Publish an internship
en
View University
Studies > United States > Santa Barbara > University of California, Santa Barbara > Review by anonymous 
Write Review

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

55 reviews
4.30 / 5 based on 55 reviews
Useful  |  1
anonymous
University of York, York, United Kingdom
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
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!)
Read more >
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 text books
Second-hand household items
Computers / Internet
Administrative
Money from home
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)
Read more >
Useful  |  0
anonymous
University of York, York, United Kingdom
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
i highly recommend any courses by these professors: In Philosophy: Aaron Zimmerman (moral ethics), Steven Humphrey (Philo of Space and Time) In Economics: Christopher Proulux
Read more >
My academic experiences
Quality of courses
Variety of courses
Access to resources
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
10week quarter means you've got to hit the road running so don't let the parties down on Del Playa trip you up! The quarter goes by in a flash!
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams at end of course
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Overall
Useful  |  0
anonymous
University of York, York, United Kingdom
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
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!
Read more >
In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Academic reasons
3
Culture
4
Costs
3
Activities
3
Campus life
2
Party / people
2
Weather / location
4
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!
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
4
Traveled
3
Improved language skills
3
Met people from other countries
4
Became more independent
3
Partied a lot
4
Experienced a change in life
4
Advanced my studies & career
3
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!)
Read more >
Useful  |  0
anonymous
University of York, York, United Kingdom
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Language difficulties
Social
Educational
Administrative / Institutional
Overall
Personal comments
Easily done. My slight British accent received constant good humoured 'dissing' but try to tone it down.. then they'll start understanding you. :P (no generally I didn't have any problems)(people do make an effort to understand you)
Read more >
Useful  |  1
anonymous
University of York, York, United Kingdom
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
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!
Read more >
Personal assessment
Cost
Facilities
Location
Cleanliness
Space
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!
Read more >
Useful  |  0
anonymous
University of York, York, United Kingdom
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
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
Activities
Nightlife
Travel
Overall
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
Read more >