How do I travel in UCSB?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
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I want to go to UCSB next year for my undergraduate. I learned a lot about the school online and one thing that concerns me is: it is a biking school.
First, I’m not a great biker (I learned a few time in school but was terrible at it)
I don’t have a bike, scooter, or skateboard.
I going to UCSB through the plane so bringing a bike might be impossible.
It is possible that I walk throughout the campus?
Are there any buses on the campus that can help?
Is it safe to travel by foot in UCSB?
Is it possible to rent bikes there?

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  1. Yes, you can walk, bike, skateboard throughout campus. It is safe to walk but as always be cautious of your surroundings at night and walk with friends.

  2. One of the best things about being a UCSB student is the unlimited access to public transportation via the MTD Bus system. When you arrive to UCSB, make sure that one of your first stops is the UCEN. You can take your Student ID Photo and pick up your ID card right on the spot! You’ll also receive a sticker that shows that you are currently enrolled, which will grant you access to any bus, any time of day. Check out the Bus Schedule here: http://www.sbmtd.gov/index.html

  3. Bike sharing program and there are bike rental shops around the area: http://dailynexus.com/2018-04-26/bike-sharing-program-soon-to-reach-isla-vista-ucsb/

  4. If you want to travel farther out of Santa Barbara, there is the Amtrak service.
    Amtrak Routes that Stop in Goleta or Santa Barbara
    Santa Barbara is served by two Amtrak routes. The Pacific Surfliner® winds along the Southern California coast between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, while the interstate Coast Starlight® travels the distance from Seattle to Los Angeles.
    You will find more information about routes, fares and services at Amtrak California, on the national Amtrak website, or by calling 1.800.USA.Rail.

Local Amtrak Stations
The Amtrak train station closest to UCSB is the Goleta station (GTA), located at 25 S. La Patera Lane. The Santa Barbara station (SBA) is at 209 State Street. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner® stops at the Goleta and Santa Barbara stations, while the Coast Starlight® stops only at the Santa Barbara station.

Definitely visit before applying or commiting. Are you in-state, OOS or International?

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Probably worth mentioning is that some of the local bike shops will store your bike over the summer for a pretty low fee and tune it up. This is a nice service if you are OOS or International.

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