<p>For the past week, I've been stressing out over which colleges to put on my preference list when I accept my admission offer. At first, I was really into Kresge because of the fact that the housing consists of only apartments and I'd much rather cook my own meals. However, I was reading a bunch of things online in which people suggest living in a dorm first year since you'll meet more people and experience the college housing life, whatever that may me. I then took interest in College 8, since it integrates a core course based on the environment, which may very well become my major. However, as with Kresge, I read online that a bunch of people from SoCal live there, and it's full of preppy folks. Now, I'm taking interest in Porter, but not sure if it'll fit me well. All the stereotypes I've encountered regarding each respective colleges are starting to influence my decision. Please help me learn more about each college, especially from those who have attended the ones I mentioned above. If it's of any help, I'm from NorCal I'm really into the environment, and I love spending time outdoors. I listen to what some would call "hippie" music, and I'm really friendly, and open to meeting people w/similar interests. All of your help is greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>The biggest help for me to pick a college was watching videos on YouTube about the dorms and life at each college, it really helped!</p>
<p>I was a Crown student at UCSC a LONG time ago. Kresge was always considered the “crazi(est)” college and on a recent tour with one of my kids I don’t think that has changed. If I were you, I’d (re)visit the campus and get a “feel” for each college. I loved Crown when I was there (but now the dorms are old)… my son loved Cowell for the views and proximity to the field house (Stevenson is adjacent to Cowell). On our recent tour, I was really taken by Porter… just felt nice.<br>
Personally, I’d not encourage my kids to choose Kresge as a freshman admit… <em>unless</em> you were VERY familiar with the culture there and were SURE it was right for you. From what you wrote, I’d lean toward Porter.</p>
<p>Please don’t pick your residential college based on the core class. Your core class is seriously just 1 quarter long and it’s mostly just to improve your writing. You sort of sound like a student who would enjoy Porter, but I would agree with the above post and actually visit some of these dorms. </p>
<p>Sometimes the stereotypes can be way off, while sometimes they are spot on. My friend from high school is asian and really wanted to be surrounded by asians (he had moved here from Taiwan recently). He decided on College 10 and he ended up rooming with a mexican guy and a caucasian. So take it with a grain of salt. Choosing your residential college isn’t really that big of a deal. A month in you might think you made the wrong choice, but that’s because the grass is always greener. Just don’t worry too much and enjoy your freshman year :)</p>
<p>I’m in porter right now and it seems like you would fit in here!</p>
<p>Like coquimom, I went to UCSC sometime back around the dawn of time. I’d recommend taking your best shot at finding a good fit, but don’t stress too much over it. I went with Stevenson, which at the time was regarded as one of the more conservative colleges and somewhat oriented toward poli sci, government, etc (named as it was for Adlai Stevenson). But doing an independent major in lit and creative writing, I ended up taking most of my classes at Crown. I soon moved off-campus, and my roommates were from Cowell and Porter (then called College Five). I’d say my closest friendships were probably formed at the City on a Hill Press, where I worked throughout my time there. So no matter what college you go with, you’ll probably end up all over UCSC before too long.</p>