Admissions

Although UCSC isn't a huge sports school, there is a lot of school spirit. Get involved with groups on campus, whether it be intramural sports, clubs, or sororities/fraternities. The school has a great sense of community, so allow yourself to be a part of it as soon as you get there. Oh, and eat at Cowell dining hall - it's the newest and the best!

Students, make sure you know what you would possibly major in, and look for your intended major on the college website. A lot of walking is required most of the time, but usually buses will take you around campus easily. Try to visit campus, especially during the school year to get the right feel of the school. Don't forget that San Jose is just a bus ride away and San Francisco is 2 hours from here!

Best of luck to you guys!

You are going to have so much free time in college, it's crazy, join clubs, sports, go out and explore! there's so much to do, so go out and do it!!!

Attend UCSC with an open mind, willing to accept anything that comes your way. It is definitely not your typical college experience, and if you take it for what it is I believe it to be not only the best over all UC, but possibly the most fulfilling college experience in all of California. It will open your mind to new possibilities and help you truly find yourself if you let it.

Dont be afraid to really get out there here. The people here literally run naked in the rain for fun every year, we're all a little crazy. Its the definition of the California environment, and the more open you are about who you are and what you want to do the better the staff will be able to help you. The only qualm I have about this place is that the voicemail system on all of their departments is a loop: if you want information, its better to go in person.

Explore everywhere! Santa Cruz is a peaceful, yet thrilling environment, and everything is very accessible. So see and experience it all, and find out what is good for you. The UCSC and Santa Cruz community focuses on the individual beauty of every person. SC is a place where students can comfortably grow into their unique persons.

The campus is extremely HUGE, but can be walked in about 15-20 minutes (10 if you walk really fast). There is an on campus bus system, but I would recommend to just walk there yourself to gain a true appreciation of the nature around you and the fact the buses get incredibly crowded. Once I stopped riding the bus I swear I did not get sick the rest of the year! Research each of the 10 colleges (unless you are a transfer student like I am then you won't have to do much research) because those colleges express different personal goals and the chances are you will meet people like you in those areas (such as Merill being the home to video game and anime people or just nerds in general like me haha).

Be ready for a culture shock, especially if out of state.
Go to class, many say you don't need to, but you are paying for it regardless.
Embrace it, life only happens once and college is something you don't want to miss.

Be prepared for a lot of walking, which is really okay since it is such a beautiful campus. There is a lot to look at, so the walks are never boring! Whenever you feel stressed, I'm serious, go for a walk and clear your head.

Be open minded. People who don't accept quirkiness often don't have a very good time at UCSC.

Please don't be afraid to speak up! UCSC is a liberal campus, but that does not mean you should be afraid to express yourself!

I do not consider UCSC to be a party school. Don't be too concerned about partying behavior - there isn't much of it, and what there is can be avoided.

Research which community within the University (there are 10 college communities) you would like to live in. I moved from Cowell to Merrill because it fit me more - choose the one that suits you the most!

And last and most importantly, please visit the campus before you decide on any college. You never know if a college is right for you until you have been there and have interacted with the people yourself!

One more tip: Have fun!

Take a look around campus and sit in a few classes if possible. It's very hard to imagine living here just from reading the advertisements. UCSC is split into 10 different colleges. Research the dynamic in each college. You really want to pick one that suits you so you have the maximum chance of thriving here at UCSC.