Great Academics and Social Scene

Introduction
When I visited UCSB during Spring Insight, I fell in love with the campus immediately. The students were approachable and nice. The campus surroundings were beautiful. Who could ask for a better location? Beach on one side and mountains on the other. For any high school student considering UCSB, I'd tell them it's a great experience, as long as you know how to balance work and play. Study hard and reward yourself by playing hard. Anyone who easily succumbs to peer pressure should probably go to a smaller campus that has more one-on-one time with professors and less of a social atmosphere.

Campus Life and Social Life
Life in the dorms was a non-stop party. I should have studied more and not been so quick to say yes to a party or social event. I regret letting my grades slip my freshman year, especially since I graduated high school with a 4.2 GPA. It was kind of a shock. On the bright side, I met many friends freshman year that have stayed close through the years. Basketball games are fun, as are waterpolo games ;) The guys and girls definitely take care of themselves and look good. I joined a Gamma Phi Beta freshman year but you don't need to join a fraternity or sorority to have a great social life. Gamma Phi helped me make a lot of close friends, go to many fun themed social events and participate in community service. Weekends can get crazy on DP with the constant partying. By your sophomore year, you can get pretty burned out on that scene. But there is plenty to do downtown and you don't need to be 21 to enjoy it. State Street has theatres, great restaurants, and lots of shopping. Academics
I majored in Biology. The lower division classes are tough since they try to eliminate the number of students taking those courses. The upper division classes are much more fun and interesting. Take advantage of any research opportunities you may have. Other classes that are required for GEs can be fun as well. Philosophy was thought-provoking and World Music was wonderful. Most of the sciences are difficult. I also minored in English and I had many wonderful professors who encouraged me to think for myself, even if my opinion was not the majority opinion. Some of the TAs are better than the professors!

Student Body
Many of the guys are Abercrombie surfer types. The girls are beautiful, thin and tan. People wear bathingsuits and boardshorts much of the time. Many of the girls can be catty but if you find your niche, you'll be happy. Most of the students are from California, with some being from out of state. Our campus is not that diverse but I think it's getting better. People seem to care about the environment here. You'll find hippies, jocks, druggies etc. All in all, most people are layed back and open to meeting new people.

In Closing...
UCSB is a wonderful school with many opportunities to be involved with sports, research and volunteering. Take advantage of everything the campus has to offer. Your four years will go fast and you will miss them when they're gone.