Is food provided or where can I eat?
Food is not provided. The stipend is meant to cover food expenses. The apartments that are provided have kitchens with refrigerators.Limited cooking utensils are available and the apartments do not have microwave ovens. There are also many eating establishments on campus and near campus. The Wednesday Workshops are catered.

Have I been matched with my faculty mentor of choice?
We will begin to contact the faculty mentors you requested when we receive your enrollment form. If faculty are available, we then send them your application file.

We will do our best to match you with your preferences. However, sometimes faculty are not available in the summer. If none of your choices is available, we will match you with someone in your field of interest. We will contact you as soon as we have a faculty mentor.

How many students are there (typically) in the program?
Typically, 30 students participate in the program.

Is there any furniture/appliances in the apartments?
The apartments come furnished with linens (sheets, pillow cases, towels), couches, end tables, trash cans, desks, lamps, stoves, refrigerators, tables and chairs. We will be giving you the names and contact info for your apartment mates a few weeks before you arrive so you will be able to coordinate with them on who will bring what. No phones are provided in the apartments.

Is there an internet connection in the apartments, and, if so, is it free or provided by housing?
All UCSD housing is wired with high-speed ethernet lines. However, to actually use the internet, there is a $10 charge to arrange the connection.

Is there computer access for me to use while I'm on campus?
It may be difficult to use a computer on campus because they require user names and passwords. However, your lab will have computers and your mentors are usually good about allowing you to use them.

Should I bring a lab coat/goggles, or are they provided?
You've stumped us. The best way to find that out is to email your mentor once we let you know who that will be. We have a feeling that it will be provided due to workplace safety regulations, but it's always good to check with the person running the lab.

Are there any events that will require me to wear something formal?
The only occasion where something a bit nicer should be worn is during the Research Symposium when you present your research. Wear whatever you feel comfortable presenting in. Khakis and a collared shirt are always good things to have in cases of nicer events.

I like to exercise, is there a gym on campus or nearby so that I can work out?
RIMAC is a fabulous recreation facility, one of the largest university recreation facilities this side of the Mississippi. To use it you will need a recreation card. Besides RIMAC, the Main Gym, Canyonview Pool, and the Natatorium are also available to use with the card. More information upon request.

Can I take summer school classes and work ?
No.  We expect you to do full-time research, you may not go to summer school. You cannot hold a full or part-time job and participate in the STARS program.

Will my stipend be considered taxable income?
Yes, your stipend is considered taxable income. You will receive a 1099 Form from UCSD at the end of the calendar year. If you are a California Resident, state taxes are not withheld at the time the stipends are issued and that will be reflected on your 1099. However, if you are not a California resident, UCSD policy is to withhold the 7% state income tax at the time the stipend is issued. This will be reflected on your 1099 and when you file a California State Income Tax Return you will receive that amount refunded to you.