UCSB has every aspect you'd expect from a beachfront university. It's very laid back and open to all types of people. There is a place for everyone here.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Engineering is a very difficult major to get into compared to other majors offered. Make sure your application is unique, last year around 80,000 people applied and there are under 9,000 freshman so its competitive.
If you're accepted its a great school. Research dorms and clubs before moving in, theres so many its hard to keep up with all the options in the first week when school starts. Also, definitely a good idea to use to find your own roommate option when applying for housing. Random roommate selections are hit-or-miss.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Plenty of challenging assignments, but have yet to come across a situation which in which I didn't have enough time to complete course work. Plenty of extra curricular activities offered, and plenty of time to participate in them.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Santa Catalina (FT) has strong party reputation. Santa Cruz in the Catalina five set of dorms is the nicest as it was renovated two years ago. The Catalina five are calmer and closer to the beach, but still have a wide variety of people and things to do.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
DLG is great, only downside is they don't offer breakfast and brunch on weekends isn't open early. Ortega has breakfast but less options than the DLG. Carillo has a soft serve ice cream machine, and Portola has a bad reputation but I haven't ever eaten there. Unlimited buffet style dining with good food and service makes it incredibly easy to overeat though.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Beach is 100 ft from the Santa Cruz dorms. Many good surf spots either walking distance or a bike ride away. Lots of events in Isla Vista such as the Pardall Carnival. The outdoor adventure club offers access to many fun outdoor activities. Tons of clubs to participate in, snow club takes ski trips throughout winter. Dorms also plan many social events right at the dorm halls.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Cheaper than a private school, and with the recent rankings placing UCSB at 8th nationally for a public university, and 8th in California for all public and private universities, its definitely worth the investment. There's cheaper schools out there but they don't offer the education UCSB does, not to mention UCSB's location is second to none. Housing costs seem a lot better priced when the dorms are beachfront, as opposed to near the cows like at Davis.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Its customary to sneak tortillas into soccer games and throw them onto the field like frisbees when a goal is scored. Many houses in IV also like to water balloon large groups of freshman as they walk by. Bike theft is common.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
People who like the beach
Plenty of options for both silent and group studying
Strong social scene plays to extroverts
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Abundance of clubs and activities on campus and in IV. If you look for it, its easy to keep a full schedule of fun activities. Some clubs are pricey, but come with great perks.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
More laid back than other colleges, but frat guys still don't really party with GDIs. plenty of options here for those who choose to rush.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Students working as CSO's are available 24/7 to escort other students if the students feel unsafe. There is also a campus alert program that sends out notifications whenever crime occurs on campus or in IV.
UCSB has every aspect you'd expect from a beachfront university. It's very laid back and open to all types of people. There is a place for everyone here.
Engineering is a very difficult major to get into compared to other majors offered. Make sure your application is unique, last year around 80,000 people applied and there are under 9,000 freshman so its competitive. If you're accepted its a great school. Research dorms and clubs before moving in, theres so many its hard to keep up with all the options in the first week when school starts. Also, definitely a good idea to use to find your own roommate option when applying for housing. Random roommate selections are hit-or-miss.
Plenty of challenging assignments, but have yet to come across a situation which in which I didn't have enough time to complete course work. Plenty of extra curricular activities offered, and plenty of time to participate in them.
Santa Catalina (FT) has strong party reputation. Santa Cruz in the Catalina five set of dorms is the nicest as it was renovated two years ago. The Catalina five are calmer and closer to the beach, but still have a wide variety of people and things to do.
DLG is great, only downside is they don't offer breakfast and brunch on weekends isn't open early. Ortega has breakfast but less options than the DLG. Carillo has a soft serve ice cream machine, and Portola has a bad reputation but I haven't ever eaten there. Unlimited buffet style dining with good food and service makes it incredibly easy to overeat though.
Beach is 100 ft from the Santa Cruz dorms. Many good surf spots either walking distance or a bike ride away. Lots of events in Isla Vista such as the Pardall Carnival. The outdoor adventure club offers access to many fun outdoor activities. Tons of clubs to participate in, snow club takes ski trips throughout winter. Dorms also plan many social events right at the dorm halls.
Cheaper than a private school, and with the recent rankings placing UCSB at 8th nationally for a public university, and 8th in California for all public and private universities, its definitely worth the investment. There's cheaper schools out there but they don't offer the education UCSB does, not to mention UCSB's location is second to none. Housing costs seem a lot better priced when the dorms are beachfront, as opposed to near the cows like at Davis.
Its customary to sneak tortillas into soccer games and throw them onto the field like frisbees when a goal is scored. Many houses in IV also like to water balloon large groups of freshman as they walk by. Bike theft is common.
People who like the beach Plenty of options for both silent and group studying Strong social scene plays to extroverts
Abundance of clubs and activities on campus and in IV. If you look for it, its easy to keep a full schedule of fun activities. Some clubs are pricey, but come with great perks.
More laid back than other colleges, but frat guys still don't really party with GDIs. plenty of options here for those who choose to rush.
Students working as CSO's are available 24/7 to escort other students if the students feel unsafe. There is also a campus alert program that sends out notifications whenever crime occurs on campus or in IV.