UCSB has a large campus where you can easily get lost in reaching the classroom or building you want. It gets more confusing when the campus directory doesn’t specify the room numbers and doesn’t even show you the location of some of the larger lecture rooms that are separated from the main building. One of our student writers, Jin, recalls asking at least three people how to get to the Ucen from his dorm on the move-in date when he was a freshman. One of the topics of this blog will help you with this problem by navigating the campus with an easy step by step written instruction with a video. With 3+ years of experience of attending lectures in various places of the campus, our senior undergraduate student Jin will help you get to your classes in no time.

Once you’ve mastered getting around campus, the next task is to learn how to get yourself out there. A way to get involved is to manifest your passions through cultural, academic, and social campus organizations that can transform your college experience and give you lifelong friends. Throughout this blog, Alise, one of our junior student writers, will be providing all of the tools and advice you need to discover clubs on-campus. By joining the Pre-Dental Organization as a freshman, using her passion for chemistry to become a CLAS tutor, and bringing her love for music into KCSB, Alise has been able to take advantage of the vibrant student life that UCSB has to offer and can help you do the same.

While academics are important, college is also about getting out of the library and experiencing UCSB culture. One of the best ways to do that is to get involved in live events. Home to many student-run bands, there are local concerts in Isla Vista or on campus weekly, providing plenty of opportunities to listen to live bands such as Art Official or The Framers. While this may be intimidating as someone new to campus, Catherine has attended her fair share of local concerts and can help you navigate the IV music scene. If music is not your thing, however, UCSB is also home to many sports teams. As a current Gaucho Locos member, UCSB’s number one sports cheering club since 1988, Catherine can help you make the most of the live sports games, whether you’re a sports fanatic or are attending your first sports game.