Light” in Concert.
Talking Heads members Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew will perform “Remain in Light” at the Quarry Amphitheater on Friday, August 16.
UCSC Alumni get 15% off with code: ALUMNI24
Questions? Email alumni@ucsc.edu.
What to Expect & Pack
What to Pack
Staying on campus? While we have the most beautiful scenery in America, be advised that dorm living is basic with limited amenities. We advise all guests take a look at our packing list to make sure you’re prepared for the weekend.
You can also take a virtual tour of the Porter dorms and apartments.
Weather
The Weekend’s weather is expected to be partly cloudy in the mid to high 60’s. The UV index will be high, so don’t forget to bring your sun protection!
Santa Cruz might be colder than you remember. Be sure to bring plenty of layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Leave room in your suitcase
All guests are invited to join us Saturday Night in the Porter Quad for the “Spotlight Santa Cruz Street Fair,” featuring over 15 local SC vendors.
Make sure you leave some room in your suitcase to take a few (or more!) locally-crafted souvenirs home with you.