University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

UCSB is a good-sized school. The campus is pretty small compared to a lot of the other UCs so it's easy to get around quickly. If I could change anything about UCSB it'd be out reputation. When you say UCSB, most people automatically think of a party school. I've even had a professor say it may damage our chances of getting some jobs because we won't be taken seriously. Which is ridiculous because, at least speaking for myself, I go to class, I study, and I get good grades. We are still part of the UC system which should say something.

The best thing about UCSB is its location. The fact that it is on the beach makes this campus ten times more awesome (not that it isn't already). If I had to change something, I would definitely make nursing an option as a major at our school. It is something that I am highly interested in and I wish it would be offered at UCSB. When I first decided to come to UCSB most people were excited for me because the UC is a highly recognized system for its academics. However, there were a few people who thought of it as "just a party school", but after being here for almost three years, I know that this is simply not the case.

The best thing about UCSB is the more laid back atmosphere and the people who are so well rounded. They are people you can have a highly intellectual and highly fun conversation with all in one day. The school may seem big at first but I have come to realize that i see tons of people i know on campus, on the bike paths, in IV and class each day. UCSB or better IV is the most unique and ultimate college town.

The location of UCSB is one of the best aspects about the campus. If I would change one thing, it would be that the administration would be as friendly and nice and helpful as the students. When I tell other people that I attend UCSB, I find that they react in an envious manner. I spend most of my time on campus at the Student Resource Building, one of the newer facilities on campus. Most all of the students that attend UCSB live in Isla Vista which is THE college town. Unfortunatly there is not much school pride within UCSB, however within the Greek system, you will find the most outgoing people.

I think the best thing about UCSB besides our location (of course) would be the people I've met so far. Being in a sorority helped that part of my life out a ton, but I feel like due to such a relaxing atmosphere everyone including my friends are very laid back and easy going. We enjoy where we are and are just enjoying life at our beautiful college. I love the fact that we have a relatively small campus compared to other UC's and public schools. I feel like we are our own community and the fact that we have Isla Vista helps that out even more. Our college town is just what you would imagine, local shops, bikes everyone, tons good times and a great vibe - We respect where we live, and being at such an environmental school makes us appreciate our surroundings that much more. My professors have all been great, (at least those I've had the courage to speak too!) and the T.A's are extremely helpful. Once students begin to enter upper division classes is where you really become close with professors and actually begin to feel the college class room experience. One down fall is that we don't have a football team, but our Gaucho Loco's make up for that at almost every sporting event. Lacrosse has become one of my new favorite sports, not only that but soccer games, volley ball games and water polo games are super fun to attend! We cheer loud, and represent our school just as if we were in a huge stadium cheering for a football team. This school honestly couldn't get any better if I had hand picked its attributes myself, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

UCSB is just right in size. Since it the university is becoming increasingly academically acclaimed each year (competing with UCLA), people are impressed to hear I go here. I spend most of my time at the library when I'm on campus; however since I live about a minute bike ride from campus I usually spend most of my time studying at home. UCSB is in Isla Vista, the typical college town. The administration in the political science department is exceptional and many of the professors are nationally and internationally known political scientists, researchers, and authors. Even though we do not have a football team and our other spectator sports team aren't necessarily the best, there is tons of school pride at UCSB - there is always support for the sports teams and academic events/achievements. For example when our mens soccer team won the national championship last year, students went wild here at home and threw a goal post into the ocean in celebration.

Honestly, I could not ask for a better school. This is as close to perfect as you can get. You meet someone new everyday, and that is what I love most about this campus. People care. They are interested in you and will make an effort to show it. Joining the Greek system has definitely made a huge impact on my life as well. I am open to many more opportunities and meeting more people than I would normally. There is tremendous school pride at UCSB. I mean honestly, why wouldn't there be? You can't beat this.

I love UCSB! I love how it offers the complete college experience whether it's the parties, surfing, competitive academics, or student involvement, UCSB offers it all and then some.

The best thing at UCSB is simply its location. Besides being in sunny southern california and directly on the beach, ucsb is located in isla vista. For those of you who do not know, isla vista is a college town for college students only. Th location of the university offers a unique and opportunistic environment for its students.

The best thing about UCSB is the location and the weather... who can beat beach days in February and the laid back atmosphere Santa Barbara presents. The size of the school is perfect, and as a greek, the community involvement and cohesiveness is incredible. I spend most of my time at the SRB on campus... it's a study area for students with multiple computer labs, relaxing areas, and it is also the center for all of the extra curricular groups. The biggest recent controversy was the "juicy campus" outbreak.... school pride is big if we are winning ie. soccer (National Champs) and things like that. Something cool about UCSB? Jack Johnson went here and sings about it in his songs :-)

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!