Jeremybeach

Hey!

I am new to california since May (technically been living here for welll over a year, but was attending an out of state school.....and now at cc..ugh!)

My question is:

(or are, rather)

What makes SB unique in comparison to the other UC's? Have people chosen it over berkeley or ucla? I know some people consider this an easy admit UC, but I'm pretty sure the 18,000 students that go there don't care! But why should I?

You know what I mean?

Oh also, how is the social life? I'm not a crazy partier, but I'm not an introvert by any means and need people to talk to! Just like a parrot

What do you guys think?

I'd be coming in as prob a spanish major.

Djokovic

1. great location
2. great weather
3. decent UC education
4. slightly more diverse

yishyosh

a decent UC education that is quickly rising. UCSB is a school on the rise, which is also something to consider. And it is pretty diverse, ethnicity-wise and socio-economically.

tjdabeast

Public school and still top 2% university nationally.
Beautiful and wonderful people.
Loving the professors and staff so far.
FREE BUS RIDE TO DOWNTOWN/around town and downtown is really gorgeous!

Ryan1119

One of my best friends chose UCSB over Berkeley and UCLA.

DrAhumada

I have quite a few friends that turned down LA/Berkeley to come here. Saying UCSB has a "decent education" is stupid. You could argue it has a better education that LA/Berkeley (of course, not as much prestige, and it depends on a lot of factors), but really, you could get a great education at a library if you really wanted to do that. Anywhere you go, how much you learn is mostly dependent on yourself. But UCSB is very big on giving you the tools necessary to succeed here. You have a ton of resources at your disposal to maximize your education.

LA/Berkeley are great schools, though. Not trying to bash on them at all, they really are fantastic places to go. If you want a good social life, and don't want to party, UCLA might be a good choice (minus the frats, there really little partying in LA). There's a lot to do in LA. Berkeley is just overall a cool place, its where I'm from, and there's some pretty beautiful regional parks around that area if you're interested in that kind of stuff.

Just pick somewhere you can be happy. I think any of these schools are great choices, it just really depends on the person.

WCF

Remember, even if you're not a party type of person, you can still enjoy your experience over here at UCSB.

We have lots of people here who don't party, drink, have casual sex, etc. They are a very underrepresented group when our reputation is considered. I don't do any of that stuff, but I still have fun on the weekends and haven't had any problems finding friends that share similar interests. There's never "nothing to do," even if you don't party. The school actually does a pretty good job of putting on non-alcohol related events each weekend for our students.

Don't listen to the whole "party school" thing. It implies we're just one big homogeneous group of crazy, drunk college kids. But with 20,000 kids, probably ten times as big as your high school, it's impossible to stereotype us.

kaoandres

Look, all schools have their specialties. I originally chose UCSB over UCLA because it has a better cheme program. However, a few things I want to add that I experienced during my time here. The weather is great, thats no doubt. There is a beach, people are great and there is a college town which consists of more than 90% students (I believe). You have markets and several places to dine and hang out. You have the opportunity to choose between partying or not partying. The professors are approachable and there are several research internships available for you.
I know, UCSB is a party school and I'm sure you heard of that many times. However, It is your choice if you want to party, not everyone here is a party animal.

In response to the post above:
I believe our graduates might have a better advantage because at least we know how to handle drinking as well as studying.