Pre-GROW Resources 2025

Registering for courses will be your first step in preparation for Fall 2025. Below you will find helpful links and tutorials to navigate the process of selecting the correct coursework for your program and registering.

Course Registration

Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Group Road Map 

Registering for Research Coursework

If you need to register for research units to get you to full time status of 12 units, please follow the instructions and steps below.

If you have any questions or need assistance, email chemistry@ucmerced.edu.

The next important step in starting your Graduate Career at UC Merced is to find housing in Merced. Check out the Graduate Student Housing options below!

Off Campus Housing

If you are looking for a place to live outside of campus or for a roommate, visit the UC Merced Off-Campus website. There you can find currently available apartment rentals, private property listings, and even roommates.

Merced Station Apartments (2-4) Beds	Village Landing Apartments (1-2) Beds	Village Terrace Apartments (1-3) Beds
Axis at Compass Pointe Apartments (2-3) Beds	Northwood Village Apartments (1-2) Beds	Granville Apartments (1-3) Beds
The Villages Apartments (1-2) Beds	The Tioga Apartments (1-2) Beds	Yardley Gardens Apartments (2) Beds
The Hub (1-3) Beds

Finding Roommates
	On the roommates tab you can register with your UCMNetID and start looking for roommates. During your account set up you can edit your profile to best match the type of roommate you are looking for. You can customize your personal information, education, types of housing, preferences, roommate preferences, and more.

Other Housing and Roommate Resources

Another option for finding housing or roommates is through the UC Merced Classifieds facebook group. This group consists of students, faculty, and community memebers. You can find daily postings on housing, roommates, and more.

Off Campus Housing - FAQ

Can I buy meals and eat on campus?

• Yes, anyone may purchase food at the Pavilion and the Library Café. You may pay by using cash, adding dining credit on your Cat Card, or signing up for a Meal Plan. Dining credits or a Meal Plan will allow you to simply swipe your card at the cashier station and go.

What do I do if I need furniture?

• Some apartments and homes may be furnished. If yours is not, look for garage sales, discount stores, or in your parent’s garage! Don’t think you cannot live without a full living room suite, however. Talk to your roommates, and pool your resources.

I won’t have a car. What type of transportation is available to me?

• Visit taps.ucmerced.edu for all types of transportation and schedules.

Knowing what campus resources are available can help your transition into graduate school go a lot smoother. Here are a few resources we think will be helpful in your preparation for the upcoming semester.

UC Merced Connect Portal

You may access your UC Merced Connect Portal at connect.ucmerced.edu or on your mobile phone by downloading the App.

Health Services
	Health Services's mission is to help each student strive for maximum physical and emotional health while pursuing their academic and personal goals at UC Merced. Health Services is committed to providing the highest quality primary health care, in combination with health education and wellness promotion through caring, accessible and affordable services.

Office of International Affairs (OIA)

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) advances global engagement at UC Merced by facilitating education abroad, providing visa and related support services, developing of international connections, and implementing a range of other internationalization activities. OIA accomplishes this primarily through its Study Abroad and International Students & Scholars (ISS) service units. It also works in collaboration with a variety of other campus offices on initiatives such as academic integration of coursework taken abroad, international student orientation and support, and inter-institutional partnership development.

Office of Information Technology (OIT)
To explore the services and resources provided by OIT, click the image links to the right.
	Step-by-step tutorials	How to get help	A complete list of services offered

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS)
	Here you can find bus schedules for Summer. This includes CatTracks, the Bobcat Express, and Route UC.   Please know Fall schedules will be published in August, close to the start of Fall Semester.
TAPS manages Parking Permits related to campus. You can pay for hourly parking with "Flowbird", purchase a Graduate Student Parking Permit, or find more information on parking permits by clicking the button on the right.	CatTracks & Routes Parking Information TAPS FAQ

Emergency Funds and Emergency Housing

Emergency funds provide financial support to current UC Merced students when they need assistance with unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, homelessness, fire damage, or need for temporary housing. Emergeny housing is intended for students in need of short-term housing due to unexpected homelessness, emergency displacement, or in the midst of a crisis. Click the link below to learn about eligibility requirements.

Different Types of Student Funding

• Teaching Assistant (TA) – A form of employment to support instruction in courses.
• Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) – A form of employment to support specific research projects.
• Fellowship – A form of student aid to support the student’s academic progress.
• Student Loans – A form of student aid that helps defer the cost of educational expenses by borrowing now and repaying later.
• Personal Funds – Individual savings/income and/or private loans.

Teaching Assistant Application

As per standard practice, most incoming graduate students will be a Teaching Assistant (TA). In order to receive a TA appointment, you will need to apply to the TA recruitment pool in AP Recruit for the 2025-26 Academic Year (includes Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 TA Positions). You will need to create an account and submit unofficial transcripts to complete the application. Please be sure to also register for the required 12 units. 

In preparation for the Fall 2025 semester, we seek your input on identifying courses you would like to be assigned if appointed as a Teaching Assistant. You can select up to three courses you would like to be considered for and possibly assigned to as a TA for Academic Year 2025-26. Please note, desired assignments do not guarantee that the courses you select will be given.

Here you will find various locations for entertainment and popular restaurants in/around the Merced County area. Take a moment and browse some of the key spots in town. Don't miss some of the favorites in town!

Yosemite National Park
	Yosemite National Park is best known for its mesmerizing waterfalls, but there is much more to see and do. Activities include: hiking, backpacking, tours, biking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, volunteering, and much more.

Restaurant Recommendations

Additional Locations