Getting Involved at UCSB

If you're looking to get involved at UCSB but don't know where to start, you're not alone. Our amazing school is home to a spectrum of student organizations, research projects that are at the frontiers of their fields, and an outdoors-oriented college community, and because of this, the amount of available opportunities can be quite overwhelming for all new and current students. However, finding the right group of people can make a large public university feel smaller, cozier, and more like home. This post will show you to the right doors and help you pick which ones to open. Let's step our foot through a few of the important ones and check out what UCSB has to offer!

Shoreline

Trying to frantically search Google for the websites and social media pages of UCSB campus organizations that are related to your interests can become confusing and may limit your findings. The best resource for this is Shoreline, UCSB's main platform for student life. By following the link, you'll find yourself with a complete list of all of the Registered Campus Organizations (RCOs) at UCSB, and you can even narrow down your search using keywords and categories. Shoreline consolidates all of the clubs' descriptions, contact information, and event schedules into one place. You can also start your own RCO through Shoreline and run your club using all of the great resources that it has to offer. Take advantage of everything you have access to as a UCSB student and manifest your passions through UCSB's RCOs!

Faculty Research Assistance Program (FRAP)

If you are looking to challenge your thinking and to take your studies a step further, check out UCSB's Faculty Research Assistance Program (FRAP). The FRAP Directory makes research and connecting with faculty within reach for all undergraduate students at UCSB. Professors will post ongoing projects in the directory and provide the research requirements and their lab's contact information for interested students. There are dozens of projects going on at UCSB, and this is your chance to step into the research world in college, whether you decide to explore projects in your major or minor's department or in a different department. The FRAP gives you the chance to perform interdisciplinary research with renowned professors who are leading in their fields, and you can make connections with faculty and boost your post-grad resume with research experience.

UCSB Adventure Programs

Just as much as UCSB is an academically driven school, it also embraces the outdoors and life outside of the books. The Department of Recreation at UCSB is widely recognized for the UCSB Adventure Programs, which are open to all UCSB community members, students and faculty alike. As a UCSB student, you get reduced fees for all of the programs, including organized kayaking, rock climbing, stand-up paddling, and surfing programs. The linked page includes all of the resources you need to find your outdoor adventure, and it also contains the resources on how to become an outdoor guide for the Adventures Programs. More links are also embedded within the main website to direct you to program-specific pages.

Whether it be hiking, chemistry lab, sports, or live music, you have complete access to get involved in all of these activities as a UCSB student. With all of these resources at your fingertips, it is now time to do your research, explore your passions, and make lifelong friends at UCSB!

Cover Photo taken by Alise Cung (2021)