<p>Current/former UC Santa Cruz students, could you give me some recommendations on residential colleges? My daughter has been accepted for next fall. We toured campus briefly last summer, but there were no students around so it was hard to get a feel for the different colleges. My daughter is pretty down to earth, a liberal democrat, but not extreme. We are from a small Southern California town, but she's not your stereotypical So Cal girl -- no bleached blonde hair, no piercings, no designer clothes or $300 handbags. Also, what's the social life like? Are there dances or parties on campus very often? My daughter worked soooo hard in high school and wants to attend a school where she can have a good social life as well as a good education.</p>
<p>I'm still a senior in HS, but I've seen the campus and stayed over at College 8 and Porter for various camps and stuff, and from what I've seen I have to say College 8 is the nicest one.</p>
<p>i'm also still a senior in HS..but my brother goes to UCSC so i've been to that campus like a million times..the atmosphere is very laid-back and the people were very friendly..santa cruz is a pretty liberal area though..yea there are parties (i think) but i don't think it's to the point where everything gets out of control..& i think ucsc offers a very good education b/c my brother is about to get his BA in literature soon..what major is your daughter planning on? good luck i hope she gets into her first-choice college..& congrats on getting into ucsc! when did she get the decision cuz i thought they sent out decisions beginning march 15th? i still havent gotten my decision yet =(</p>
<p>p.s i think stevenson is the best college..the dorms & ppl there are really nice!</p>
<p>I am a 3rd year and I'll say that you really have to visit campus when school's in session to get a good feel of the campus. Every college has it's own perks and downsides. What you really need to look at is what style housing does your daughter want? What's her academic focus (not necessary, but she may want to be on the appropriate side of campus)? Is there a particular program she wants that only one college has (i.e. international housing, photo dark room, apartments only, dining hall at your college instead of sister college, etc)</p>
<p>Also, yes there are plenty of social activities going on, but not every moment of every day. Yes, sometimes you have to make/find your own fun, but there are dances and parties and hall events and downtown and...everything else you may be interested in.</p>