<p>i'm trying to decide between ucsb and ucsd... i am interested in the math/science areas and loved the location, area, setting of ucsb. my only worry is the "partying reputation." i am a bit shy, introverted, kind of nerdy (hate to say this "stereotype" but not one of your "blonde girls" that are apparently so associated with socal). i don't think i would really party etc. is there still a place for someone like me at sb? anyone here like this?</p>
<p>haha i feel your dilemma
whereas i’m not the shy ‘nerdy’ type i’m also not a blonde party animal
but i think UCSB sounds lyk a good place to try & come out of your shell, you know?
but that doesn’t mean you have to go party all the time to do it, i’m sure you can go there & still get some studying done =]</p>
<p>I know exactly what you mean. I’m deciding on UCSB or UCSC, and I’m leaning towards UCSB since it’s alot closer and I love the atmosphere and the vibe, it’s just the party scene that annoys the crap out of me. I’m REALLY outgoing and I can make friends like that <em>snap</em> i’ve been to my fair share of parties (i don’t smoke or drink) and I’m like the life of the party however I honestly hate parties, I can’t stand them at all, I prefer the quiet modern type environment. Can I find these type of people at all at UCSB? I know it seems biased but I looked at a few pics at that “onlyinIV” website and when I look at each pic it just makes me not want to goto SB more, but idk that’s just me. I like UCSC but I honestly don’t want to go there because it’s way too far, i’d rather goto SB, I’m just afraid that I’ll be spending my nights alone or something. Anyone out there like me who can give me some insight?</p>
<p>The first year I went to UCSB I didn’t know anyone, and I was worried about not being able to fit in with everyone. I’ll be honest, before UCSB I didn’t have much exposure with people other than my race, I never went to a party in my life (believe it or not), and I was a nerd (I still am). So I had my worries.</p>
<p>The first year I was there, my only two goals were to keep up my grades and stay out of my apartment as much as I can (that forced me to get involved in the community). I got involved with many things on campus and student organizations so I was able to meet and get to know a huge number of people. I suggest you to be proactive.</p>
<p>There is this program called WELLNESS PROGRAM…yea it might sound cheesy but it is a pretty neat thing. They list all the events that take place that a UCSB student can spend time doing. It includes sports events, cultural events, university sponsored events, community service events and etc. Since I didn’t know anyone I used the Wellness program to get my foot into the community. </p>
<p>So I hope you check this out and make use of it:
[url=<a href=“http://wellness.ucsb.edu/students/funstufftodo.aspx]Wellness[/url”>http://wellness.ucsb.edu/students/funstufftodo.aspx]Wellness[/url</a>]</p>
<p>They list all the events that take place in UCSB everyday of the year. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>I transferred to UCSB from a Community college, and the two years I was there I had very different experiences. My first year I was very focused on studies and I was involved with student organizations, got into leadership positions, went to sports events and relaxed at the beach. My second year, I took it to another level…I did everything I did my first year and additionally organized groups to do community service, partied, learned how to surf and really got to know the IV culture. </p>
<p>UCSB is not IV and IV is not UCSB. They are two different communities that intermingle with each other. If you don’t like the partying you can totally avoid it, and still have a very memorable college experience at the university.</p>
<p>If you feel uncomfortable about IV, live on the campus housing and do your thing. You’ll find all kinds of people at UCSB. You will find nerdy students, you will find students with “life is a party” kind of mentality, and you will find nerdy students who think life is a party. Most of the people you find at SB are laid back and nice, so you will be fine. </p>
<p>For the people who love peace and quiet, one tip I can give you is to explore the West campus. Take your bike on a weekend, and explore the areas around the West campus. (If you want simple directions, go to the beach and keep walking north). You will realize the real beauty of the beach environment in SB. Also, there are many student groups who go hiking on the santa barbara hills. There are **** loads of trails like inspiration point and others. </p>
<p>If you have any more questions or if you still feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to email me at <a href="mailto:yasuynnuf1947■■■■■■.com">yasuynnuf1947■■■■■■.com</a>.</p>
<p>This is a really common question prospective students have about the campus.</p>
<p>As an introvert, I have always maintained that I enjoy myself at UCSB. I did receive a little bit of a “culture shock” my first night out on IV. We have to remember that this is a school with 20,000 students here. Imagine your high school and all the different types of people in it. Now you can probably multiply that tenfold and you have UCSB. Just because there is a dominant stereotype, doesn’t mean that there isn’t diversity.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, I have found friends who do not drink or party at all. We still have a good time and it never feels like we’re “swimming upstream” to enjoy ourselves. In my opinion, the party reputation is something that bothers you only if you let it get in your head. This is because for many kids, it truly is only in their heads. In reality, there’s plenty of things to do, plenty of different people, and accomodation for all sorts of lifestyles (and for the school to miss out on accomodating introverts would just be a huge flaw since they’re such a large portion of society).</p>
<p>Go to UCSD because it sounds like your type of school. Besides I need more people to decline SB then ever so I can get off the waitlist and attend the college I should have been admitted to in the first place…</p>
<p>^grumpy much? :(</p>
<p>Haha, I can totally see why malibu727 got waitlisted.</p>
<p>lol. talk about actively pursuing that acceptance</p>
<p>I would do the same malibu727…stupid decision pending.</p>
<p>No, UCSB is a diverse place and has much more to offer socially for any type of person. So don’t stereotype because you believe you can get in from one person declining to attend. With the budget crisis I highly doubt they will be allowing anyone in from the waiting list, especially because of last years over-enrollment. There is a reason you were rejected, it just doesn’t happen by chance.</p>
<p>Do yourself a favor and don’t look at OnlyinIV.com as your source. As some of the people above said, there are TONS of things to get involved with that don’t have to do with IV or the party scene. When I first went to UCSB, I was really impressed at how friendly everyone is and how easy it is to make friends. I loved that about it.</p>
<p>Also, I am “nerdy” too, but UCSB seriously helped me come out of my shell. With the exception of the “Greek” scene, all high school stereotypes and social caste systems disappear in college, especially at UCSB - everyone is warm and friendly.</p>
<p>i’m kind of a nerdy shy person that doesnt drink or smoke, you can hang with me! 
lmao. i got a lot to worry about but im just gonna trust what other people say, theyll be a lot of things to do. i’m excited :)</p>
<p>dont go to ucsb…trust me it sucks.</p>
<p>From what it sounds like, UCSD would be a much better fit for you than UCSB; SD has fabulous programs in sciences, and the less partying will probably be a better fit for your personality.</p>
<p>I was also wondering about the UCSB environment cuz so many of my friends are staying here in fresno or are going to UCSC which i didnt apply to. I just dont wanna be lonely on my first year there</p>
<p>If you like being around people, you will never be lonely in UCSB. You would have to try really hard to be lonely there, trust me people are pretty nice and laid back. </p>
<p>You are going to have people to hang out with all the time, weather you connect with them or not is a totally different story. I did connect at a personal level with many, but that was my experience.</p>
<p>Ok thanks i think i feel a little better about going to ucsb, now</p>
<p>chillax collegegirl! </p>
<p>you’ll definitely find people you can really associate with.</p>
<p>of 723487320808345 ppl in UCSB or so, at least one is bound to become a really good friend, no? ;)</p>