University of California - Santa Barbara - Safety & Security

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Students say that the biggest safety issues at UCSB are bike theft and vehicle vandalism, and, overall, they are pleased with the visibility of on-campus security. Campus police and student CSOs (Campus Security Officers) patrol the campus every night and are always available to escort people after dark. If you look like a college student, getting into a dorm is definitely easy, but because of the dorms' locations, non-students would very rarely be near dorms anyway.

Overall, the campus is a safe place, but the bordering town of Isla Vista can be a little more dangerous. The police report that bike and backpack theft are their two main problems on campus, and most arrests in Isla Vista are alcohol-related. Almost all reports of sexual assault concern alcohol and an acquaintance. It’s always good advice that nobody should walk alone late at night, here or at any other college. If you are concerned for your safety, you can take advantage of the many resources on campus. In general, almost all students feel safe, and the crime in Isla Vista is usually just drunk kids beating up cars and burning couches—yes, burning couches.

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:

Campus safety is really great.... Campus safety is really great. Campus is honestly really laid-back, and I have never felt threatened or anything, alone or with a group. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

The campus security is really good... The campus security is really good as far as I’m concerned. The lighting at night isn’t wonderful in all locations, but we have an escort service which runs all over campus and into Isla Vista. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Safety and security on campus... Safety and security on campus seems to be really good.I don’t know of anybody who has had anything happen to them while they were here, except a few who had their cars messed up by drunk students late at night. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Security is good. It’s important... Security is good. It’s important anywhere to walk in groups and make sure you are smart, but the police are all over the place during the weekend. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

I suppose that security at UCSB is... I suppose that security at UCSB is pretty good. The campus has CSO officers, and they patrol the campus. If it’s late at night and you want someone to walk or bike you home, you can just give them a call and they will keep you company. I’ve never really used the service . . . but, there have not been many times when I didn’t feel safe. Then again, I’m a guy and I do know that a lot of girls may not feel comfortable walking around on the streets at 2 a.m. with a bunch of drunken kids stumbling about. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Did You Know?

You can register your bike with the Campus Security Officers. If your bike is stolen, they will attempt to find it for you—they have more than a 30 percent recovery rate, which is twice the U.S. average.

Also, you can get bikes for cheap at IV’s own Bike Auction. For more info, contact the Campus Security Office at (805) 893-2000.

Most Recent Contributing Author

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

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.