55 reviews
4.30 / 5 based on 55 reviews
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1
Lucia H
Overall
I wish I had known...
I strongly believe that my year abroad will remain one of the highlights of my life. It should be compulsory to everyone studying a degree at every university.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
The University of Santa Barbara is a fantastic school, both academically and socially. What's more, most students seemed to balance these two aspects admirably. The fact that it is one of the most stunning parts of the world was a bonus!
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
If you are lucky enough to go to this university on exchange, be sure to make the most of all it has to offer- varied courses, a massive social scene,incredible sporting facilities, and a great interaction between international and American students.
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anonymous
Overall
I wish I had known...
It can get cold in California so bring a jacket/coat especially if you intend to go up to San Francisco or over to the East Coast during the breaks!
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In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
If you like a laid back but covertly serious academic environment set on the beach and backed by hills, SAnta Barbara is the place for you!
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Buy an International Student identitification card at sta travel. It gets you discounts on greyhound, various accomodation chains, restaurants and clubs. Also it is sometimes more accepted than passports believe it or not! (e.g. my friend had his danish passport rejected at albertson's (supermarket) when he was trying to by wine!)
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1
anonymous
Housing
Type of housing: off-campus university owned appartments
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: off-campus university appartments
Why?
This accomodation doesn't require you to take the on campus meal plan (which i find very limiting and expensive). Living in your own appartment also means you have your own living room!
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Personal comments
Santa Ynez appartments are in my view the best student accomodation available. The appartments are massive and include a lovely kitchen and living room and huge balcony. The village is a quick 10min cycle from campus. The rent is extremely reasonable and includes utilities and village facilities (such as the pool hall, the gym, the study hall etc). And there are lovely resident assistants who organise community BBQs, and drop by often to just to say hello. I highly recommend Santa Ynez for those of you who like independent living (i.e. cooking for yourself and having your own appartment) and enjoy the idea of village living!
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0
“Great atmosphere and early career experience”
Isobel F
United States,
Engineering, Mechanical, 2024
Overall
excellent engineering department, more of a research-oriented university but has great opportunities for professional development. Great location and beautiful campus, lively social scene
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Careers
Very good EAP (Education Abroad Program) advertising and plenty of career fairs. Career center is also helpful
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Pros
EAP, lots of help along the way and advisors for each field of study and desired host country
Cons
More networking events
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1
anonymous
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Other
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
I wanted to see more of the States while I was there so I spent more on travel. I think I also went out more (evenings are much more hospitable in SB than in the be-puddled alleys of York!)
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Travel, Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Overall, Food, Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Telephone:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Buy utensils, pots and pans/ furniture from the thrift stores (either downtown or in Goleta). Live in Santa Ynez then you don't have to pay for utilities (if you live in private flats in Isla Vista the electricity and water bills can bve quite expensive)
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0
anonymous
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
oh! everywhere! Downtown: Ruby's diner in Paseo Neuvo mall (best shakes ever!), the art museum (free entry on thursday nights), Palazzio (cool pasta place--must go for any SB visit), Velvet Jones- nice clubbing, Q's -- techno
Goleta Beach: the beachside cafe-- gorgeous seafood!
Fairview: China Seafood Restaurant-- $5.95 lunch buffets excellent value for the poor starving student! the Outback nextdoor is excellent for the occasional birthday splurge-- baby back ribs...mmMMmmm
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