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Travel Tips for Student Org Members

Registered student organizations travel for many purposes: community service, retreats, conferences, competitions, and for fun! Review the tips and information below, gathered from outside sources. Please check other sources that may inform your safety plan, as safety is your personal responsibility.

Registered student organizations are independent entities, and are not official units of UC San Diego. Therefore, UC San Diego is not responsible for the acts or omissions of registered student organizations and/or any members/ persons acting on behalf of those student organizations.

It's important to remember that travel is considered a high-risk activity. But with proper risk management, your registered student organization can reduce the risks associated with travel.

Travel planning resources

Be cautious and proactive. Principal members should create a travel roster, emergency contact sheet, and travel plan before traveling, and take a copy of these documents along on the trip.

International travel

The University generally recommends against all international travel by student organizations due to the myriad of risks travelers face in foreign countries. Student organizations are discouraged from traveling to foreign countries due to the wide variety of risks involved with foreign travel, and the extensive planning efforts required by the student organization’s members to manage those risks. Security risks and health care services vary widely from one country to another, so thorough research on those topics is especially important.

International travelers are advised to research U.S. State Department Travel Advisories and abide by all recommended alerts and warnings, and procure travel insurance with medical coverage that covers their chosen destination because most USA health plans are not valid in foreign countries.

Air travel

Comply with the TSA's federal laws regulating air travel and the rules of the specific airline you use.

Car travel: For drivers

Review the California Department of Motor Vehicles DMV Handbook for a summary of the laws and regulations outlined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC).

Review The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA website for safety guidelines on risky driving and road safety.

Car travel: For passengers

Be aware that you are taking a risk riding in any vehicle, and that you are doing so at your own risk and responsibility.

Be safe passengers and do not distract the driver in any way.

Wear your seat belt at all times.

Car travel: Items to take along

  • Cell phone with charger
  • Pencil and notebook
  • Vehicle operating manual
  • Emergency service information
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Flares, warning triangles, or reflectors
  • Coolant and fire extinguisher
  • Ice scraper, snow brush, and snow shovel, if climate demands
  • First-aid kit

See the complete list of AAA-recommended items (PDF).

Car travel: Driving in bad weather

Check the weather before you leave and allow additional time to reach your destination, or postpone your trip until weather improves.

Review AAA's wet weather driving tips and winter driving tips.

Be sure you and your passengers wear seat belts at all time.

Car travel: Vehicle breakdowns

What to do when your vehicle breaks down:

  • Note your vehicle's location
  • Assess your vehicle's operating problem
  • Pull off the road
  • Alert other motorists
  • Communicate your situation

See the complete AAA brochure: What To Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down (PDF).

Car travel: In case of an auto accident

Make sure you know what to do when an accident happens, so you can be prepared if and when it occurs.

Car travel: Traveling with a trailer

CSI: Student Orgs & Events

Have a Student Organization Related Question and Need a Quick Answer? 
Your student organization advisors & the SILCs are here to help!

CSI Student Organization AdvisorsCSI Logo

Drop-in Advising Weeks 1-10 Each Quarter 

Virtual Advising - Zoom Room for virtual advising: 

https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/97519967026 (Meeting ID: 975 1996 7026)

  • Mondays 9am-12pm (virtual)
  • Tuesdays 1-4pm (in-person)*
  • Wednesdays 1pm-4pm (virtual)
  • Thursdays 1pm-4pm (virtual)
  • Fridays 9am-12pm (virtual)

*Tuesdays are the only in-person advising day

In-Person Advising* - Check-in at the CSI Front Desk, Price Center East, level 3 (map

  • Tuesdays 1-4pm

Visit the CSI Front Desk:

Price Center East, level 3 (map) | 858-534-1744 | csifrontdesk@ucsd.edu 

Virtual Assistance from SILCs

Zoom Room for virtual advising: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/97519967026 (Meeting ID: 975 1996 7026)

  • Dates & times coming soon

In-Person Assistance from SILCs*

Located on Price Center East, level 3 (map) | 858-534-1744

  • Dates & times coming soon

Interested in making a reservation for a University Centers space? Check out their website for more information: University Centers Reservations


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