University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

UCSB has a reputation of being filled with airhead surfers. Three years on campus has clearly demonstrated to me the falsehood of this stereotype. Like any UC body, the students here are well-informed and critically thinking adults. I am proud to be a part of a campus that is rich with intellectual activity as well as extracurricular opportunities. Students don't just surf; they go on hikes, play recreational sports, or socialize in downtown Santa Barbara. Most importantly, they get their school work done. During orientation, I was blessed with a wonderful group leader who said, "You'll see hundreds of kids outside everyday throwing frisbees, laughing, talking, and messing around. What you don't get to see are the other 25,000 students studying in their rooms."

The biggest stereotype about UCSB is that it is a party school. This stereotype is actually what deterred me from attending this school, but I loved the campus so much that I came here anyways. Although UCSB definately is a party school, all colleges have party people. Also, the first two people I met were not party people and they are now my best friends. So, if you are not a party person, but want to go to UCSB, do not be deterred by the stereotype. Yes, you will meet many people that like to party, but you will also meet people who have other hobbies as well.

UCSB definitely has a party atmosphere, but that just translates to people that like to have fun. This is a UC so the students do care about getting their academics in order, though once it is the weekend it's time to socialize and have fun. People here are chill and friendly. There is a hippie culture here so there will be days when you see people and activities that will make you think, 'Only in IV.'

The first stereotype that comes to mind labels UCSB as a notorious party school, and subsequently labels it's students as heavy drinkers. While I can't say this stereotype is completely accurate because there are many students here who aren't into the party scene or drinking at all, it has some truth to it. UCSB students know how to party, and it can get pretty crazy any weekend out of the year except for finals and dead week.

UCSB is called a "Party School" by most people who know of it. While this stereotype is true to an extent because there is a lot of partying on the weekends in the neighboring collegetown of Isla Vista; it doesn't mean that all students at UCSB party. There are plenty of students here who don't party at all. I'm one of them. This is besides the point because partying does not preclude performance in school. If people manage their time properly they can party and do well in school. How students spend their time in college is completely up to them. This notion of a party school can apply at any school, because college parties are ubiquitous.

The first thing people think about when they hear UCSB is a bunch of drunk kids partying on the beach. Just leveling with you, there is some truth to this, but there is so much more these students have to offer than a cheap thirty rack on a balcony hanging over the ocean. First of all, not everyone drinks, and surprisingly, I met some pretty awesome and sober kids freshman year. Also, everyone loves their drink but are vain enough to work out on even the worst hangover days. Students are interested in fitness. The two kinds are those who are in Greek life who go to the gym daily to lift or jog prettily (frat or sorority respectively), and those who take advantage of the beautiful outdoor activities Santa Barbara has to offer. Students here are also smart, not ditzy party animals like many think. I have friends who are smart enough to go to Harvard, but chose SB for the scenery, people, and opportunities to do literally anything you set your mind to.