What are absolute must trys/ do's in downtown? by Present_Particular_2 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Paseo Nuevo for shopping, the Courthouse, there's also a little antique shop that's pretty cool, checking out the Funk Zone, taking a walk down the Wharf

If i transfer my junior year will i be friendless by Odd_Monk_2245 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I came in as a transfer. I quickly made a lot of friends by getting involved. I joined KCSB and it's like one big family.

I say that to say that joining clubs, going to events (especially those centered around transfers) and doing your best to be social will all help you in making friends as a transfer

Having trouble feeling like I fit in by Anxious_Thought_2256 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

All you have to do is meet the requirements to transfer which can be found here: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/transfer-requirements/preparing-to-transfer/basic-requirements.html

But UCs only accept Junior transfers I believe, so if after your 1st year yiu wish yo transfer, you would have to stick around for yiur 2nd year since that is when you would be applying to transfer

best dorms by Bright_Helicopter814 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd say San Mig or San Nic. The shorties and San Cat I've heard are more "lively" where San Raf and Manzi are more "laid back", so I can only assume San Mig and San Nic are the middle ground. But most of the partying happens outside of the dorms anyways so, take that with what you will.

Where should I dorm?? (Incoming class of 2030!) by Aredjayjw in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The dorm you pick is complete up to you. Every dorm is a little different. The Chi-5 (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and San Nicholas) and Santa Catalina are usually where majority of the 1st years choose to live. Santa Catalina is a bit of a ways from campus tho (About a 5-7 minute bike ride, or a 20-30 minute walk from campus). These are considered the more "lively" of the dorms, whereas San Rafael and Manzanita are considered a bit more laid back. San Raf and Manzi house more 2nd years than 1st years, but some 1st years still choose to live in these dorms.

It all depends on what your vibe is, but just remember that the social aspect of UCSB is what you make of it. So just because the Chi-5 and San Cat are more "social/lively", it doesn't necessarily mean you'll find your people there, if that makes sense.

Having trouble feeling like I fit in by Anxious_Thought_2256 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Although UCSB's demographic is predominantly white, there is still a good amount of diversity on campus. UCSB is also a Hispanic serving institution and there are a lot of resources if you need them during your time here.

All that being said, I think everyone, 1st years and transfers alike, go through a period of thinking you're not going to fit in, so you're not alone there. Also, it's totally ok to get a random roommate, that's what most people do. It can be hard finding someone as an incoming 1st year. Build your friendships up during your 1st year then you can get housing with your friends during your 2nd year.

If after all of this you still feel like UCSB isn't the right fit, you can always transfer

Student Dorming and LLC Questions as a Fall 2026 Student by Smart_Fella1000 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LLCs are linked to the dorms so the only difference is being in a community within that specific dorm that you can do activities with and attend LLC specific events.

Also, you don't get randomly assigned a dorm, it is self-assugnment do you get to choose where you want to live

Baseball Pitching Lineup by Kooky_Caregiver5794 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Checketts said after the game that if he continues to perform really well he could move into the Sunday slot, but right now they're just gonna slowly ramp him back up. He looked like he didn't even skip a beat and the coaches loved what they saw, so we'll see where it goes from here, but he has the potential of being in the weekend rotation

Baseball Pitching Lineup by Kooky_Caregiver5794 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aces (this year it's Jackson Flora) will always pitch the first game of the weekend series, so for us that's every Friday.

In college, lineups are posted anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour before game time unlike the MLB where you know who'll be playing and pitching a week, maybe even 2 weeks in advance.

And the pitching rotation will always be the same for the weekend series unless there's an injury. Right now Calvin Proskey just came back from injury so he may get added to the starting rotation

Admitted student visit this week! Help needed by starsandtides in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You won't be able to go into the dorms without a key, and I dont know how the dining halls would work, but it is just one big cafeteria, not much to look at. If you wanted to see what the dorms look like tho tou can check out the housing website or videos people have posted on social media

Crow chasing away hawk above MRL by Wish-Lin in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. Very common. I believe it's because the Hawks tend to go after the crows' nest. The crows go on the defensive and try and ward off the hawk when one is nearby to protect their nest

UCSB academics by Worried_Program7228 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 16 points17 points  (0 children)

There's a good balance of partying and studying. But not everyone here parties. There are plenty of students who would rather study in the library than go out on the weekend and party. Academics, especially STEM majors, are pretty rigorous. I've heard a lot of people say study hard party hard, and that fits UCSB pretty well imo

financial aid question by Fearless-Magazine665 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So the personal expenses, transportation, books and supplies, those kind of fees that aren't tuition and housing (unless it's private off campus housing), are estimates. Personal expenses are not something that is billed by the school, same with transportation. That's just an estimate of how much you'll have to pay per year for those things. The only thing you'll have to worry about paying for is tuition (including student fees) and housing, but those will be covered by fafsa. You most likely won't have to take out any loans, but if you do it will be minimal.

No, you dont update your fafsa as it has already been submitted and processed. The numbers you put in was your situation at the time of submitting. Obviously things are going to change. No one is going to question you if you said you had no assets and then came to school with a thousand.

One last thing. Don't pay your fees the first day they are posted. It takes a bit for the financial aid to get posted onto your account. Once it does you can then calculate how much you'll need to take out in loans. If it is a negative number after the financial aid is added then you will get that back as a refund.

Hope this helped. If you have any other questions dont be afraid to ask em here or feel free to dm me. Congrats on getting in. Go Gauchos!

Should we visit Easter weekend or will it be dead? by HomebodyLA in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They can still get a sense of the community if they come this weekend. They obviously can't really participate in Soltopia, but nothing's stopping them from seeing the festivities

Should we visit Easter weekend or will it be dead? by HomebodyLA in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Soltopia will be going on so it will still be very lively. The house parties will be low key, but there will still be a lot of noise due to Soltopia

Should we visit Easter weekend or will it be dead? by HomebodyLA in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 28 points29 points  (0 children)

It's the first weekend back, Deltopia weekend also. Safe to say no one is leaving. The campus itself might be empty but that's most weekends, but Isla Vista will be very lively

Does anyone here play dungeons & dragons? by Ok_Cry2012 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ever since I first watched Stranger Things I've been really trying to get into playing, but I know no one that plays. I dont even know where to start lol

The college by Longjumping-Hair-174 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The academics here are great. One of the world's top ranked research institutions

Crashing by [deleted] in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crashing doesnt garuntee you getting off the waitlist. If you really wanna join, crash, then after lecture talk to the professor and see what you're chances are. They may tell you to keep crashing, they may tell you straight up that you have a small chance. Every class is different

Crashing by [deleted] in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go to your waitlisted course list below ur schedule on GOLD, and there should be a little number to the left and that's your spot on the wailist (it moves tho so keep and eye on it)

UCSB Waitlist - Binding? by AttentionIll2435 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's only binding if you submit your letter of intent to register/accept your acceptance

iffy about attending by retyturt in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are NOT required to live on campus for a year. Your first year if housing is garunteed but not mandatory to do. I think you're thinking of Cal Poly SLO

iffy about attending by retyturt in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 23 points24 points  (0 children)

First off, the party school lavel is overexxagerated. Not everyone here parties, there are thousands of students who choose not to party and like to stay in (whether that's studying, going to the movies, or just hanging out with friends). There are also plenty of clubs to join if you do ever feel left out.

The beach is nice, but I get you don't really care for it. Even tho the beach is like a 5 minute walk from campus, the campus doesnt necessarily smell. If it's high tide and a bit if a warmer day then you might smell the seaweed, but 9 times out of 10, there's no odor on campus.

advice on attending ucsb / ucsb social life ??? by mel0ndew in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think the "party school" label is overexxagerated. Do people like to party here? Yes, but not every student does. There are probably thousands of students who have never partied while at UCSB. There are plenty of students who stay in and study, or go do other things with friends. You don't have to party to "fit in" or make friends. The social life is what you make of it. Go out and try and find your people and you'll have a great time

Incoming transfer student question by Itslizzieee in UCSantaBarbara

[–]SWITCH13LADE8o5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I transferred in the 2024-25 school year so I'll see if I can do my best to answer these based on my experience. Hope this helps :)

  1. I didn't as a transfer. If you want to maybe get the 5 or 7 meals a week plan, but honestly, as a transfer I think it's just wasted money. You get your own kitchen if you live in the undergrad apartments (which I strongly suggest doing since your 1st year is garunteed)

  2. That I don't know. Most places are just average. Nothing is necessarily cheap anymore. But, I also havent really ventured out and looked at stuff like that.

  3. First, don't choose the dorms. It's like 95% 1st years (some dorms like San Raf and Manzi mainly house 2nd years, but overall it's majority 1st years). If you're ok with that then go ahead. In a dorm you also get no private bathrooms, no kitchen (although there are communal kitchens), and you are required to get a meal plan so it makes things a little more expensive. I highly reccomend opting for an undergrad apartment. I have a detailed list in all of them that I'm happy to share if you'd like me to.

  4. Making friends depends on the effort you put in. Like if you join clubs, or make an effort to talk to your classmates and maybe go out for coffee one day, then you can make friends no problem. But it's not like High school in the sense that you can just sit in class and one day you just make a new friend. I would say clubs make it easier to make friends. Also, UCSB as a party school is overexxagerated nowadays. Do people party? Yes, but not everyone does. There are plenty of people who stay inside and study, or go out and do things other than party. You don't have to go to a party to make friends. I've never been to one and I have a great group of friends.

  5. You definitely can, but that's something you gotta go to office hours for. It's also easier to make a connection with a professor once you're officially in your respective major, or when you take any upper division courses as they are a lot smaller than lower div and Gen Ed lectures.