Nobody has more appreciation for our vibrant UC Santa Barbara community than our students. It’s downright palpable. Aiming to capture and share that Gaucho spirit with the world beyond, we created our “We Asked” video series. With a camera and a mic, our team regularly sets up at the Arbor, the campus’s bustling thoroughfare, to ask students for their take on the Gaucho experience.
Curious what it’s like to live, learn and pursue a degree on our seaside campus? Hear directly from students in these short videos that feature their ideas, opinions, and advice.
What's one class every UCSB student should take?
From intro to acting to oceanography, computer science and earth science, music appreciation and more; orientation leaders shared a wide-ranging list of must-takes before graduating.
Why did you choose UCSB?
From our vibrant and welcoming community to the stunning campus and challenging academics no matter the subject, it’s no wonder why Gauchos make UC Santa Barbara their academic home. These students from different programs and departments share the countless reasons they chose to study at UCSB.
What Are Your Goals at UCSB?
Whether it’s pursuing leadership roles, discovering passions, or simply making new friends, incoming students offers a glimpse into what they want to achieve and experience during their time at UCSB.
What is your best tip for thriving at UCSB?
There is so much at UCSB to help you have the best college experience. Orientation leaders give new students tips for thriving on campus.
Why did you choose your major?
Choosing a major is a big decision, and UC Santa Barbara students have a variety of reasons for picking theirs. Whether it's political science, environmental studies or data science for its real-world applications, each student has a unique story.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
The UC Santa Barbara experience is both scholarly and social, relaxed and rigorous. So how do Gauchos balance work and life? Students take a study break during Finals Week to share their answers.
What does being a Gaucho Athlete mean to you?
To these students, being a Gaucho means representing UC Santa Barbara every day and belonging to a community that constantly cheers them on, beyond the sports they play. Get the perspectives of athletes on multiple teams.
What's your favorite quarter at UCSB?
Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is choose your favorite quarter at UCSB. Seasons change, classes begin, friendships are made, and commencement approaches, all with our stunning campus as the backdrop.
What are your first impressions of UC Santa Barbara?
From the perfect weather to engaging classes to our welcoming community, first-year students share their initial thoughts about our coastal campus and how the environment has helped alleviate the anxiety of coming to college.
How do new grads describe their UCSB experience?
From finding community to building new, better habits and learning how to truly live the work-hard-play-hard lifestyle, these Gauchos describe their time at UC Santa Barbara as they prepare to graduate.
Want to hear more? Visit our YouTube channel.
Financial Aid
Time to talk numbers. Get the skinny on the cost of attending UCSB — from tuition and fees to the many options for financial assistance and scholarships — right here.
Visit
Mountains, ocean, 360-degree beauty. You need to see this place. And feel it, too. Immerse yourself for a few hours or a full day and experience our vibrant, welcoming community first-hand. Live it, love it.