University of California Santa Cruz

50 Years of Irreverence! As UCSC celebrates 50 years of existence, it’s still remains outside the system. When I graduated 1977 computers were the size of a house. We changed the mascot from Sea Lion to Banana Slug and protested until the Chancellor stepped down. We were irreverent.
After staying 3 years in Santa Cruz working in Media, I moved first to Palo Alto and then to Los Gatos, found my fortune, stayed true to my values and raised 2 exceptional humans. Decades later, having passed through my «mover & shaker» of Silicon Valley phase, I sit here today on my beloved undergraduate campus, filled with gratitude for all the learning thAt took place for me.
If you want an exceptional self directed education, UCSC remains unrivaled… and beautiful!

This review is solely as a visitor. I do not attend the this college but would like to share that … this campus is just so beautiful. As someone who is a sucker for nature, this campus has it all. Coming from a California State University. UCSC is like a gigantic field of plains with buildings for classrooms. The different buildings have buses to each one and most people just bus to class it seems. The different dorms and suites are so much better than a typical CSU one but of course… their inflated tuition price is probably what’s supporting these nicer buildings.
The Gym here is also way more cleaner, less crowded and equipped with machines. On campus. you can often find wild animals such ass deers, squirrels and exotic bugs. Check out porter meadow and the porter cave. Cool thing to have inside a campus. Also they have unique music events throughout the year on campus.
I’m also jealous that the campus is only minutes of driving away from the beach and close by to santa cruz beach boardwalk. I guess i’m just a sucker for nature. From a visiter’s viewpoint, i think this is a really solid campus. Good stuff UCSC!

Go Slugs! Admittedly I am biased having graduated from this amazing school back in 2002, however I love this place so much that I felt the urge to write a review. This university combines the best of both world in a school in that it has a diverse and large student body and a world class research institution while still retaining a smaller liberal arts feel. The professors actually care about the undergraduates and spend time helping them with questions. The campus is beautiful and it’s hard to beat seeing deer roaming campus. Extra points for having the best mascot and being the school that was sported in Pulp Fiction!

The views from campus are amazing. The actual buildings themselves are ugly. The education is so-​so. The city definitely isn’t a «college town», every aspect of living is way overpriced, especially housing for students.

I love it! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The campus is a huge outdoor paradise

If you’re reading this review, thank you, because this will hopefully help you.
I’ve read at least five reviews about not being able to get classes in their major (specifically for the psychology major that is in fact very much impacted, like any other college out there period – it’s like psychology is the golden major for students). This shouldn’t happen because as a junior here at UCSC, and a declared psychology major, you’re guaranteed at least one upper division class. As a senior, you’re guaranteed at least two classes every quarter. You only need 2 – 4 classes in order to declare (it depends if you’re a regular psychology, intensive psychology, or cognitive psychology major). Regardless of which psychology major you decide on, you need psychology 1, psychology 2 (or a statistics class, either ams 5 or ams 7 or another class that meets that requirement, and whatever extra classes you need for intensive/​cognitive psychology. So technically, you really only need two classes in order to declare.
That should be no problem at all if you prioritize which classes you sign up for first. If you feel that signing up for your fun G.E. is more important, while other students are taking up spots already, then of course you’re not getting in!
Since 2013, most majors have changed their declaration requirements – as in they’ve made it easier. You should check this by googling «(blank major) UCSC requirements for declaration» everything is outlined on the specific major’s website. Otherwise, make an appointment with your college advisor! Some are a bit strict/​scary/​mean/​whatever but they will tell you the truth!
Also, most classes offer sections (and sometimes they’re not required) but you should go regardless! You’re paying for them! They’re there to help you pass! AND YES THEY DO HELP!
Most classes also offer MSI (a supplemental learning section), ACE (a replacement for section that is always required), or drop in tutoring. If you’re paying for it, why aren’t you taking advantage of it???
Positives:
1) Our gorgeous campus. Not only will you stay in semi-​shape by just walking around, but you’re surrounded by nature and fresh air. We’ve been ranked top 10 most beautiful campus in the US by Forbes and many other magazines.
2) Our science department only gets better… Just last year (2013) two of our professors in the Physics department won the nobel peace prize (not «the» nobel peace prize, but you can read about it here:
)
3) Our economics department is ranked top 16 in the world (but don’t quote me about the world part, it may just be only the US)
4) We have our own identity made up by multiple identities. We have 10 separate colleges, each unique in their own way and with their own personalities. So… combined, we’re a mix of awesome.
5) Professors. Yes, they do care. A lot of them graduated from top schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.) and they’re teaching us. My psychology 100 teacher taught in top schools and uses the same teaching techniques and materials to teach her class here.
6) Organic food. The cafeterias have organic options, it may be small like the salad bar, or it could be big as in the main meal is organic… but regardless, it’s organic/​farm fresh from the farm right on campus.
7) Safety. Our campus is very safe, the town itself is another story – don’t go downtown alone at night. We have CSO’s who walk around at night around the dorms/​living areas to make sure nothing bad is happening.
8) Culture/​Traditions. Naked Run, 420, licking the first banana slug you see for good luck, etc. I don’t need to explain.
9) Food. Sure, the dining halls aren’t that great but they will have a very nice salad/​fruit bar in the least – yes, every dining hall has a salad/​fruit bar. There’s Perks Coffee shops, cafes, and eating areas period all over campus. Try the food trucks, they’re amazing! We also have 2 small grocery stores.
Negatives:
1) Drug culture. Let’s face it, it’s college… who doesn’t drink, smoke, etc. (Ok, a lot of people, but you don’t have to!) The nice thing is that the drug culture tends to focus on one part of campus (Porter) and you don’t have to be there if you don’t want to be… our campus, along with all UC campuses are going «smoke free» so that will help hopefully.
2) Limited Greek life… which can be a positive for some people, but if that’s important to you we don’t technically have much of a Greek life right now. It has been growing these last few years though… so maybe by the time you come it’ll be ready for you?
3) Football. We don’t have a lot of sporting events here but that doesn’t mean we have none. Our women’s rugby team is tier 2, or something like that? What we lack in sports we make up for in music and ethnic groups here at UCSC.
4) Expensive. Every college is expensive. With FAFSA and the help of the financial aid office, it’s possible to go here with zero money out of pocket. I’m paying for school using FAFSA and scholarships. I pay for books out of pocket

I have mixed feelings about my time at UCSC so I’ll list the positives and negatives…
Positives:
1. Stunning campus. You can’t find a more scenic college campus. One night after studying long and hard in the library during my final quarter I was walking to my car and came face to face with a large fully grown buck. This was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced and it was movie perfect: exhausted college senior girl runs into Bambi in the middle of the redwoods. Classic. *harps playing*
2. The classes/​academics. There are such incredible classes to take in whatever major you decide. Even the GEs are interesting! Brilliant professors who share their knowledge with you. The different classes I had for my Psychology major were mind blowing. You are paying a butt load of money to learn some things so make the most out of it and expand your mind! I learned so much and your education and what you get out of school is up to you so take a proactive stance and learn.
3. Research/​internship opportunities. If you work hard and talk with your advisor in your major they can place you in some life changing and fantastic internship and/​or research opportunities. I can’t stress discovering an internship or research opportunity enough, you are able to apply what you have learned academically in your classes to a practical job. These opportunities really add dimension to what you have learned about in class.
4. Food. So much food so little time. There are dinning halls which are ok for underclassmen. Each college has their own dinning hall and the food was actually pretty good. There are also little kiosks and food trucks around that just made my day as a student! The food truck by Baskin around during the afternoon made my whole day that much better. You can’t leave UCSC without trying the foods trucks!
Now for the negatives…
1. Drug culture. So many people smoke so much weed I’m surprised that the whole university isn’t covered in a perpetual cloud of smoke. A contact high is inevitable. (I’m exaggerating slightly but not the point!) And depending on which college you are in will determine the tolerance and intake of said drug. I mean there is a whole day devoted to just smoking weed which is really idiotic considering college is a place to learn not to engage in drugs all the time but I digress. Rant over. I guess I’m a prude.
2. The people. This is both a positive and negative. They range from rabidly liberal, dreadlock hair, pot smoking organic vegan hippies to preppy sporty jocks… and everyone in between. The downtown scene can be pretty intense and can get really crazy. I know some cops in Santa Cruz and almost all the people they arrest on the weekends are drunk mess college kids being total dumba$$es. But whatever just stay out of trouble and be smart. I did make some incredible friends in my major and academic involvements so that’s definitely a positive!
3. Those god$@&# f%#$ing hills. They kill and suck and should go die. It took me 20 minutes at a brisk pace to get from one end of the campus to another. And in spring and fall when it’s humid as hell, it is miserable. Don’t bother trying to look good because the heat and humidity will ruin your look. Take it from someone who knows.
4. The bus system. There are always sooooo many people on the busses that sometimes 3 busses to pass you and when one finally does stop you have to try and squeeze on like a bunch of anchovies in a can. It made me late for class many a time.
5. Bad dorm. If you are stuck in a bad dorm it could spell misery for you at first. I was in an awful dorm my first year and was really seriously depressed. UCSC divides the dorms into what your declared major was coming in so certain types of people are more likely to be in certain dorms. It’s a cool idea but not really practical because almost everyone changes their major at some point. Some advice, just look at the student body that populates your particular dorm choice and figure out if you are a good fit for that particular interpersonal dynamic.
All in all I did enjoy parts of my undergraduate career. I was really over the whole drug culture lets all be dumb and smoke weed thing but that’s a personal thing. I’m just puritanical I guess. College, especially undergrad, is what you decide to make of it. The choices you make and what you ultimately decide to do are your choices. Live and have fun but remember, your parents are paying a lot of money for you to come here. Take advantage of the wonderful academics available to you.

I spent some of my most beautiful years on this magnificent campus.
My freshman year was spent in the Stevenson dorms and it was a unique experience. Our dorm had a full view on the Monterrey bay. Every day I would walk to the warm and welcoming Cowell dining hall with equally breath taking views. The food was very good, especially the salads, though I was never happy about the after-​meal dining hall stench on my clothes. The communal bathrooms were co-​ed and it did feel a little strange in the beginning, but eventually everyone became familiar and cozy. My first year I was involved with the Student Council and they organized some events. I also joined the Fish Rap journal as a photographer.
It wasn’t until my sophomore and junior years that I met some of my best friends once I joined the campus Argentine tango troupe, «Tangroupe». It was initially just four of us, and it has grown today to over 100 past and current members. The founders, Brett and Jen organized some of the best parties.
UC Santa Cruz is yet the most embracing, open minded, friendliest, and progressive communities I have ever encountered.
I majored in psychology, and the program is unlike any other. I got to be involved in research labs from my first year, and I took some of my favorite courses with Craig Haney, Eileen Zurbriggen, Veronica Tonay, and «Tony» Hoffman.
There are many unique quirks about this wonderful campus, such as the first rain naked run. One of my favorite places for lunch is the exquisite Terra Fresca restaurant, with fresh local farm ingredients and a majestic view on the redwoods. They periodically have themed days such as Alice in Wonderland, where they organized a buffet and art reception. I also love and spent many afternoons in the best coffee shop on campus, the Sevenson Coffee House. They have homemade sweets and the BEST salads. The seating is old and hip, and they always have student art on display.
The classrooms at UC Santa Cruz are diverse. Some are very new and modern, and others are old, like some of the dorms. Every place at UCSC has total charm.
I could go on forever, however I’ll just say that I highly recommend this exquisite school to anyone and everyone!

While the bureaucracy and over exuberant stoners who haven’t learned to balance substances and the real world yet can be annoying at times, I would not have traded my undergrad here for the world.
A class on The Beatles. Vegan cupcakes that are actually delicious. Crazy artsy events. Wandering in the forest when you’re sick of people. Bus rides to study on the beach. Plenty of work study jobs. Bus drivers who have personality. Majors in just about whatever you could dream of. A gym with a beautiful view of Monterey Bay. And now, a beautiful library.
And to top it off? If you actually get to know your professors, they’re generally really cool and excited that you’re excited about their topic too.
Even though my degree didn’t lead to a job, it gave me an outlook on life and made me think creatively about what I want to do with my life. Even 3 years after I graduated, the profs I had taken a couple of classes from and knew who I was were willing to write me grad school recs after I decided on a career path that requires an MA. I’m so glad I chose UCSC.

I am only going to talk about the trail in the woods.
I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to everyone that stops by Santa Cruz and wants to hike somewhere safe and for not too long.

My husband and I got to talking about moving to Nor Cal and how I’d hate to live in SF but wouldn’t mind planting my feet down Mountan View or San Jose or Los Gatos. Then thoughts of Hwy 17 popped up and finally UC Santa Cruz. My ever beloved undergrad school. I was torn on where to attend and with much frowns and twisted lips from friends I sent in my acceptance letter. Yikes… did I really give up Duke for a hippie school? With an eager fresh out of high school mind and even more eagerness to finally move out of the house I packed my bags to do a summer program at UCSC. Best decision I ever made. I loved the campus and I was hooked on the scenery.
Although it has been 7 years since I graduated I will always be a Banana Slug. UCSC is a hidden gem tucked under the redwood trees just above the town. It’s a calming drive from either the west or east entrance of campus. Pair this drive with a warm sunny day or a cold foggy evening and it becomes that much more intense. I’ve found myself driving from one entrance only to exit out the other withouth making a stop. From Stevenson College to Cardiac Hill at Merrill all the way to «Oooaakkeessss» every single college offers it’s own diverse and unique perspective which complets UCSC’s campus identity. It’s fantastic.
What’s even more fantastic? The libraries. The libraries may not compare in expanse of that at UC Berkeley (yes I’ve visited quitea few times) but even the trek across the bridge to McHenry library is a pleasant introduction to the smell of wonderful books inside. McHenry even offers a rather picturesque view once the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. For a change of pace you can walk over to the Science Library and get a doze of the open glass and x levels of floors wired in this technology ridden building. If you need to stretch out, by all means do so.
The gym is small but it offers a great view of the East field and Monterey Bay. You can run the track as I often did and feel the cool west breeze cool you off.
UCSC handed me (on a silver plate) everything it had to offer. I took it, took it all and scarfed it down. As a result, I had the best undergraduate experience. I enjoyed and participated actively in class discussion and hiked the trails to the meadows and those behind Merrill College. Because the campus offered (from my perspective) a balance between academics and enjoying nature I was able to balance both in my undergrad career as a physical anthropology major. It’s been 7 years since I graduated but I will never graduate from being a Banana Slug.

Damn. UCSC. Damn.
I’ve finally hit the big 3−0−0 in Unilocal reviews, so I figured I give the special tribute to my beautiful alma mater.
I’ve been thinking for a long time on how to write this review. Make it funny and have a countdown of top moments at UCSC? Make it serious and sentimental and try to make the reader cry? Focus more on academics or more on social life? Should I really take a star off because some beezy made me cry?
The answer still is I don’t know. So I’m hoping if I keep writing, it’ll work its way out.
I knew from the get-​go that I was attending UCSC. Everyone gave me crap for choosing to attend this school. My over-​bearing asian parents were disappointed, my friends thought I was «too good» for this school, and other teachers and peers made jokes about how I’ll get caught up in the hippie life and become a pot addict. Thanks guys. But it wasn’t until my uncle, an alumni himself earning a degree in Astrophysics as a graduate student, encouraged me that it didn’t matter what other people said, only that I was confident that I was choosing the right school.
Boy am I glad I did.
These 4 years I spent in SC were the best years of my life thus far. Freshman year was rocky and I didn’t really have friends. Instead of feeling sad for myself on weekends, I put on my hiking boots and roamed the campus by myself. I made friends with the animals, fell in love with the nature trails, and found peace everywhere I went.
Oakes College became my home, and I made the best friends there. I found my passion, switched my major, and discovered the person I truly was, finally shedding all the awkwardness of high school out of me.
I didn’t do the best academically, but I scraped by. Budget cuts and the lack of funding didn’t help much, but I’m not going to say that’s the school’s fault as much as it is the administration of the higher up’s, and the way our public school system is set up. Nonetheless, I witnessed all the protests through the years: Shutting down Hanh Student Services, and Graduate Student Commons (the night my boyfriend and I realized we liked each other), blocking Bay and High St, the Occupy movement and the march to downtown, and numerous others.
There were naked runs, Obama-​won-​the-​presidency runs, and midnight runs. There were tree climbing, cave diving, and ruin crawling. I danced on stage in front of hundreds, marched amongst thousands, but ate alone. I witnessed life, death, and destruction. I wore whatever I want, said whatever I want, but knew I would receive no backlash in return.
And everyday, as I’m zipping home on my bike at 30mph, beating all auto traffic and seeing the Pacific Ocean get closer, I think about how privileged I am to be at such a great university, and how proud I am for choosing the college of my dreams.
You or I can nitpick the reasons why I shouldn’t give this review 5 stars. But in the end, if I had the chance to relive it all over again, I’d do it in a second. Sure, I’d do a few things different, but the pride that I have of this school, and the pride that every other student has of this school, is unmatched, though we exemplify it a different way.
And we didn’t even need a football team to do that.
PS: The city itself is beautiful, and amazing in itself, and I’d also love to move back to live there if given a chance or a job. And my experience as a resident heavily impacts my experience as a student, but for all intents and purposes, this review does not include a rambling blurb about the city, but just know that without the personality of Santa Cruz, I would not have enjoyed UCSC half as much!

I graduated in 2009 so I can’t speak for the additions to campus, but honestly I wouldn’t choose any other UC to do my undergrad in. College in the forest? Check. UC landmarks/​secrets? Check. Awesome teachers? Check. Greek life not very encouraged? Check. Only certain kinds of people will like to attend here, and it’s fine– we like it that way. Give me hippies over jocks any day.
That said, I wish I could have enjoyed my time here more, but I was busy dealing with a large course load on top of personal issues. Also, for me at least, it was difficult to make friends with people who weren’t into inebriating themselves every night. If you weren’t into it, you were no longer invited to hangouts. Whatever though, I spent most of my time wandering campus, finding gems like the sandbox, tree 9, the shack behind college 9/​10, etc. Also be prepared to hike to every class, and hike in every weather condition. it sure did suck running from the music center to baskin engineering in 15 minutes one quarter. The trails around campus (and slightly offcampus) are wonderful, though.
If you’re from a small city, you’ll like it. Being an LA native, the one street that is described as «downtown» got old REAL fast. There were some highlights: amazing food (Café Brazil, Sushi Totoro), ice cream, Del Mar midnight showings, some cool shops… but you can’t walk even half a block with the countless zombie homeless people begging you for money every few steps. I do believe that if I had brought a car here, I would’ve enjoyed my time much more. Campus is very isolated from the city.
I’ve had some of the best teachers of my life here. And also, some of the WORST UC administration experiences ever (that’s what warrants –1 star, although it’s so bad I would do –2 if it wasn’t for the beautiful campus). Some of the teachers that are teaching while getting their doctorates need to be seriously re-​evaluated. I had one problem with a teacher that lead to me re-​taking the same course the next quarter, which made it a 20-​credit quarter and was pretty stressful. Another time the registrar «lost» my transcript request for my study abroad app and I had to fight for it last minute (even having my receipt). In general, it’s a mess, and I can safely say this isn’t the only UC with admin problems (I’m currently at UCLA for post-​grad).
To end it on a good note, I did love the ability to take p.e. classes at a low cost, such as fencing. I give it 4 stars because probably the best thing this school gave me was the opportunity to study abroad for a full year; their EAP program is great. The most you get out of college though are the life lessons, and despite the setbacks I have no regrets from attending. Looking forward to a time where I can revisit campus.

If you love outdoors, this is a great campus for you. There are tons of hikes on campus and lots of nature all around. I’ve seen all sorts of animals here — including deer, raccoons, fish, bobcats, bunnies, etc. Every once in a while, there will also be mountain lion sitings.
The buildings are very old, and most of them lack air conditioning. The dorm rooms and apartments are extremely small (relative to other schools’ dorms). I didn’t even have to share a room (I had a single room every year except for one), and they were still too small.
It’s pretty difficult to get all the classes you need when you need them. I’m surprised I graduated on time! If I could do it all over again, I don’t think I would have chosen UCSC.

This is a review based on a 2 day trip to visit this campus as a potential college that I will attend.
The University of California, Santa Cruz can not be described with photos.
Walking through the campus on a sunny day is absolutely amazing. The environment is incredible due to the redwood forest that surrounds you.
Wild animals walk around the campus, so it’s very common to see wild deer and other forest animals next to the sidewalks.
The air quality is excellent due to the abundance of trees. it felt great running through the area as I could take deep, invigorating breaths of clean air.
The student body is very diverse. I was expecting to see a lot of Caucasians. While this is true, there was also a large representation of most other races, including hispanics, asians, middle easterners, but there were a small amount of African Americans.
The residents of College Nine were SUPER SUPER SUPER friendly and welcoming.
The only negative I see about this campus is the seemingly abundant amount of drug and alcohol use among the student body (especially people who aren’t even legal) Many of the students at College Nine (where I was staying) spoke about doing this kind of thing. However, it was not an overarching problem that influenced how they were as people.
It would take forever to type all of the thoughts that I have about UCSC on here, so I will leave it at that. It’s a damn good school.

If two people are having sex in the forest and no one is around to hear it? Do they still make a noise? Better ask a student from UCSC.
A true convo I had with one of my friends at UCSC:
Friend: Yo man… I just had sex in the FORREST TONIGHT!
Me: Awesome…
I went here for a campus visit when I was still in high school and my old man and I both agreed on the scenery.
*Hands down the most beautiful of the UC campuses. You’re surrounded by nature, fresh air, amazin trails, and tall redwoods. If Santa Cruz had a better ranking such LA or Berkeley I’d probably consider it. Though, bein’ the pretentious douche bag that I am i have to opt for a place with warm weather, attractive lookin’ people, and a high school rating. I’m Elitist. A honest Elitist douchebag. You can’t hate on an individual who is honest can you? Maybe you can…
FYI…Mascot: The All Mighty Banana Slug

I have mixed feelings about UCSC.
One one hand, you have the gorgeous campus, stunning views, and periodic run-​ins with cute, furry critters. On this same hand you have extremely competent professors and interesting class offerings. However, for me, that’s where the positivity ends.
The other hand is full of disappointment and stress. I’ll explain. You see, I’m a Senior Psychology major. If you know anything about this campus you know that Psychology is up there on the most impacted, overcrowded, and overrated majors. Being a senior means I’ve gone through almost 4 years of basically fighting tooth and nail for the classes I need. I’ve had to crash at least TWO classes each quarter (out of THREE classes per quarter) since my freshman year. That means that my life (namely my job) takes the back burner for the first 2 weeks of class until I get the classes that I need and my schedule is figured out.
I know that all California public school students are feeling the same stress adding classes and such, but that fact doesn’t make the situation any easier.
Another source of irritation is the age of many of the buildings. Because UCSC was built in the 70’s, many of the lecture halls and residence halls are old and outdated and certainly not meant to hold the amount of students the administrators are trying to shove into them at any given point. Many don’t have power outlets that are easily accessible which makes taking notes on a laptop difficult.
The administration has made it clear that my (and all other students’) educations are not the priority here. In the past 4 years I’ve seen my tuition/​fees be raised by almost 30% and financial aid decrease by about the same amount. I am paying more and not receiving a better service in return, in fact, I am receiving worse service for my increased financial contribution.
I don’t want to turn this review into a rant (which, considering my current level of anger about my experience at UCSC, would be very easy) so I will end with this: think long and hard about attending UCSC (or any UC or CSU for that matter) at least until the state straightens out its priorities and makes higher education more important. Bottom line, If you have the money, look elsewhere if you value your education.

I first visited this place when my eldest daughter was a high school junior, and we we looking for colleges for her to attend. I fell in love immediately, and cursed my parents for not bringing me here when I was 16. Much to my disappointment, she chose Davis. 6 years later, though, my youngest (we’ll call her the Princess) chose UCSC! Now Her Majesty and I have a reason to visit this beautiful campus and cool town several times a year.
Situated on the old Cowell Ranch, the terrain is a mix of grassy meadows, rolling hills, and dense forrest. It is quite simply the most beautiful campus in the country. There are breathtaking expansive views of Monterey Bay, and winding trails through tall cedar and redwood. A real treat to visit. A very low cost day of adventure awaits you. Parking is limited. There is some pay-​and-​display, and even fewer metered spots. You can buy a day permit, but why not take the bus?

One of the most beautiful college campuses you will ever walk through. Surrounded by a lush forest, you will always run into a family of deers, and other small animals. There are plenty of hidden trails and short cuts through medows and streams. LOVE the Mc Henry Library & Stevenson Café.
Of course, there are always hidden treasures within a treasure. There is the drum circle, cave, the tree where you can see the ocean at the top, and … ok, i shouldn’t tell them all.
My favorite of course is the first day of rain in the begining of the school year. hehehehe… can’t turn your head on hundreds of naked students and hippies running in the rain. Get your cameras ready because those photos are priceless.
GOooooo banana slugs!!!

Where do I start? I spent 4 wonderful years at this UC.
The campus alone is breathtaking. Being on campus is equivalent to taking a nature walk. There are paths and shortcuts all around, leading deep into the forests of Santa Cruz. Those poor students stuck with 8am lectures get to see the deer, raccoons, and other small animals on a daily basis. Yes, the campus is simply amazing – it is hilly and wonderful, and the air alone smells so fresh and crisp!
The professors vary, as they are human beings with flaws (who would have thought, right?). I have had some mediocre ones & I’ve had some fantastic ones! My favorite professor, Bruce Thompson (History Dept.) is one of the sweetest and most captivating lecturers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Thanks to word of mouth & ratemyprofessor… students have the ability to find out which classes are worth the taking.
Dining.there are 5 dining halls (buffet style) & students have the option of buying a 7 day (unlimited), 5 day (weekdays only) or ⁵⁵⁄₇₅ (entries) meal plans.
The food is plentiful – there is junk, there is mexican, pizza, full sandwich & salad bars as well as hot prepared meals.
The new students tend to love the cafeteria at first, then gain their frosh 15, and resort to badmouthing how horrible the dining halls are for the rest of their time at the uni. But I am under the impression that the DH as we call them are just fine, they just get old. Eating at the same place day after day gets boring anywhere. There are also cafes on campus, but the uni stays away from franchises so you won’t find any here.
There are 10 residential colleges to choose from within UCSC. Each has a theme, for example College 10 was «Social Justice & Community.» These themes mean nothing more than the topic of your first writing core class (one qtr) & have nothing to do with your major.
Each college carries a certain reputation. if you are thinking about attending, ask an alumni what they are…
The downside to attending UCSC is that it is a bit of a bubble. A wonderful, alternative, liberal bubble at that. It is hard to get away from town without a car (and students aren’t allowed to buy on-​campus parking until they have junior status). There is a bus that goes across the 17 to San Jose but getting anywhere else (SF, Berkeley, etc) is a real pain in the ass.
*The downtown is cute but tiny. Shopping is virtually non-​existent. (I saved a lot of money as I couldn’t shop often) There is an overpriced, messy Urban Outfitters & a few boutiques, but that is about it. The nearst good mall is West Field & Santana Row in SJ.
*There are some great bars which are really fun when you first turn 21.
Then by 22 you are probably completely over all of them from going too much.
*Plenty of beaches, but the only ones accessible without a car are pretty much the Boardwalk and Seabright (2 buses)
*Good bus system that runs often. (all students receive a bus pass)
Surfers, be warned — buses do not allow surfboards so you either have to bike to the beach or make friends with cars when living on campus.
There is so much more to say, but I need to get some sleep.
Feel free to ask if you have questions…