<p>I am from Brazil and considering UCSC for my undergraduate degree. I have such a romanticized idea of Santa Cruz, and UCSC for that matter, of being this semi-paradise with an ecologically conscious community somewhat removed from the "trappings" of modern city living (stress, polution, consumption frenzy). does the city and its surroundings in any way share the poetic quality rendered by Henry Miller in his novel "Big Sur"? Would it appeal to a poetic mind? I mean, I've been around northern california, though not Santa Cruz and found the scenery really exhilarating. I guess what I'm trying to get at is if my musings have any bearings in reality or are nothing but silly reveries. Also, is it easy adapting to US college life being a foreigner? </p>
<p>Hi Dan, and welcome to CC! In my opinion, the answer to your question is yes and no. The City of Santa Cruz itself remains a true beach town, but has become somewhat gentrified over the years. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it may be slightly different than what you envision. When I say "gentrified" I mean it has remained artsy, but with a bigger expense account. Kind of like Carmel in parts, surfer's paradise in parts, and peaceful/soul searching in parts. It remains a small town due to the construction constraints, and there are places there where you can find your artistic and romantic soul. It remains one of the prettiest beach towns on the West Coast.</p>
<p>As for UCSC, think Big Sur or Yosemite. It is an idealistic place. It is breathtakingly beautiful. It is on a hill, about a 10 minute drive from the beach, past pastures and into the woods. If it doesn't appeal to a poetic mind, that mind was never poetic in the first place.</p>