University of California - Santa Barbara - Overall Experience

College Prowler Take

UCSB students can’t say enough good things about this place, and most never want to leave. Whether it’s the academics, the weather, the social scene, or the laid-back atmosphere, practically all students fall in love with something here. And, if you do get the urge to leave, LA is an hour and a half south, the wine country is a half-hour inland, San Francisco is five hours north, and San Diego is four hours south. Or you can spend your entire four years exploring Isla Vista and Santa Barbara. Tourists pay money to hang out here for a vacation, and UCSB students get to live here full time!

Give yourself a chance to get to know the school and the town. It can take a year to find your type of friends, your major, or your favorite club, but if you are actively searching, you will be able to find what you are looking for at UCSB. The students who excel at UCSB are independent and able to take care of themselves. Students have to be able to resist the social temptations a party school presents and plan their own schedules, while still keeping their well-being in mind—the school is too big to hold everyone’s hand. Overall, UCSB is the true college experience that many high school students have been anxiously awaiting. Sure, it doesn’t have a football team, but who needs that when students can spend Saturdays surfing or playing football game with friends right on the beach?

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

I have been to a lot of colleges... I have been to a lot of colleges visiting friends, and to tell you the truth, I am stoked to be here. The people are nice, the weather is great, the surf is a little inconsistent, but you can’t have it all, right? I’m going to miss this place when I’m done because it’s a lot of fun and a great place to be. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I do wish I was somewhere else... I do wish I was somewhere else just because I’ve lived in the city all my life, and the people here are just too different from what I’m used to. Also, the counseling staff is horrible; they’re not very courteous. Frankly, I don’t think they like their jobs because everyone I talk to in a couple of different departments always has some sort of complaint. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

Overall, my campus experience at... Overall, my campus experience at UCSB has been awesome. I love it here. Coming to UCSB is the best thing that’s ever happened in my life. It’s very fun, and I’m happy with my choice. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I love this place. The people, the... I love this place. The people, the scenery, the partying, and the academics are all great. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I love this school. It definitely... I love this school. It definitely has its positives and negatives, like anywhere, but I can honestly say that I am very happy to be here. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Michael Cooper
Hometown: Danville, CA
Major: Sociology/Sports Management minor

Fun Fact: Michael was on Bob Barker's sixth-to-last Price is Right show and won a trampoline.

Contributing Author Internship

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more about the internship.