University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

There is very little racial diversity on this campus, however, I feel that in terms of religion, LGBT, and socio-economic status, the diversity is more apparent. I believe that an African-American republican student who drove a Hummer would feel out of place on this campus. Most students dress very casually in class (sometimes too casually). Different types of students do not really seem to interact. UCSC students are almost exclusively from California-- and all parts. The most prevalent financial background is middle class. Students, in general, are politically aware and active. There are a number of students who are completely apathetic and a smaller group who are intensely active in a political sense. Students at UCSC are by and large liberal. I rarely hear students discussing their projected incomes.

Many groups on campus are autonomous yet they seem to get along. there may be some racial tension among blacks and everyone else because they are literally the smallest "mainstream" minority on campus and they feel like everyone else has it beter than them. LBGT individuals are actually accepted on this campus by most everyone. A lot of students here aren't religious. the ones that are have found their own niche of like minded students who they get along with. differences in socio-economic status are kind of hard to point the finger on. people can tell if someone is a santa cruz local, if they're from the bay or if they came from southern california. there is a good mix of people from differing regions of the state and from various socio-economic backgrounds. most people don't care about your "affiliations" such as these. as long as you're chill, like to have a good time and don't cause drama they will like you. a student that would feel out of place is a very conservative-conservative person. Many people voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential primaries. most kids from socal often feel out of place if they don't give the school a chance. the weather is very variable but the staples in most student's wardrobe is a UCSC sweatshirt, a coat/jacket, jeans, SANDALS. boots (uggs and imitations..also rainboots) it rains a lot so most kids aren't really trying to impress. when it gets sunny the women show a lot of skin. some kids even wear sandals in the rain! The mos prevalent financial backgrounds seem to be working to lower middle class and upper middle class. it's kind of hard to tell because everyone looks pretty much on the same level. you can definitely tell who the urban city kids because a lot of them wear visible brand names. again, most students are from the bay area or southern california. everyone says they're from L.A even if they're from the valley, northridge, etc. some people even say they're from L.A. when they're from like san diego or something. people up north represent their cities. if they're from SF they will say SF. if they're from somewhere else that is what they say. lots of santa cruz locals as well, and there are very few people from out of state.

Racially, UCSC is not the most diverse campus. About 55{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the university is white, while only 3{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or so is black, leaving the rest of the percentage to other races, the largest portions of which being Asian/Pacific Islander and Latino/a. As for religion, it isn't really discussed much, so I think people who are really religious have a hard time finding spaces to discuss it on campus. I know there are numerous resources for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim students, but beyond that it is pretty limited. As for LGBTQ students, there is a resource center and, as a queer student, I would say there is a generally friendly atmosphere on campus. I have heard of a few problems, but mostly it is a very accepting school of LGBTQ students. Statistically, this school has the highest family income than any other school in the UC system. That means a lot of students here have their education paid for by their parents. As someone who is financially independent from her parents, I can say that my experience is very rare and sometimes it can be frustrating. Usually students wear jeans, flip flops and sweat shirts to class, nothing fancy. I would say that different types of students interact well. Most UCSC students are either from the LA/San Diego area or the Bay Area, as well as the Central Valley. There is a small international student population, as well. Students are generally politically active and aware and are definitely predominantly left politically.

Not racially diverse. Great for LGBTQI students! Very upper middle class. Intensely conservative students might feel a bit out of place at times. Most students are from Southern CA or the Bay area it seems, primarily Californians.

I was on the GLBTI floor freshman year. I loved it and was an eye opening experience. Students are pretty laid back about attire for class. An unfortunate aspect of UCSC is that the college seperated therefore I feel like we dont get to meet as many people as we could and people tend to hang out with people from their college.

UCSC is filled with various organizations and clubs. There is something for everyone. I can imagine that a very high-maintenance, big city type of person would feel out of place at UCSC, due to it's slow paced, laid back kind of feel. Most people at UCSC have some sort of financial aid or loans. The students are mainly from Northern CA and some from Southern CA, with few out of state and international students. Some students are very politically involved, while others are not. Students don't seem to be too concern with money or at least dont talk about it on a regular basis.

there are a lot of white people on campus. then asians. i rarely see blacks most students are from LA and nor cal (san franc) students are very politically involved. there are protests held often.

Not very diverse, lots of middle class white kids.

They are extremely one-sided and pretty much hate everyone who isn't them. A republican, someone who bathes, and someone who is involved with sports and greek orgs would feel out of place. Most students wear very beat up clothing to class. Some different types of students interact. There is the hippie table, the punks, the lesbian/gays, the liberals, and then the people who are just there to hang out and relax. Most students are in the first three tables. A lot of the financial backgrounds of these students are low-income but there is a wide range of low-mid-high income. Oh these students are very politically aware and active. more than any other campus. They are predominantly so far left you can't even see the center. Most of these students do not think about how much they will earn.

Anyone can find a place to fit in at UCSC. I dont think anyone would feel alone or friendless, its just not possible here.