Now that freshman year at UCSB is long past, I think I can finally talk about it and not feel embarrassed. Let me just say then that it was…amazing! Sure, I’ll admit that I was super shy and not so willing to try new things. I’m pretty sure everyone that lived on the same floor in my residence hall thought I was a pretty “keep to herself” kind of girl. But hey, I got past that and it all worked out for the better. Now I want to do anything and everything I can before I leave beautiful Santa Barbara. I believe that I finally broke from my shell after being part of Vietnamese Culture Night at school. I signed myself up to be a part of the All Girls Traditional Dance.

Sure, practices got really intense and stressful but I got through them. After all, the show must go on! After four months of practicing, the moment that I had been waiting for came—it was finally my time to get up on that huge stage in Campbell Hall. Even though the dance was only 5 minutes, I had 100 adrenaline rushes. It will be forever be an unforgettable experience. Thus, freshman year was pretty…amazing! Don’t you agree?

Everyone needs a place to get away to either study or just hang out. It’s always good to get that needed alone time. I find myself going crazy when I can’t take a moment to relax and enjoy – me! It can get pretty hectic in college, especially when its social central. Friends are always available, which is a great thing, but it’s also important to get your study time in.

The library is a cool place, but honestly it can get stuffy and the lighting makes me a little sleepy. Although I haven’t been around Santa Barbara for long, I have found a couple of other convenient places for you to check out.

1. No doubt about the UCEN – there are always little rooms and hallways you can study or just relax in. It’s usually very quiet and has great access to snacks and Jamba Juice! There is a little coffee shop in the corner of the UCEN called, Nicoletti’s, which has great prices for their pastries. The banana bread there is GREAT!
   
   
2. Believe it or not, theUCSB Multi-Cultural Center has a great selection of rooms to choose from. Some of them may be rented out for the day, but they are usually open. The MCC lounge is downstairs next to the entrance. There are couches and tables, whichever you prefer, and it’s completely quiet. Windows are all over the room so you won’t feel as if you’ve been trapped in a cell. It’s also close to the Corner Store, which has many snack options. (YUM!)
   
   
3. Take the bike path towardsManzanita – this is a beautiful sight to see, especially between the hours of 3-6pm, as the sun is about to turn in. All the way at the end of the path, you’ll find picnic tables. If you’re thinking about getting some reading done there, make sure you bring a pair of sunglasses. This is my favorite place since the weather is always perfect. I enjoy the cool ocean breeze as the waves hit the shore, and just let the sunshine come down and warm my soul.

Hopefully, you’ll enjoy these study spots as much as I did. You can never go wrong with Starbucks, a local coffee shop, or even the living rooms and study lounge at Tropicana Del Norte. Enjoy and good luck studying!

Coming to the University of California Santa Barbara from a small town

Coming to the University of California Santa Barbara was a big change from Greenfield, California. (No one knows where that is so I have to say I’m from Salinas, and if they still don’t know where that is, I end up saying I’m from the Central Coast.)

Coming from a small town populated with mostly Mexicans, I had never seen so many different people. My first week here at school here in Santa Barbara, I overheard a tour group being told that the UCSB had over 20,000 students. At that moment, I realized that there were more students at this school than people in my hometown!

It was definitely different here. I could not start suddenly speaking Spanish when I was trying to say a word that I did not know how to say in English, because not everyone understands Spanish. (After a while, I got really good at describing things, and even learned new vocabulary words.)

Some people don’t like change, and before my move, I was one of those people. But if nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.

Moving to another city for college can be a lot of work. There are definitely items that you’ll forget, trust me. These things are easily overlooked and once you realize you forgot them, it’s quite the bummer!

I remember the first day moving into Tropicana Del Norte being hectic and crazy. My stuff was everywhere and my room looked like it exploded. However, it’s not until later in the night after I was all moved in that I realized that I may have left some things behind. It was such an inconvenience! Especially because I was in a new area and had no idea how the bus route worked. I wouldn’t want this to happen to you, so here are a couple helpful tips I could share:

1. Don’t forget to hydrate.
   You won’t believe how many kids get dehydrated in a single day. (Maybe because soda is our first option, yum!) I suggest you bring cases of water and store them beneath your bed for those midnight thirsts. They are also very convenient for your trips to class. For your long days at school, buy a water container, like a camel-back or sealable coffee-mug, to fill up in the Cafe.
   
   
2. Running shoes
   Although we may not exercise on a daily basis…or even at all (since our metabolisms are still in great shape), it’s always nice to have the option of working out. If your friends wanted to exercise at UCSB’s Recreational Center, it would be horrible for you to be left behind. Plus, I think running to the Isla Vista Beach is an awesome idea. The view is definitely to die for. Don’t let that freshman fifteen phase you!
   
   
3. You will get the munchies.
   Snacks are top of the line, fabulous. I know we’re constantly told not to eat at night, but let’s face it, there’s no way to stop it. And if you don’t have snacks, you’ll be begging your roomies for a couple bites – if they’re willing to share with you. I LOVE SNACKS! Oh, and even if the Cafe Trop provides us daily milk, it’s always nice to have a half a gallon in your little mini fridge for that midnight milk and cereal. (Now I’m thinking, “Thank goodness for those running shoes.”)
   
   
4. Desk lamp for those late nights.
   Tropicana Del Norte does provide a study lounge downstairs for those late-night cram sessions. However, I think it’s nice to be in your room where everything is convenient (having all your stuff and snacks with you). The lighting in the rooms isn’t always as bright as we would like them to be, especially if you like to, or have to, read. If you have roommates, it would be considerate to use your lamp just in case they want to sleep. You never know if your roommate is an early sleeper, but let’s hope not since you may feel like procrastinating that day.
   
   
5. A cushion for those old bones.
   This is definitely not mandatory, but if you want to guarantee a good night’s sleep, I suggest you bring a mattress bed pad. Wait, that sounds a little weird. It’s one of those mattress covers that you put beneath your twin extra long bed sheets. They come in padded cotton or memory foam, which are easy to find in nearby stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Costco, etc.

Don’t get me wrong, the mattresses here are great. But this way you won’t miss your bed at home so much, because your bed here is going to be super comfy.

I know what you’re thinking, “Pfffft, how could I ever forget these basic things?” But after reading this, you’ll think back and be thankful you didn’t leave any of it behind.

From one student to another, good luck with moving in. And if you’re already moved in, I hope you get to the store and stock up on your snacks!