Choosing a college at UCSC

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Cruz
1

<p>I would basically just like to know everything there is to know about each of the colleges at UCSC: The stereotypes, the feel/vibe, the aesthetics, anything you have for me.</p>

<p>I am a white guy who came from the most preppy/A&E/emo high school you can find. I am hoping that UCSC will be a change from that whole thing.<br>
As for me, I like music, (mostly alternative rock or chill, laid back music), video games, and I love the whole "strolling through the redwoods/chilling on the beach" vibe. I am a fairly good student, and I plan on taking a computer science route. I also like digital art (like Photoshop or Flash stuff). I suppose you could call me a dork or something, but I really not that much like that.</p>

<p>Things I would like to avoid:
Stoners - well... I don't know if I need to avoid them. I just am not a smoker at all. Anyone who accepts this is good enough for me.
Partiers - Everyone at my high school parties all the time, just to get drunk and be cool. I don't want to drink or be a part of that at all. I want to be able to study in my dorm when I need to or just hang out with people without alcohol.
Preps - I've had enough of them. Obviously not the worst thing to deal with, but I would rather avoid it.
Uber-Nerds - While I want some people with the same interests as me (i.e. video games and computer science/digital art), I don't want to be stuck in a room with someone who's never seen the light of day, if you know what I mean.</p>

<p>From what I've heard, Cowell seems like the most normal school, and sounds pretty good for me. My only question is how does the fact that it's so old affect things. Is it all nasty and falling apart, or is it good enough?
Porter sounds cool too. I kind of like the artsy idea, but again, I don't want a total stoner experience. I also read on the official UCSC page that they have a digital arts thing, which sounds cool for me.
I was also considering Crown or 8/9/10. But again, I don't want the total nerds that I hear are at crown, or the preps at 8/9/10.</p>

<p>Now I know that all these stereotypes are just that: stereotypes, and that not everyone is like that, but many people seem to agree on these points, and I think they're something to consider.</p>

<p>So yeah. That's basically what I have to say. Any input on my questions, or anything you have to say about UCSC in general would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!</p>

2

<p>i heard porter and kresge have a lot of the stoner hippie crowd. i might go to 9/10 or cowell since im sort of preppy and i want to meet normal ppl xD</p>

3

<p>I don't want to be with a bunch of white blondes (not to sound racist or anything). What would be a good dorm for a darker kid who likes rap, appreciates ethnic diversity and wants to be in a more urban part of campus -- more buildings, less trees?</p>

4

<p>To JokaA: Oakes</p>

5

<p>Is Oakes social? I want a sort of party dorm. Is Oakes still the right choice? Thanks for the quick reply by the way.</p>

6

<p>how to we pick a school? Is it guaranteed acceptance or do we have to apply?</p>

7

<p>bbbf, I think we have to apply.</p>

8

<p>There's plenty of threads like this one
e.g., <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-santa-cruz/330557-help-me-choose-ucsc-college-please.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-santa-cruz/330557-help-me-choose-ucsc-college-please.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Just scroll down and browse through each page of the forum</p>

9

<p>Ah thanks.
I'd seen that topic, but I guess I just didn't read it very carefully.
That helps alot.</p>

10

<p>Oh, also, is it true that Underclassmen can't have cars?
How do we get home...? lol</p>

11

<p>I heard Freshmen have to park their cars off campus.</p>

12

<p>im debating stevenson and porter...
i havent heard much about stevenson, just that its jewish? im not quite sure what that implies, so id like to hear more about it before i decide on Porter</p>

13

<p>Yeah, I don't really know anything about Stevenson either.
But Porter does sound nice.</p>

14

<p>I am wondering if the college slogans really mean anything. I am a fairly moderate white male, who doesn't want to be in a party atmosphere, but wants the college dorm experience as well. Mostly looking for chill people that don't do drugs all the time. I know I will be able to request for someone like me, but was wondering if anyone had any insight on college 8 and merril as those look like the best fits for me right now.</p>

15

<p>Cali Trumpet, you sound like you're pretty much in the same boat as me. I don't want to party or do drugs, but I do like the idea of the dorm thing. </p>

<p>All I know about 8 is that it is apparently totally preppy, cliquey, brat type people, but the dorms are really new.
And all I've heard of Merril is that it's "sterile Merril" which I THINK means that it's quiet... as in no one hangs out outside like they do in most others. And that there's "hard drugs"</p>

<p>these aren't necessarily true, but it's what I've heard around these boards.</p>

<p>Cowell seems to be the most normal, but I fear partying there...
Can anyone tell me if Cowell has a reputation for partying any more than the others?</p>

16

<p>Yeah I heard a rumor that college 8 was preppy, but I would just assume that 9 and 10 are moreso that way. I think from what I saw, college 8 looked the nicest. I don't mind if a small minority are partiers, I just want to be on a floor of people who are fairly quiet and study minded. My brother stayed at Merril and said it was nice. (He is like me, doesn't like parties and such). I'll have to look at Cowell again.</p>

17

<p>why dont you guys just apply for one of the quiet themed halls? and then if you feel like partying, go to another dorm?
the problem with 8 is that youd practically have to drive to your classes. im not bringing my car up so i want a dorm close enough to walk or bike.
any more info about porter or stevenson?</p>

18

<p>What are the quiet themed halls in your opinion slug?</p>

19

<p>well have you guys read your packets or the website? you can choose themed dorms. I just checked, and college ten, 9, and porter all have quiet halls.</p>

20

<p>I not sure, but I think he might mean the substance free dorms?
Yeah, I was thinking about one of those.</p>