University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

I love this school for many reasons, the most important being the "vibe" of the school and the school's status as one of the top universities in the world.

Coming from a high school of less than 300 kids, the size of UCSB was a big shocker for me. If you're in a similar situation, I would highly recommend enrolling in the Freshman Summer Start program the summer before your freshman year. It allows you to make friends and ease into college in a smaller setting, making your freshman year that much more enjoyable. Now, as a junior, I can't imagine myself at any other college. I consider myself a very academic person. At UCSB, I have many opportunities to excel, all while living near a relaxed, "beachy" atmosphere. It's really the best of both worlds.

The student are smart. A lot of the programs offered at UCSB are top tier, The Economics department has a very good faculty. Beautiful campus, students, and scenery. There is an astonishing level of school pride and involvement in the school system. Everyone studies hard, but they party harder. Isla Vista, the surrounding town around UCSB, is exactly what you would imagine as a college town. you wont find a town next to the beach with this much freedom.

UCSB is not only a place that gives young students the opportunity to learn from outstanding professors. It is a full-fledged research institutions that provides Gauchos with the tools needed to shape their own education. Students can undertake individual research seminars, and the campus library system is well-connected with other universities. It is part of a UC-wide scholastic system that allows students to rent books from other UC campuses. One cannot attend UCSB without acknowledging its research facilities and academic opportunities.

I love UCSB because of its natural beauty and its beaches. Unfortunately, some of the beaches have tar on them because of the oil rigs out in the ocean, but still it is nice to be able to hear the sound of the ocean while you are studying. I think this school is the perfect size because it is large enough that you meet new people everyday and it is small enough that you see people you know around campus everyday. Unfortunately, I spend most of my time on campus in my dorm room because that is where I study, but on some weekends my friends and I go to the beach. Isla Vista is a big college town with about 22,000 college kids in a one square mile area. Its a little run down, but it is where all the college students hang during the week. I personally choose not to live there, so if you also would not want to live in Isla Vista, there are many other housing choices close to campus. Our school does not have a football team, but we love soccer. One unusual thing we do at soccer games is throw tortillas onto the field everytime our team gets a goal. Just beware because I have been hit in the head with a tortilla many times. Overall, I love UCSB and I wouldn't have chosen to go to school any where else.

I did not know a lot about schools when I was applying and truly wanted to go to UCLA. Unfortunately, I did not get accepted, but I am happy I didn't because now I am at UCSB. The campus is gorgeous with a view of the lagoon and within walking distance to the beach. So if you have time in between classes, you can go sit out in the sun and get some work done. Several of our disciplines/majors are well recognized and nationally ranked--including Environmental Studies, Geography, & Chemical Engineering. There are resources for all of your needs and many clubs to help you meet people and do things. Teachers and teach assistants are always willing to help you out with your understanding of classes and even adjusting to a college climate.

I only applied to three colleges my senior year of high school (not the smartest decision I've ever made), and this school was my top pick. Luckily, it was also the only school I got into and so far, I absolutely love it. It's right next to the beach, the weather is absolutely beautiful, and Isla Vista (the town where the majority of students live) is directly adjacent the campus and walking distance from most classes. There's also a massive bike culture here, the majority of students prefer to ride bikes to class along the numerous bike paths on campus. The most common complaints that tend to circulate through the students are involved with not being able to get required classes due to budget cuts (a problem happening throughout many UC's) and the high rent, poor conditions, and often horrible landlords you have to deal with in Isla Vista.

First of all, the location right on the coast makes for great views of the sunrise and sunset over the Pacific Ocean. That's something that I have loved about my time here and will surely miss next year when I'm gone. Second, the people here are great. I don't think that I have been anywhere else where the people are always friendly and ready to converse. The atmosphere is very easygoing and accepting.

Don't live on DP because you will ruin your GPA. get yourself a house with few like minded people in IV close to campus and DP. you will have the best of both worlds.

The best thing about UCSB is the endless possibilities and opportunities it offers. This university resolves to keep itself on the cutting-edge of research to offer students the most current and relevant research on their subject. UCSB is situated in a spectacular location, which is often what attracts students to the campus the most. It is the only campus in the entire country that has its own beach, which provides recreational opportunities of course, but also offers educational opportunities as it allows for ease of access for environmental studies majors or marine biologists. Students - and even the administration - have a lot of pride for this campus. I spent most of my time on campus at the Arbor, a student square located right by the library with restaurants, stores, and shady spots to hang out or study.