<p>thanks calla, nice to get a feel for what the places are like and with my top three choices being ucsb, ucsc and ucsd your post made me pretty happy about that.</p>
<p>You’re welcome. I think those are good choices, as might be Berkeley. I was thinking about my “hippie vibe” comment for UCSC and Berkeley, and realize I need to clarify further. Berkeley and Santa Cruz both have that reputation but in Berkeley it is more intellectual and activist, while Santa Cruz is more of the “laid-back” variety. I do suggest doing some traveling while you are here. As others have noted, our state is exceptionally diverse both geographically and in “types” of people. Have fun!</p>
<p>p.s. Of these choices, the nicest weather will be in Santa Barbara and San Diego. Santa Cruz can be foggy and colder.</p>
<p>p.p.s. Okay, I’m obsessing here but it’s fun to try to see my great state through the eyes of someone who has never been here.</p>
<p>“Beautiful” applies equally to all 3 campuses, but with different meanings. Santa Cruz “beautiful” means a lot of greenery. There are many beautiful trees in that area - particularly the giant sequoias, which are a must-see even if you go to the other campuses. What Santa Cruz does NOT have is the stereotypical palm trees and the postcard fun-on-the-beach scene. It’s too cold. The ocean is there and lovely as well. You can still swim/surf in a wetsuit. But you’re not going to get the hanging-on-the-beach-in-a-bikini crowd unless it’s closer to summer and the weather is very warm. </p>
<p>Santa Barbara and San Diego have palm trees and beach parties. The water is warmer, though some still like a wetsuit with short legs and short sleeves. You don’t have to have one if you’re a little tough.</p>
<p>haha thanks calla1 
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<p>And thanks to everyone one who helped out I ended up going with Santa Cruz, San Diego and Santa Barbra. If my faculty give the go ahead on the courses I found I’ll be be joining ya’ll for a while </p>
<p>cheers
Mordi</p>