Return to the Redwoods Logo

Know Before You Go

We can’t wait to see you at Return to the Redwoods this August 16-18, 2024. On this page you’ll find all of the information you’ll need for your weekend getaway back to campus.

If you’re having issues with registration or housing, please contact Conference Services:
conf@ucsc.edu

*Please note: after August 10th, any and all housing purchases will need to be handled with our Conference Services team directly, and not available for purchase online. Please email or call to secure housing.

Use the buttons below to navigate your way around the page. Questions? Email alumni@ucsc.edu.

Someone takes a photo on an iPhone of a group of people with Sammy the Slug
Two people conversing at the Quarry Amphitheater
A person selecting a flower from a bucket

Check-in & Parking

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 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.

Campus Amenities & Activities

The best part about Return to the Redwoods – you get to choose your own adventure! There’s plenty to do on campus in addition to everything included in the Return to the Redwoods weekend schedule.

UCSC pool
exterior of the Bay Tree Bookstore

Alumni get a 20% discount on one apparel or gift item.

Talking Heads members Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew stand side by side.

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.

Last modified: Aug 13, 2024