University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

The worst thing about my school is the reputation it has as a party school. Yes it is true that there are plenty of parties however, students here do not revolve their lives around partying. UC Santa Barbara is a serious research university and students do come here to learn. I feel as though the reputation stears people away and demeans the education we recieve here. This is unjust because the students here work hard and enroll in challenging courses.

The worst thing I consider at my school as in any of other UC campuses is the frustration we have to go through to get into a class. It is really hard to get all the classes that we want because they get full so fast and sometimes we have to crash other classes that we do not need or want. The budget crisis has definetly affected many students not only in California but also the entire country. This what I consider the worst thing about my school.

The worst thing about my school is that people seem to be guarded, and I believe that's because they also feel out of place and a little lost. However, I think that is a ubiquitous problem in most colleges, and not just mine. That guarded nature tends to prevent a lot of interaction, whether it be in the classroom or on a personal level.

It would probably have to be the lack of classes available to students in need. Because of the debt California is in, the University seems like it is suffering in terms of quality of classes (increase in the size of classes) as well as variety.

While many students balance the academics and social aspect of Santa Barbara well, some students chose to spend their college education partaking in substance abusing activities. While drinking and smoking are found on almost every college campus, some students choose to go overboard by partying every night. I personally choose not to involve these unhealthy activities and substances in my life. Maintaing a healthy social life is important, but my education is my number goal while attending UC Santa Barbara.

The school is too researched based

The very worst thing about this school is the intense party reputation. Many students continue partying even when it may be detrimental to their education. The focused students may not get the full college experience at a school where the partying is so predominant. There are many who focus very hard, but the number of partiers, and intensity of the parties create a distracting environment.

The worst thing about my school are the skunks and the raccoons. Though they are usually, harmless, the fact that they're there and are lurking behind bushes at night just give me the fright.

The worst thing about the school is probably the parties. There is a few wild parties on campus especially during the weekends. It can get crazy depending where you are at.

The focus is slowly being shifted from the students and teaching to research. UC's are seen as great research institutions which is wonderful and research is important, but students pursuing undergraduate degrees are seen as so much less when compared with the potential for research. I believe that teaching and research are great characteristics of this institution that I'm blessed enough to attend. But I hope the importance of the individuals education does not fall much farther from it's current position when compared with research.

The worst aspect of my school has to be the partying. It is distracting and can often lead to unintended visitors that prohibit studying . This occurs often enough to become a problem not just with my roommates and myself but with the entire campus.

The worst thing about UCSB is the same as one of its best things--it takes a ton of dedication to be able to walk along the beach on a beautiful day and resist the temptation to blow off class and school work and enjoy the day instead! You really can't complain about much here...beautiful place, great education, fun environment. It is unfortunate how classes can be HUGE--I'm in one that is 750 students! It is rare to form a personal relationship with a professor unless you take the time to go to office hours.

The worst thing about UCSB is all the cuts. Lately there have been so many budget cuts, which snowball effect into a lot more cuts. We are losing many of our T.A.s, which mean bigger class sizes, or less classes available. We are also going to lose a ton of our C.L.A.S. tutoring workshops offered. It's just very sad to see so many opportunities being taken away from the students here.

Sometimes the drinking and partying can be overwhelming and hard to say no.

Too much partying sometimes.

The worst thing about my school, UCSB, is that it is just so much fun. You have to literally tear yourself away from the extra-curricular activities to complete your studies. Since, this is my senior year, I have quite a bit of experience on knowing how to set my priorities. Just say no to alcohol and drugs, and you can enjoy all of the better things in university life, and still be able to get all your studying and assignments done...without frying your brain.

The reputation it has for being a "party school". I feel that this turns a lot of students away. But after being there for a year, you learn that UCSB is only a party school for those who make it one. If your intention is only to study without going out on the weekends to drink, there are plenty of other students who are on the same boat with you. If you ever think you're alone, be aware that there is always someone there who feels the same way you do.

The University of California, Santa Barbara is isolated from civilization. There aren't enough establishments around the area which makes it difficult to apply for jobs within walking distance from the residential area.

Registering for classes is difficult due to the registration system. Popular classes fill up fast, but determination and crashing can get you a long way. Also, undergraduate advisors are really helpful at getting students the classes they need for their majors.

It's too hard to go to class when the weather is really good. It Hurts your grades a little bit.