<p>What's the intellectual environment at UCSB like? Are the students intellectually and politically engaged? Do they talk about ideas and readings outside of class? I'm not interested in attending a party school. I crave a serious intellectual environment. Will I find it at SB?</p>
<p>I was just at the UCSB Summer Insight program today, and I was very impressed with how non-stereotypical for UCSB the students were. They had a line of tons of booths where the students shared information about not only their schedule and academic life, but also their beliefs and ideas. The two booths I remember most were the Israel / Jewish booth and the Diaspora Booth.
Also, if you are worried about academic seriousness, you can apply to be in the Honors program at UCSB. Even if you weren't invited, you can join as long as long as you maintain at least a 3.5 in college. The advantages to that are smaller classes, more attention, etc. Most of the people there looked smart, interesting, and were more culturally diverse than I had heard.
Lastly, I should say that I don't recommend staying in one of the Isla Vista, non-UCSB-owned dorms. The woman who described Tropicana Gardens to us was making it sound like it was sort of a party dorm where all the athletes stay. I could be wrong, but that was my impression.
Anyway, hope that helped, and I hope you are as excited about UCSB as I am.</p>
<p>I read in one of the student newspapers that UCSB has the highest per capita of registered student voters of any US university. So I know that the students are very politically engaged.</p>
<p>Are you sure Honors kids get smaller classes? I've never heard of that, although I do know they get to register for classes earlier than the other students.</p>
<p>JokaA was half right. Honors classes take place after the regular class with a small group of Honors students. It all depends upon the professor and the class, but sometimes the regular class is optional and sometimes the Honors class is supplemental material. I think that for the majority of classes, the Honors class is supplemental material, and Honor students go to class with the regular students.</p>
<p>Ah, My bad. But still, that's even better. I think the ones who are really serious about their education will be eager to add that supplement to their class schedule. Basically you are just getting more attention and it looks more impressive if you graduate with honers.</p>
<p>There are intellectual people who discuss politics and readings BUT it IS a party school. If you want you could probably get likeminded roommates if you checked no for smoking and drinking and whatever.</p>
<p>What do they want us to say for drinking by the way? What are we supposed to say? "Yes"? we're all underage and "don't" drink. What's the point of asking?</p>
<p>is there just a yes and no?????? I dont think I will feel comfortable putting yes... (I might drink once in a while....like at a party...)</p>
<p>it says "i prefer a sunstance free lifestyle"</p>
<p>i think it is a good thing ucsb put this question.Even though incoming students are below the drinking age, it would be unrealistic to say that they are all not going to drink. At least now the University has a way to separate the people who are going to drink and those who aren't. This way there will be less conflicts among roomates.</p>
<p>I'm not talking about drinking, drugs, parties. These are things people choose to do or not. What I'm asking about is this: is there a vibrant intellectual climate among students.? Do students care about ideas, issues, and what's going on in the world? Are they intellectually and politically engaged. Is there political and social activism?</p>
<p>There is a lot of political activism at UCSB. When I was touring the campus
last spring I saw people doing hunger strikes right in front of the Campbell hall. There was a huge protest last quarter against some research done at UCSB in developing military arsenal. There was a small protest that took place last week in regards to Tibet. When Hilary Clinton gave a surprise visit to UCSB, 2000 people went to the event and the hall couldn't accommodate everyone.
Trust me, you wont feel left out if you are the kind that wants to make a difference. </p>
<p>Go to video.google.com and type in "UCTV UCSB",you will find tons of videos of all the influential people who came to UCSB and gave speeches about social issues. People like Bill Clinton, Charlie Munger and Jared Diamond wouldn't come here to give speeches unless they think it is worth their time. When you visit UCSB during the school year, go in front of the Campbell hall and check out the upcoming events. Let me know if what you see doesn't impress you.</p>
<p>Its just that the party reputation overshadows the Intellect that exists at UCSB. If you have the right attitude and have your head where it belongs, you will definitely make a difference being part of the SB student body. </p>
<p>More students like you should attend this university, it really is a great place to be. I don't have any personal incentive to be on this forum and waste my time, I just want students like you to understand that this place has everything you need and more.</p>
<p>UCSB did me wonders in terms of my personal development. I think it is only fair for the university if I shared my views.</p>
<p>Thank you, yasuynnuff1947.</p>
<p>Depending on what major you want to do, you also might want to look into the College of Creative Studies.</p>
<p>She isn't concerned about just core academics. Her concern is about the general mind set of the students, and if she will be able to do constructive things outside academics.</p>
<p>Any time emma111. You will be fine where ever you go. Even if you go to a place where there isn't social activism, just remember that you can be the start.</p>
<p>She isn't concerned about just core academics. Her concern is about the general mind set of the students, and if she will be able to do constructive things outside academics.</p>
<p>I meant that College of Creative Studies kids tend to fit all of these criteria inside and out of school.</p>
<p>Oh really? hmm...didn't know that. I personally don't know anyone who is part of the College of Creative Studies, so I can't make that judgment until I come across someone.</p>