University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

I love UCSB. I didn't want to come here because the location is a lot like my hometown, but why would I want to live anywhere else. It is a perfect college community & I have never felt in danger. Coming I was also really frustrated because all of my friends who did not work hard in high school were able to go to SBCC, but it is SO different. Being a part of the greek system is great because instead of going to random DP parties [like my friends at sbcc] I have great friends who are greek and we hang out in the fraternities in IV. It's wonderful because it is entering a community within the large student body of UCSB.

The best thing about UCSB is our sense of community. Most people live in Isla Vista (IV) after freshman year and we have a close-knit community feel. It's pretty much all students. You don't get that overwhelming, competitive, people-will-stab-you-in-the-back-to-get-a-better-grade feeling, ever. People are happy here: you see people smiling, the weather is beautiful, we live by the ocean. The school is big, but you're always meeting new people, and once you're in your major classes, you see the same people in all of your classes. Most people are impressed when I tell them I go to UCSB, but you always get some that say, "Oh, that's a party school." And you just gotta say, "Yeah, we know how to have a good time, but school is hard, you have to study a lot too. And we get it done!" We basically do everything big: academics, partying, school pride...our Gaucho Locos group follows our sports team around everywhere and consistently beats the home school in fan attendance!

-large school, lots of students -not that much school spirit since we don't have a football team -greek system is getting larger and larger, a huge part of having fun at ucsb -great weather

The UCSB faculty is really amazing. I haven't experienced one teacher, yet, that I didn't like. They challenge you as a student and as a member of society. The material for class never seems to be pointless. UCSB is also on the beach, but don't be fooled, it usually isn't as warm as you'd think. Usually its windy if its sunny, or cold and sunny. The fog is pretty intense too and the salty air rusts your bike. Besides that, I believe our school is the perfect size. It's large enough that you're not constantly bombarded by groups of people you know, but you still feel like you know people. It's also flat, which makes for smooth biking. If you hate hills, don't go to UCLA, come here! I spend most of my time on campus either in the dance studios, at home (I currently live in Manzanita, Montecito House, and I love it,) or with Alpha Phi at events. It's definitely a college town, Goleta.

The campus is the right size and is beautiful. People are jealous of the location because we have Isla Vista and the beach. There is a lot of school pride when it involves sports, which is a little dissapointing.

the best thing about ucsb is the availability of research opportunities I have had so many good experiences because of them, I just wish they did not limit you to only 20 unitsbof research

It is amazing. I didn't think I wanted to come here after high school, but now I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Coming here was the best decision I've ever made. Not only is the campus and area beyond beautiful, but the classes are rigorous, and the social life is amazing. My time at UCSB has been incomparable because I have made the most of every single moment of every single day.

UCSB is basically the most amazing place ever. Students here know how to work hard and party hard. Not only is everyone so much fun when you see them out, but people are great to study with and hang out with as well. Greek life is amazing, but even if you aren't involved you can always find something to do. No matter what you want to be involved in, there is something for you at UCSB!

The best thing about UCSB is the location and the people. Isla Vista is a beach town where everyone is laid back, wearing their rainbows when they ride their skateboards to lecture. Even though there are so many students, its easy to get involved in something and make friends.

UCSB is a big school but by the end of your senior year you know many of the faces you bike/walk by. It is a great place to find a good mixture between school, socializing, and activities. IV is definetely a college town and you have easy access to downtown through the buses or if you have a car. There is a lot of school pride and our soccer team is AWESOME!! Most people think we are a less diverse campus but I have multicultural friends and enjoy it here very much!