<p>So I just got accepted to UCSB, and I live in Georgia. I'd really like to go, but I'm afraid that I won't fit in, or I'll get lost, or some other freshman nightmare. Please if you're a UCSB student can you give me an insight on the school? Anything from dorms and dining to sports and transportation. Just help me get a better understanding.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry too much about that, I’m positive you’ll fit in after a few weeks. I’m from California and I’m feeling the same way as you. Most freshmen feel like this I hope! :D</p>
<p>Keep in mind that most freshies are also very nervous about fitting in just like you (and me). This would be the time when people are most accepting to each other, and likely to befriend one another to fit in. So don’t worry about not fitting in, everyone feels the same way, and thus will be very easy to make friends. Just be friendly and accepting 
If you need more info to boost your confidence, look up stuff about UCSB, it can really pump you up haha! I personally learned a lot and am very excited 
If you got any general questions though (not regarding sports), I may be able to help based on my limited knowledge :D</p>
<p>Dont worry about being OOS! we love out of staters! mostly people will just think you’re accent is really cool (if you have one). I know plenty of people from out of state and no one is going to think you’re an alien or anything. As long as you have normal social skills seriously don’t worry. Everyone is eager to make friends especially those first couple weeks so just make sure you’re not beig too shy and introducing yourself to people and you’ll be perfect</p>
<p>Thanks you guys are helping a lot! I do have an accent, I’m originally from Texas so it’s not too bad. I’m a very social person, so hopefully I won have much to worry about! I guess the OOS thing is just worrying me a bit. What’s the campus like? I’ve heard it’s beautiful.</p>
<p>Here is the campus of UCSB: <a href=“http://www.ucsb.edu/images/design-2010/slideshow/4-campus-air.jpg[/url]”>http://www.ucsb.edu/images/design-2010/slideshow/4-campus-air.jpg</a></p>
![http://www.ucsb.edu/images/design-2010/slideshow/4-campus-air.jpg[/url]](http://www.ucsb.edu/images/design-2010/slideshow/4-campus-air.jpg%5B/url%5D){kind=link}
<p>^^Don’t worry, the link is safe as you can see its from ucsb website.</p>
<p>-Isolated Campus, the nearest city is 20 minute drive.
-The town, Isla Vista (Pictured on the left side of the campus), is literally ran by college students. Party gets intense
-Beach breeze, no smog
-Highly ranked University world-wide, several professors are Nobel Laureates and there are many other professors with Pulitzer prize, and etc.
-People are way laid back here because of the relax atmosphere</p>
<p>The campus looks beautiful! Are there stores in Isla Vista? I’d have to buy most of my stuff for my dorm there. Like mini fridge, bedding, etc.
What’s your opinion on transportation? I’m obviously not going to be able to bring my truck with me, so will I be able to walk everywhere easily when I get there?</p>
<p>Most people bring/buy a bike there. I suggest you do the same.</p>
<p>The campus is beautiful. There is a Costco a Kmart and an albertsons within easy driving distance from the campus but not much in IV for that kind of thing. A lot of people have bikes but it’s manageable to get around with walking. I would recommend a bike mostly for far away classes or going into IV to eat or something. Plus other people will probably have cars so you could tg along on store runs during the quarter. You can probably get a decent one for a fair price off Craigslist.</p>
<p>Sounds like I’ll be buying a bike so just a Costco and Kmart? I guess I’ll have to look into getting things delivered to my dorm. What is the dorm situation? Which are the best ones? Like I said, I’m a really social person, I might get into the Greek life, but at the same time I like to study a lot. Any recommendations?</p>
<p>How do you not get your bike stolen? Some person on these forums said that his bike got stolen twice at SB, and he had a U-lock.</p>
<p>Is it a safe campus? I’d really like to know that.</p>
<p>@halifax
Personally I think the shorties are the best. They are close to food and classes and the beach. Plu you have a lot more people on your floor than in the other dorms. I live in anacapa this year and absolutely love it. Everyone is so nice and I’m lucky enough to get an ocean view. In terms if safety I’ve never felt creeped out walking alone at night on campus or in IV at any hour. You have your typical douchy guys who call things after you but nothing dangerous or scary.</p>
<p>@kmai
Getting your bike stolen is mostly a problem in IV. Neither me nor any of my friends have had our bikes stolen just don’t leave it dumb places like in IV or by itself outside over breaks and you’ll probably be fine</p>
<p>Are you able to request the dorms you want? If so, is ‘shorties’ its actual name? How do you like the dorms do far? Are they good sizes?</p>
<p>@Halifax625, When you submit your SIR, I believe you have a chance to list the dorms of you want in your preference. ‘Shorties’ are referred to the two-stories dorms (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa). Anacapa and Santa Cruz, from what I’ve heard, are the same size. Don’t know about Santa Rosa though.</p>
<p>I’m a current UCSB student, and I was certainly worried about fitting in, and all that before I started. Now, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I’m getting a great education, great social life/atmosphere, amazing weather, many club opportunities (including sports clubs), research, community service, and job opportunities etc. </p>
<p>Isla Vista isn’t exactly full of stores that you can buy fridges and that kind of stuff at, but I know the dorms sell/rent out mini fridges. As for other dorm furnishings, you may have to make a trip to Costco, or another store that’s located a little bit further than IV. </p>
<p>I don’t know anyone that’s gotten their bike stolen, but it does happen. However, if you lock your bike correctly with a Ulock, you should be perfectly fine. The people that get their bikes stolen are probably careless and don’t lock it. It is a safe campus, and there are always police officers in IV. Having said that, I wouldn’t encourage anyone to walk around at night alone, but I would say the same even in the safest neighborhood in the US- just a safety precaution.</p>
<p>As for dorms, I agree with fred11, the shorties were my top choice, and I live in Santa Rosa. I really like it: great atmosphere, closest of the shorties to the center of campus, 1 minute walk to one of the dining commons, and friendly people. Santa Catalina is about a 10-15 minute bike ride off campus, so that was my last choice, but it has its benefits: slightly larger rooms, only doubles, suite style (share a room with one person, and a bathroom connects you to two other people). San Nicolas and San Miguel are also on campus, and close to everything, but these rooms are a little smaller.</p>
<p>Just a slight correction ft (Santa Catalina) is not only doubles there are definitely triples too but yes I’m general the rooms are bigger.</p>
<p>It’s California, everyone is welcome!</p>
<p>Just checked out my financial aid package, and it’s not looking to good. I’ll probably need to work and go to school. Is it hard to find a job in IV?</p>