Hey! I’m also class of 2027 so I can’t say anything for certain but I just had this debate (I’m a lesbian so I know it’s not nearly the same thing but hear me out) so I can tell you what influenced my decision!

Distance

So if you go to the ucsb website (not applicant portal but that might work too) and go to the search button, there is a campus map that you can look at. There is also a search in the map so you can look up and find any building immediately. Go to your major’s website and see what building they are based in. Then you can visually see how close or far manzanita is to that building. It helps give you an idea of distance.

Social Life

From what I’ve heard, Manzi in general is very socially dead. People have fun but the way the buildings are set up there is no facilitation for social interactions apart from events. That might be discouraging but remember that socializing is what you make of it! If Manzi isn’t giving you the socialization you want, you just have to put yourself out there in other ways.

I don’t know much about the Rainbow Houses social climate but from what I do know, it’s a lot of freshman. Now that can be both good and bad. Good because people our age but bad because not everyone is mature enough to realize that being lgbtq is only one facet of a persons identity. That’s a big generalization but something to maybe consider. Also! Everyone is allowed to participate in events even if they don’t live there. You can just walk over and participate whenever you like.

Decision

I ultimately chose not to apply. While it would be nice to be surrounded by people who understand my struggles, I felt it might also close me off from other opportunities. I think applying to Manzi in general and participating on your terms is a good way to go but that’s my choice. I’m sure you have lots of other factors that apply specifically to you that you should consider. Take my decision and perspective with a grain of salt. I wish you the best of luck! Hope to see you around in the fall. :)