<p>Hey guys i wanted to apply to UCSB but then i started reading about the party life. of course i want to party when i go to college but is the party scene too overwhelming because after watching Santa Barbara Party scene on youtube u was somewhat discouraged about the partying. i wanna go to a school where people actually care and dont wanna get drunk in the morning. is my perception of UCSB misled?</p>
<p>Many students here do not party, and there are plenty of pretty quiet places where you can live. I’ve spoken to enough people now that it seems that UCSB used to have more crazy parties than it does today. The school is gradually transforming into a more and more academic environment. </p>
<p>So, you have nothing to worry about. Trust me 
</p>
<p>I will say though, that if anyone expects ragers on every block of Isla Vista every day of the week, you may be disappointed! </p>
<p>PM me if you have questions.</p>
<p>I am not sure UCSB EVER had the overall ‘rage’ type atmosphere some seem to like to push on the internet. (Halloween as an event can be is a big deal, but it is a one time a year thing, like a mini Mardi Gras, and you get into it, or you don’t.) I went there some time back when it also had a party school reputation, and it was entirely a matter of what you were seeking out. </p>
<p>I frankly think most of the ‘rave’ youtubes out there of Isla Vista are not really UCSB students at all, but local high school and CC students trying to live up to the fake reputation they themselves are trying to create. </p>
<p>That is not to say a social life can’t be distracting, and in a college town with many social activity options it is easy for a person out on their own for the first time to lose sight of their priorities. I do warn my kids they will have to have their own eyes on grades because they will have close friends who just don’t have that as a priority and will have other, more enticing options to suggest than studying. In that regard, a student might be academically better off going to a school where they would be socially miserable, but I find it hard to recommend that to my kids in quite such blunt language. Maturity of judgment is something you develop in college, we all hope. (fingers crossed!)</p>
<p>Honestly, don’t even worry. The party scene in Isla Vista is really over-hyped. I’m a first year, and yes I do drink and party on friday nights but there are PLENTY of people who are not into the party scene. No one will force you to drink or go to parties. There are seriously a lot of stuff going on on the weekends other than just partying. Free movies at the isla vista theater and free comedy and improv shows etc. Although I have met people who are here just to live the party life, but those are just minorities. The majority of the people I’ve met really DO CARE about academics and have self control. After all, this is UCSB, it is definitely not an easy school to get into. We WORK HARD and PLAY HARD.</p>
<p>The school is really good and the surroundings are beautiful. It is a pity the reputation takes a hit from non-students who come to town, go to SBCC and live the “party” scene for a school they couldn’t get into. </p>
<p>Clearly, no one will force you to participate beyond your level of interest. At a minimum, it would be a distraction and nuisance for a serious student.</p>
<p>I transferred to UCSB this Fall, and I am not a party person at all (maybe an introvert). A couple months ago, I was just like you OP. I read all over the places about the reputation of UCSB being a party school, watched a bunch of videos on Youtube about the parties. It scared me. But when I visited the school, it was too beautiful to resist. Speaking from my own experience, I am living in University apartment (across from Isla Vista, the party center), yet I haven’t seen any crazy party. I don’t plan to go searching anyways. My place is pretty quiet, except my roommate. The majority of people in those parties is not even UCSB students. They are from the surrounding area. Students at UCSB study very hard. It is not unusual that you see the library is packed with students for overnight study. Subjects are hard. This is totally not an easy school. You will find yourself living in the library more than at home.</p>
<p>Don’t be discourage by the stupid stereotype, and lame reputation that UCSB receives. In the end, if you don’t like partying, don’t try to go find one, and it will not try to find you.</p>
<p>bump to go with the other thread for a balanced picture.</p>