<p>Hello, I will be attending ucsb this fall but spent a month there recently so I can shed some insight as an A/A female.I guess I’ll go in order and try to address as many of your questions as I can. </p>
<p>In my experience I’ve yet to face any instances of hatred or exclusion due to race. Everyone I’ve met has been open and friendly. I also have made a few good friends who are from Africa, and they don’t have any problems either so don’t worry you will not be alone. We’re definitely not the majority on campus but we are present, there’s even a designated floor for black studentsyou can live in, if you choose to, which is a great transition into your next question about housing.</p>
<p>At UCSB there are living learning communities (llcs) Which are basically themed floors in certain residence halls. There is a black scholars floor (you don’t have to be black to live on it and there are people of other ethnicities) as well as various other culturally based floors which is a great way to meet other AAs or African students or students of other backgrounds. They have other llcs Which are more interest/lifestyle based like the health and wellness floor, substance free, scholars etc. As far as bathrooms are concerned its varies from dorm to dorm, the shorties, anacampa, and Santa Rosa, are hall style ( meaning the hall shares a bathroom) but other dorms are suite style, such as Santa Catalina, which has a somewhat private bathroom (only two rooms share) in manzanita village about 6 people share a bathroom. So again it varies depending where you live, but for the most part despite the size of the room, or the style of the bathrooms most people end up loving where they live and don’t change. It’s what you make of it. One problem regarding dorms though is space, 70% of freshmen received a triple dorms this year due to space (I got lucky and got a double) even if they listed a single or a double as their top preference, but there is an option to de-triple by winter quarter.</p>
<p>As far as interracial dating I see couples around campus, but they’re not the majority. This is more of an individual thing, between you and your future partner. Same goes for your question about whether a guy will be turned off by your inexperience, it just varies by individual. But don’t let hook up culture scare you, not all guys are jerks.</p>
<p>It’s not easy getting into UCSB, it’s not like trying to get into an ivy either. The average GPA is just over a 4.0 (these stats are easily found online)</p>
<p>There is an English Major here</p>
<p>As you are well aware UCSB does have quite the party reputation. I think we were just voted the 2nd party school in the nation by the Princeton review rankings. However don’t let that fool you into thinking that that’s all we do here. A lot of people I’ve talked to describe the culture as work hard play hard. If you’re not into that scene don’t worry, there are sooooo many more options and there are many students who have the same mentality, so don’t think that you won’t fit in if you don’t party. It’s all about who you surround yourself with.</p>
<p>As far as date rape etc. I’m sure it happens and I’m sure there are statistics online, I personally don’t know much in this area, but I know that UCSB has many free resources on campus to help those who experience this, such as the women’s center, student health, etc. Always be safe when you go out, never travel alone at night ( we have Cso who will escort you anytime) know your drinking limits, and be alert/ aware if your surroundings.</p>
<p>Roommates are matched through a 10 question survey (I know what your thinking 10 Questions!!?) about there sleeping preferences, study habits, etc. but I think as long as you and your roommate respect each other’s space and boundaries despite how similar your personal interests are and whether or not you become friends it can still work out. Some of the oddest pairings can become the best of friends.</p>
<p>UCSB is a pretty health conscious campus, and from what I’ve noticed many people are in good shape. With that said for students who are not we have an amazing recreation center, and various other options around campus to keep you active or get students started. As far as looks go, I mean I’d say there’s a mix of everything just like anywhere you go.</p>
<p>Finally I think it’s generally always less expensive to live off campus unless you live somewhere ridiculously expensive like Manhattan. However I do recommend getting the dorm experience your first year if you can afford it. I hear its definitely worth it.</p>