University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

Yes, for the most part many do fit the stereotype of smoking a lot and being almost too laid back. It is a place where people come specifically for that atmosphere. They come here to smoke and drink on the beach.

Not really. Sure, the campus definitely has a laid-back feel to it, and most people I've encountered are pretty friendly. And, yeah, pot isn't exactly frowned upon by most people (you just need to look at the crowd on 4/20 for confirmation). But people here are still serious about their futures and their educations. You can't exactly run a university where nobody cares about their grades, you know? And the college stereotypes are marginally accurate. Crown is a lot more anti-social than, say, Cowell, for example. But I imagine the stereotypes are fading more as the UC takes in more and more students.

To an extent.

for the most part, yes

Students are known for being granola eating, foul smelling, stoner hippies. I'm not gonna lie, they exists in great numbers. But what most people don't know is that hippies and "normal" people live side by side in perfect laid-back harmony...just don't get sucked in and you'll be fine.

There are a lot of protests, but not all students get involved in them. The rallies are helpful because they remind the student body that we can always voice our opinions. Many students do get high and drink, but what college doesn't have that. When in class, I do not encounter a lot of high people. They usually take the day off from school.

Yes and no. UCSC is a wonderful, very notable university and one of the best when it comes to biology, anthropology and astrophysics. We also have a stellar computer science major in addition to one of the best Latin American and Latino Studies departments. Being an anthropology major I can attest to how amazing that department in. For grad students it is one of the most prestigious in America. As for the hippie thing, you'd be surprized how many aren't hippies. I came hear looking forward to the hippie culture, but instead got a whole lot of other cultures that don't include the term "hippie." If you look hard enough, though, you can find people who are authentically interested in alternative lifestyles, such as those who work on the organic farms or gardens. As for the pot, well, its kinda unavoidable no matter where you go, so I can't really say. I, personally, don't smoke, but I do know people that do. It's no worse hear than at any other college. And there aren't so many protests as demonstrations. Protests can get violent so people have been doing more silent, peaceful demonstrations. But our protesting history, that's a whole other can of worms.

I would say in some instances this could be true, in a sense it really is, but we truly are a great college and one that strives for success and for our degrees. We like to have fun just as much as anyone else, but we also try our hardest to reach our goals. I would say it's a diverse cultural atmosphere and the people are allowed to be who they want, when they want.

Nooo no no. Sure, there is some percent of the student body that abides by certain stereotypes, but what college campus doesn't? From my experience, UCSC students are mellow, down to earth, smart individuals who like the small town feel of the campus and appreciate the beautiful scenery they're so lucky to study in.

No. There are some slackers, like any college, but they don't succeed. There are a lot of hippies, but there are a lot of serious students as well.