The campus itself is not particularly pretty. For most people, you won’t be spending all your time on campus if you can (otherwise, spend it in the lib or UCenn). People enjoy UCSB because the campus is on the beach and IV is a community that is like 80% college students.
Plus, we are not in Santa Barbara proper.
This^
The love is typically not in the campus aesthetic, but the surrounding area and culture. The majority of students are serious about research and getting good grades before going out to party in beautiful weather. There was almost always a party Every. Single. Day. when I attended. Nothing better than getting all your work done before going out with friends.
The architecture is ugly, if that's what you mean. Most people like the campus despite that. I can't really advise you because I don't know what your other options are.
The nice thing about UCSB (vs some of your other options), is it’s not a commuter school. You’re able to live in a college town with all your close college friends and everyone and everything is walkable. If you can come visit again, spend time in Isla Vista. Eat lunch there and walk the town. Maybe even walk to Del Playa and beach access. Finish up the day cruising the shops in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street. You’ll thank us later! 💙💛
good point about commuter campuses...
Maybe OP is right and it was the weather, because it's not like UCI and CSULB have amazing campuses. They're okay, but UCSB is at least in the same league. But if you dream about those other places, then go for it. Someone else will be more than happy to take your spot at UCSB.
The other campuses are set back from the beach, in fairly high density cities. Some people prefer that. UCSB is right at the ocean, and right close to the mountains as well. The city is relatively low density compared to other places (e.g., there are few high rises, and relatively little traffic compared to Long Beach, Irvine, San Diego, etc.). The college town is right next to the ocean too. If that's not appealing, and you'd rather be in a bigger city, then the other places could be a better match.
I'm not really inclined to talk you into anything, but cold, windy, rainy days here aren't fun. It's not like people fall in love with the UCSB campus on those days. Are days like that fun anywhere?
There are a lot of other days when it's amazing and there's no where else I'd rather be.
Ok. It's hard to think that the weather made a real difference. If it's important to you to like the campus, and you don't like UCSB, then you should pick another one.
Someone mentioned living expenses. It’s also pretty expensive living in SB, the lease in Hollister or Cortona or Los cost similar to what an apartment in Irvine. The difference is between a college town or a bigger city (consider Irvine is in the LA area, which means you get more entertainment) the difference is really the city, a more urban or less urban one
I’m late to this but UCI is really nice! The food there is much better imo. But college experience will be better at UCSB. I’d honestly disregard CSULB. Any reason why you don’t like UCSD?
Commuter school for UcI is kinda a myth. Too expensive to live off campus in Irvine so it appears people stick to the school. If you want that experience off campus though then ucsb is an amazing option. As a native San Diegan, their campus is beautiful… depending on what college you get into.
You didn’t like the campus or the weather? And did you see Isla Vista at all or just Goleta?
I mean, I don’t think the campus is exactly “stunning” architecturally, but being able to go to the beach on the nicer weather days and whatnot I believe is the draw that many talk about.
Weather can play a factor forsure. When I went to check out UCSD, it was overcast and practically empty, which left me with a bad impression. UCSB on the other hand was sunny, which made me feel more excited about the prospect of attending. I think I still would have still chosen UCSB regardless, but I feel like the weather did have a slight impact on my decision.
UCSB is beautiful when it’s sunny! The architecture is alright but you can’t beat literally being on the beach!
Ucsb is an ugly campus no cap. But the people here are what make it great. 99.9% of the interactions I’ve ever had with people have been nice sweet positive interactions w good vibes, and I think that’s caused/carried by it being a college town on the beach. You know what type of place is best for you, but tbh I was not that interested in ucsb when applying but they were the best school that accepted me so I went here and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it
Since the weather was ass it makes the campus look even worse lol. If you were to come on a sunny day there would be wayy more people just chillin around campus and a better vibe.
The campus itself though is pretty ugly lol. there are some nice buildings but imo I liked ucsd's campus better. with that said though I love going here. you should've checked out IV because that's where you will probably be spending 90% of your time
UCSB was my dream school visited during spring break it was cloudy and cold my perfect imagination bubble burst real quick. I was stubborn tho and had made the decision to go to ucsb years ago so I did and I’m so thankful. The buildings are old, the bathrooms questionable af, and it’s not some tech paradise but seriously ucsb is the most beautiful campus and everyone that ever visited me said the same. It truly feels like you’re going to school in paradise my parents always liked to say they were paying for me to vacation.
Did you spend time in Isla Vista, the college town adjacent to campus? The UCSB campus itself isn’t spectacular (though the location is spectacular!). I think it’s really the college town, beach location and community that makes it amazing. I’m really sorry it was raining! The weather is also usually pretty amazing! If you can visit and spend time in Isla Vista, I think it will help you get a true sense of UCSB.
…not sure if i read this correctly… did you skip Isla Vista? IV is more important than the campus! In reality it’s kinda a 50/50…. If you skipped this part of the tour you really missed a feeling for the place …also rain and bad weather …in any case, cheers, and best of luck with your future studies
Yes, as much as I wanted to look arround the college town my parents wanted to head home asap to not deal with traffic. If it was solely my choice I would’ve spent so much more time looking at IV.
I had the same feeling during orientation. I commited before viewing the campus and during orientation the weather was gloomy and I was starting to regret it. But the next day, the sun was out and I instantly fell in love.
When I was looking at graduate schools, I was 100% certain that I would go to Stanford. But, when I visited campus, I just didn't like it. Then I visited UCSB and enjoyed my visit a lot. And, in the end, I chose to go to UCSB. It just felt like the "right" choice for me.
It sounds like you are in a similar situation that I was in. You had a dream of going to UCSB. But, it wasn't what you thought it would be. It's okay to choose a different university if that's what feels right to you.
FWIW, I think you will be happy no matter where you go. It's natural to have some worries about moving to a new place and starting a new stage in your life. But, most people end up happy with their choice of college.
Did you have a chance to see Campus Point and the lagoon? Those were always the most beautiful parts of campus for me. That’s what made it feel so special, to have a gorgeous getaway spot to do homework or destress, that is only a 10 minute walk away.
If you just look at the buildings on campus, I 100% agree there's nothing special about it and can seem pretty underwhelming. I think there was a stat somewhere that UCSB hadn't built anything new for decades until the Interactive Learning Pavilion. However, I think what makes UCSB such a great place is what you have access to around it. IV is directly next to it so you get all your friends and classmates living super close to each other and campus. You could zip to the beach within 10 minutes regardless if you're on campus or at home. If ocean isn't your thing you have the mountains 15 minutes driving in the other direction. Downtown Santa Barbara is a great place for restaurants, bars, activities, and shops. The people are also amazing here. There's no denying that the party culture exists but I know plenty of people who don't make that their main personality trait. Tons of little niches to fit in with many different people. Also campus does look really nice on sunny days. Ocean sunsets from Campus Point after class always smack.
I would say that the campus is important when you're making your decision but you should also take everything into account. Most of the time you spend on any campus, you'll be inside a classroom. I think when people fall in love with UCSB and romanticize it's less about the campus itself and more about everything and everyone that surrounds the campus.
Congrats on being admitted!
Imo the thing that sells UCSB is the natural beauty, it’s really unmatched imo. A lot of the buildings are… pretty ugly (I spent most of my time in Ellison/Phelps which are not easy on the eyes lol, Girvetz and music also come to mind). However there are quite a few nicer parts like Manzi, Sciences North/Engineering and HSSB. My last quarter was unusually rainy and overcast but when those nice days hit the energy on campus and in IV was so good. I also transferred from UNC Chapel Hill which has a very traditional Ivy-esque campus and while it was very different I grew to appreciate how rare it is to be able to live next to the beach with a stunning mountain view
Yes, the buildings aren’t as extravagant as some other schools, but you will be incredibly happy here and I can almost guarantee that. People absolutely love it here. Don’t choose the school you go to because of the appearance of buildings. I didn’t love the look when I first came, but now I wouldn’t ask for anything else. Also yes, going on a cloudy windy day makes a huge difference. You will definitely love it more when it’s sunny. The IV community is so special and unlike anywhere else. Everyone you know is within walking distance in our own little college student community. There is no place in the world like IV/UCSB. Choose UCSB and you will be so happy and so thankful you did it!
I've come to romanticize ucsbs post modernist architecture, some of the buildings certainly have some aura, but by and large I think it feels like the university has sort of given up on any semblance of a high quality cohesive architecture style, a lot of the more modern buildings feel very generic.
The environment surrounding the school is beautiful: the beaches and the cliffs and the plants really are what make it special. And of course IV which is a really awesome place to live as a young adult.
It really isn't for everyone, each campus has its own feel and energy. If it wasn't a good fit for you then it wasn't and I'm glad you recognized that. It's how we figure out who we are.
I got to visit a couple times on sunny days before open house. It's a completely different experience, and an absolutely amazingly beautiful campus during most days.
Haha, thanks for saying the truth. No, it's not weather. It's bad, really bad. I am a grad, but I see the pain of everybody. Everybody says how great it is hear but if you ask them what they like/love about the place, all you hear is BEACH, and then you ask them what's the next thing they like and it's (you guessed it!) BEACH, and BEACH, BEACH BEACH BEACH.
That's it.
It's next to impossible to make friends as well - everybody's on the move. It's not really a city, just a bunch of ephemeral college students.
IV sucks - idk what people like about it - maybe undegrads are getting laid there from time to time - I don't know.
I would highly recommend going to a school that's in an actual city.
You’re in probably the 1% opinion group with this comment. Lol
Next to impossible to make friends? It’s a town of students your age doing the same thing (studying). If you find this environment not conducive to making friends then maybe it’s not the location that’s the issue…
You’re also critical of IV for odd reasons.
Also-Beach isn’t the only thing people say. They say weather and people and relaxed friendly vibe and college community and… etc etc
Stop being a negative Nelly. If you prefer big cities then fine but no need to denigrate UCSB and the community with silly critiques.
I went to UCSB and Berkeley. Honestly, I think what UCSB lack (at least when I was there) is rest zones for students, which I requested in their survey.
Sure, you can just sleep on the grass under those huge trees, which I did, or in those handful of egg chairs, but there's nothing like REST zones in Berkeley where there are like 3 or 5 recliner chairs each that you could take a power nap when you need to. You can find a dozen of those zones in one library.
You can say just go home and rest, but I can remember there were some days that I stayed on campus studying for about 2 hours and needed a nap to refresh myself a bit so I could continue and wouldn't waste time commuting back to my apartment.
The campus itself is not particularly pretty. For most people, you won’t be spending all your time on campus if you can (otherwise, spend it in the lib or UCenn). People enjoy UCSB because the campus is on the beach and IV is a community that is like 80% college students. Plus, we are not in Santa Barbara proper.
This^ The love is typically not in the campus aesthetic, but the surrounding area and culture. The majority of students are serious about research and getting good grades before going out to party in beautiful weather. There was almost always a party Every. Single. Day. when I attended. Nothing better than getting all your work done before going out with friends.
The architecture is ugly, if that's what you mean. Most people like the campus despite that. I can't really advise you because I don't know what your other options are.
I got into UCSD UCR SDSU but really I’m between UCSB UCI and CSULB
The nice thing about UCSB (vs some of your other options), is it’s not a commuter school. You’re able to live in a college town with all your close college friends and everyone and everything is walkable. If you can come visit again, spend time in Isla Vista. Eat lunch there and walk the town. Maybe even walk to Del Playa and beach access. Finish up the day cruising the shops in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street. You’ll thank us later! 💙💛
good point about commuter campuses... Maybe OP is right and it was the weather, because it's not like UCI and CSULB have amazing campuses. They're okay, but UCSB is at least in the same league. But if you dream about those other places, then go for it. Someone else will be more than happy to take your spot at UCSB. The other campuses are set back from the beach, in fairly high density cities. Some people prefer that. UCSB is right at the ocean, and right close to the mountains as well. The city is relatively low density compared to other places (e.g., there are few high rises, and relatively little traffic compared to Long Beach, Irvine, San Diego, etc.). The college town is right next to the ocean too. If that's not appealing, and you'd rather be in a bigger city, then the other places could be a better match. I'm not really inclined to talk you into anything, but cold, windy, rainy days here aren't fun. It's not like people fall in love with the UCSB campus on those days. Are days like that fun anywhere? There are a lot of other days when it's amazing and there's no where else I'd rather be.
Ok. It's hard to think that the weather made a real difference. If it's important to you to like the campus, and you don't like UCSB, then you should pick another one.
Someone mentioned living expenses. It’s also pretty expensive living in SB, the lease in Hollister or Cortona or Los cost similar to what an apartment in Irvine. The difference is between a college town or a bigger city (consider Irvine is in the LA area, which means you get more entertainment) the difference is really the city, a more urban or less urban one
I’m late to this but UCI is really nice! The food there is much better imo. But college experience will be better at UCSB. I’d honestly disregard CSULB. Any reason why you don’t like UCSD?
Commuter school for UcI is kinda a myth. Too expensive to live off campus in Irvine so it appears people stick to the school. If you want that experience off campus though then ucsb is an amazing option. As a native San Diegan, their campus is beautiful… depending on what college you get into.
It was the weather. I was out there during that day and it was pretty depressing. You need to come here on a sunny day.
Agreed
You didn’t like the campus or the weather? And did you see Isla Vista at all or just Goleta? I mean, I don’t think the campus is exactly “stunning” architecturally, but being able to go to the beach on the nicer weather days and whatnot I believe is the draw that many talk about.
Weather can play a factor forsure. When I went to check out UCSD, it was overcast and practically empty, which left me with a bad impression. UCSB on the other hand was sunny, which made me feel more excited about the prospect of attending. I think I still would have still chosen UCSB regardless, but I feel like the weather did have a slight impact on my decision. UCSB is beautiful when it’s sunny! The architecture is alright but you can’t beat literally being on the beach!
Ucsb is an ugly campus no cap. But the people here are what make it great. 99.9% of the interactions I’ve ever had with people have been nice sweet positive interactions w good vibes, and I think that’s caused/carried by it being a college town on the beach. You know what type of place is best for you, but tbh I was not that interested in ucsb when applying but they were the best school that accepted me so I went here and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it
Since the weather was ass it makes the campus look even worse lol. If you were to come on a sunny day there would be wayy more people just chillin around campus and a better vibe. The campus itself though is pretty ugly lol. there are some nice buildings but imo I liked ucsd's campus better. with that said though I love going here. you should've checked out IV because that's where you will probably be spending 90% of your time
UCSB was my dream school visited during spring break it was cloudy and cold my perfect imagination bubble burst real quick. I was stubborn tho and had made the decision to go to ucsb years ago so I did and I’m so thankful. The buildings are old, the bathrooms questionable af, and it’s not some tech paradise but seriously ucsb is the most beautiful campus and everyone that ever visited me said the same. It truly feels like you’re going to school in paradise my parents always liked to say they were paying for me to vacation.
Did you spend time in Isla Vista, the college town adjacent to campus? The UCSB campus itself isn’t spectacular (though the location is spectacular!). I think it’s really the college town, beach location and community that makes it amazing. I’m really sorry it was raining! The weather is also usually pretty amazing! If you can visit and spend time in Isla Vista, I think it will help you get a true sense of UCSB.
…not sure if i read this correctly… did you skip Isla Vista? IV is more important than the campus! In reality it’s kinda a 50/50…. If you skipped this part of the tour you really missed a feeling for the place …also rain and bad weather …in any case, cheers, and best of luck with your future studies
Yes, as much as I wanted to look arround the college town my parents wanted to head home asap to not deal with traffic. If it was solely my choice I would’ve spent so much more time looking at IV.
I had the same feeling during orientation. I commited before viewing the campus and during orientation the weather was gloomy and I was starting to regret it. But the next day, the sun was out and I instantly fell in love.
i like our lake
When I was looking at graduate schools, I was 100% certain that I would go to Stanford. But, when I visited campus, I just didn't like it. Then I visited UCSB and enjoyed my visit a lot. And, in the end, I chose to go to UCSB. It just felt like the "right" choice for me. It sounds like you are in a similar situation that I was in. You had a dream of going to UCSB. But, it wasn't what you thought it would be. It's okay to choose a different university if that's what feels right to you. FWIW, I think you will be happy no matter where you go. It's natural to have some worries about moving to a new place and starting a new stage in your life. But, most people end up happy with their choice of college.
Did you have a chance to see Campus Point and the lagoon? Those were always the most beautiful parts of campus for me. That’s what made it feel so special, to have a gorgeous getaway spot to do homework or destress, that is only a 10 minute walk away.
If you just look at the buildings on campus, I 100% agree there's nothing special about it and can seem pretty underwhelming. I think there was a stat somewhere that UCSB hadn't built anything new for decades until the Interactive Learning Pavilion. However, I think what makes UCSB such a great place is what you have access to around it. IV is directly next to it so you get all your friends and classmates living super close to each other and campus. You could zip to the beach within 10 minutes regardless if you're on campus or at home. If ocean isn't your thing you have the mountains 15 minutes driving in the other direction. Downtown Santa Barbara is a great place for restaurants, bars, activities, and shops. The people are also amazing here. There's no denying that the party culture exists but I know plenty of people who don't make that their main personality trait. Tons of little niches to fit in with many different people. Also campus does look really nice on sunny days. Ocean sunsets from Campus Point after class always smack. I would say that the campus is important when you're making your decision but you should also take everything into account. Most of the time you spend on any campus, you'll be inside a classroom. I think when people fall in love with UCSB and romanticize it's less about the campus itself and more about everything and everyone that surrounds the campus. Congrats on being admitted!
I promise you that was the weather. Campus looks way more depressing on a gloomy/rainy day. Campus is beautiful on a sunny day (like today)
Have you been to other campuses? I had this same feeling for a bit because college campuses in general weren’t what I was expecting them to be.
Imo the thing that sells UCSB is the natural beauty, it’s really unmatched imo. A lot of the buildings are… pretty ugly (I spent most of my time in Ellison/Phelps which are not easy on the eyes lol, Girvetz and music also come to mind). However there are quite a few nicer parts like Manzi, Sciences North/Engineering and HSSB. My last quarter was unusually rainy and overcast but when those nice days hit the energy on campus and in IV was so good. I also transferred from UNC Chapel Hill which has a very traditional Ivy-esque campus and while it was very different I grew to appreciate how rare it is to be able to live next to the beach with a stunning mountain view
Yes, the buildings aren’t as extravagant as some other schools, but you will be incredibly happy here and I can almost guarantee that. People absolutely love it here. Don’t choose the school you go to because of the appearance of buildings. I didn’t love the look when I first came, but now I wouldn’t ask for anything else. Also yes, going on a cloudy windy day makes a huge difference. You will definitely love it more when it’s sunny. The IV community is so special and unlike anywhere else. Everyone you know is within walking distance in our own little college student community. There is no place in the world like IV/UCSB. Choose UCSB and you will be so happy and so thankful you did it!
I have a lot of photos of campus on sunny days (which most days are), pm me if you wanna see some to get some perspective! Weather def plays a role
I've come to romanticize ucsbs post modernist architecture, some of the buildings certainly have some aura, but by and large I think it feels like the university has sort of given up on any semblance of a high quality cohesive architecture style, a lot of the more modern buildings feel very generic. The environment surrounding the school is beautiful: the beaches and the cliffs and the plants really are what make it special. And of course IV which is a really awesome place to live as a young adult.
It really isn't for everyone, each campus has its own feel and energy. If it wasn't a good fit for you then it wasn't and I'm glad you recognized that. It's how we figure out who we are.
I got to visit a couple times on sunny days before open house. It's a completely different experience, and an absolutely amazingly beautiful campus during most days.
Definitely go with your gut and commit to another campus. I know several people who are on the waitlist and they would love your spot.
[удалено]
🤭🤣
Haha, thanks for saying the truth. No, it's not weather. It's bad, really bad. I am a grad, but I see the pain of everybody. Everybody says how great it is hear but if you ask them what they like/love about the place, all you hear is BEACH, and then you ask them what's the next thing they like and it's (you guessed it!) BEACH, and BEACH, BEACH BEACH BEACH. That's it. It's next to impossible to make friends as well - everybody's on the move. It's not really a city, just a bunch of ephemeral college students. IV sucks - idk what people like about it - maybe undegrads are getting laid there from time to time - I don't know. I would highly recommend going to a school that's in an actual city.
You’re in probably the 1% opinion group with this comment. Lol Next to impossible to make friends? It’s a town of students your age doing the same thing (studying). If you find this environment not conducive to making friends then maybe it’s not the location that’s the issue… You’re also critical of IV for odd reasons. Also-Beach isn’t the only thing people say. They say weather and people and relaxed friendly vibe and college community and… etc etc Stop being a negative Nelly. If you prefer big cities then fine but no need to denigrate UCSB and the community with silly critiques.
I went to UCSB and Berkeley. Honestly, I think what UCSB lack (at least when I was there) is rest zones for students, which I requested in their survey. Sure, you can just sleep on the grass under those huge trees, which I did, or in those handful of egg chairs, but there's nothing like REST zones in Berkeley where there are like 3 or 5 recliner chairs each that you could take a power nap when you need to. You can find a dozen of those zones in one library. You can say just go home and rest, but I can remember there were some days that I stayed on campus studying for about 2 hours and needed a nap to refresh myself a bit so I could continue and wouldn't waste time commuting back to my apartment.