Kylie
One of the best things about my school is the people. We have such a diverse community, with people from all over the country and the world. Also, to be completely honest, UC Santa Barbara is the epitome of "work hard, play hard." We're known as being a party school, and I will admit that things get pretty wild on the weekends. But the people that you see walking down Del Playa Drive at 2 in the morning are the same people that you'll see going to office hours and spending their whole day studying in the library.
Steven
The best thing about the school is the environment. Everyone lives very close to each other, and you get this sense of community that you would not get anywhere else. Nowhere for the rest of your life are you going to live within walking distance of all of your friends. This allows stronger friendship and relationships to be formed than anywhere else.
Rachel
The best thing about UCSB is is how social the students are! Everyone is very welcoming and there is always somethig that is going on. In the dorms everyone has their door open just waiting for someone to walk in and chat.
Dylan
The greatest thing about UCSB is the campus' commitment to innovation in student life and campus amenities.
Abigail
The best thing about this school is both the location (right next to the beach - it's gorgeous) and the College of Creative Studies, where I'm a student. I would definitely check it out. Also, the many friends I've made since coming here.
Natalie
Though there is always room for improvement, my school has a very strong sense of community. This was further demonstrated when we experienced a very tragic event a few months ago that took the lives of six of our fellow peers. Staff, Faculty, students, residents and community members including alumni from all over the world came together in solidarity.
Sandra
The University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) sits right in front of the scenic ocean, and in the beautiful and scerene city of Santa Barbara; this makes for a pleasant location to study. Although Santa Barbara, by many interested soon-to-be freshman undergraduates, may be known as a party school, UCSB provided me the option of knowing many students who were committed about their studies and at the same time jovial in their nature. Living almost 3 hours away from home was difficult initially and albeit this life changing fact, UCSB helped me grow in every aspect.
Patrick
The university is located in a beautiful location so as long as you can maintain focus on your studies you will never have to worry about getting too stressed. Also, when it comes to the sciences, UCSB is a exceptional school that will serve you well.
Jason
By far the best thing about UCSB is the atmopshere. By its very nature, it inspires academic succsess involvement in undergraduate research. The professors and TAs are superb and really care about us students, and there are many academic institutions that exist to make undergraduate life the best it can be. The atmopshere is augumented by the sense of purpose in the students, staff, and teachers.
Winnie
The people and the location. The people value education but know how to balance it with other activites. I feel like they have a good outlook on life because they do not stress too much over school. The location adds to the students ability to relax and to realize there are other things in life that do not revolve around school and grades.
Nareg
Excellent campus environment, with a beautiful weather and many assistance services available to the student. The library is open 24/7 and students can always get the help they need with the multitude of services provided to them on campus.
Bianca
The opportunity to try different things and have new experiences, be it socially, academically, culturally and professionally.
Jason
The atmosphere of the college is very laid back, friendly, and inviting. Studies are equally emphasized with the relaxed beach atmosphere.
Carly
Interestingly, my favorite part about the school was outside the school itself. It was extremely easy to get away from life troubles, especially if one didn't want to drown them in alcohol, which was unfortunately common. The pristine beach environment was my savior--sometimes a walk along the bluffs or a moonlit stroll in the soft sand was the best way to reboot. It was so easy to be alone and decompress in nature, and I always felt safe, even at night. I actually discovered my spirituality in this way, and now turn to nature to relive my anxiety.
marissa
UCSB is able to maintain high academic standards while still having a laid back atmosphere. Being a top research university, UCSB courses are difficult and require lots of studying. Competition is present on campus but remains in the classrooms. The relaxed ambiance is preserved because of the perfect balance between academics and extracurriculars, on and off campus. The location also helps with relieving stress.
Lauren
The best thing is the location. We are located on a penninsula on the pacific ocean and being able to smell the ocean breeze while riding your bike to class in shorts and a tank top on a beautiful day is incredible. Another wonderful thing about the university is its outstanding reputation because when you are on such a beautiful campus going to class it's hard to beleive you are getting an education from a school that's world renowned for its research and will be very well respected when you hand a future emplyorer your degree.
Brigit
The best thing about my school has to be the community on campus. Everyone is so optimistic and so vivacious. It gives the campus a good vibe and makes you enjoy each and everyday. It makes it so easy to socialize, and meet new people everyday.
Celyse
Location. Beach is right there, weather is about 70 degrees and sunny most of the time so going to class isn't hard. People are happy, positive, and upbeat most of the time which keeps your mood upbeat. Most professors are awsome too!
Ilan
The Physics Department is excellent, especially in the College of Creative Studies
Sara
I think the best thing about my school is the campus and around it. It's important to feel comfortable in you're college, it has to have the potential to be your home away from home. UCSB is right next to the beach, the campus is always clean and environmentaly friendly. Isla Vista, the community right next to the school is perfect for just hanging out afterschool or on weekends with lots of places to eat, all walking distance.