This might sound really dumb, but I’m very concerned about fitting in at UCSB, if I choose to go there. I’m introverted, and I have hella depression. I’m somewhat laid back (more so now), but I’m not generally a happy person. Idk, I’m just a bit cynical, and while I love nature, I don’t know how I feel about the whole SB weather/beachyness. It’s all happy and bright and shit. I just feel out of place. I feel like I belong somewhere cold and dark you know?
Well, you might want to get that depression checked out by a doctor. Otherwise, UCSB is surely quite diverse, and you’ll find people who you fit in better with. Besides, nice weather and sun is proven to be good for depression.
I’m sort of facing the same issue. I want to break out of my shell and expand my horizons, but I am also very introverted and withdrawn. I’m not really preppy or optimistic or loud. I have mild social anxiety. I don’t know if SB is the right scene for me. I might feel overwhelmed and intimidated. That being said, I still want to give it a try. I don’t mind beaches but I didn’t find the campus too attractive (but it was raining and grey on the day I visited. -__-) Are people at UCSB generally overly extroverted and social? I’m worried that might feel suffocating.
Okay this is my mom advice- gave to to my own daughter who also “want(s) to break out of my(her) shell and expand my(her) horizons, but I(she) am(is) also very introverted and withdrawn”. You need to find a group of like minded people ASAP. It can be in a club, a roommate, or a study partner. You will feel overwhelmed if you feel like everyone is getting along and doing their thing- but you are on the outs. At Spring Insight they had a bunch of clubs that were taking interest list names and emails already. My daughter found several that interested her- there was the Red Cross club that organizes the blood drives and holds safety events/presentations (seemed like a smaller group, really friendly students, with a specific purpose- so easy to join in and be a part of something); there was a Native American students group, as well as every other culture; there was some clubs centered around your major (Bio Club seemed good- great support from other students plus events and activities); we talked to people from the climbing club- they seem like they have a lot of fun. All these clubs, and lots more will be out during Week of Welcome to get new members. You will just need to push beyond your comfort zone (my other daughter has social anxiety so I get it- I know it isn’t easy, but I believe you can do it 
) and go to several different clubs the first few weeks to see where you fit in. I truly believe there is a group for everyone and you, and my daughter will be fine- you just need to find that group 
Thank you! This was very encouraging. Hopefully I’ll be able to find my niche quickly, wherever I wind up.
I submitted my SIR to UCSB, so at the very least, you can be rest assured there is another person at that school like you.
I’m glad! Won’t be alone now.
Who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other