Rosario

Event Date: 

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 - 12:00am

Event Date Details: 

Student Information

NAME: Rosario

MAJOR: Sociology

MINOR: Applied Psychology

CLASS STANDING: Senior

What has been your biggest challenge in adjusting to university life, and how did you overcome that challenge?

My biggest challenge in adjusting to university life was adapting to a new city not knowing anyone. It was my first time away from home, living with four girls who I knew nothing about and learning to navigate public transportation all at once. It was all extremely overwhelming, I felt lost. But the more I got to know the people and UCSB, the more I learned that I was not alone. There are so many resources and people who are eager to help. By asking and seeking help I was able to meet a lot of amazing people and open myself to new opportunities. Asking for help was my key to success at UCSB.

How are the courses different at UCSB than from your previous college(s)?

The courses at UCSB were completely different from my community college. At UCSB everything runs in a fast paced. Week one at my CC was more of an introduction and ice breaker time. At UCSB week one consists of a quick course overview followed by lecture right after and by week 3 you are already in midterms. It took me a quarter or two to fully transition to the UC quarter system. Being organized and writing things down like due dates or to do lists really helped me keep on top of all my school work.

What organizations are you involved with on campus?

My first year at UCSB I did not get the opportunity to be as involved I wanted because I was adjusting. My senior year I had the opportunity to be a part of Freedom 4 Youth and CLG (Chicanx & Latinx Graduation). Freedom 4 Youth is a student organization who advocates juvenile justice by interacting and mentoring boys at Los Prietos Camp. F4Y emphasizes in providing the boys with support, education planning, effective communication to facilitate their integration back into their communities. CLG is an alternative graduation option in which students who identify as Chicana/o/x or Latina/o/x can embrace their heritage and culture through a bilingual ceremony. 

How do you get to and from school and around the city?

I relied heavily on public transportation to get everywhere! Your tuition includes a quarterly bus sticker which gives you unlimited access to all the MTD busses all over Goleta, Isla Vista, and Santa Barbara. For weekend nights, Bill’s Bus offers transportation from Isla Vista to downtown and back for $10 round-trip.

What types of housing options are available to transfer students?

As a new transfer student, housing is often a stressful topic. As a third year, undergraduate apartments are a common choice. I personally chose university owned housing because I did not really know the area well. My two years at USCB, I resided in Sierra Madre Undergraduate Apartments. There are a few cons, the apartments are located 1.8 miles away from campus. The cost of university owned housing is a little pricy compared to outside housing. But there are a lot of pros! Yes the price is a little higher but the price includes utilities, maintenance, RA’s on call ready to help, a market, gym, recreation/game room, study lounges and community spaces. Which make the distance totally worth it. Although Sierra Madre may seem far it has its own bus stop and is close to El Camino Marketplace Shopping Center.

What is your favorite spot to eat in the area?

My favorite spot to eat in Isla Vista would be Super Cucas. It is an authentic Mexican food restaurant located next to Woodstock’s Pizza. What I like most about Cucas aside from their food are their delicious fresh squeezed juices.