Dear anyone who thinks UCSB is nothing more than a party school,
Yes, I am a student at UCSB and, no, I do not party/get wasted every chance I get. I did not choose which 4-year university to attend based off which school had the best parties. Might I remind you that according to U.S. News and World Report, UCSB is one of the top public universities in the nation (#8 to be exact). Sure, students here like to go out on the weekends, but don’t a lot of college students? If we are able to be one of the top ranking public universities while also knowing how to have a good time, I can honestly say that I take pride in attending UCSB.
*photo courtesy of The UCSB Current
Partying is a part of the college experience and there is no shame in enjoying the party scene if you remember that you are also in college to further your education. And by the looking at the statistics, most Gauchos have this idea ingrained in them. In my senior year of high school, this stigma surrounding UCSB’s party scene became so overwhelming to the point where I almost did not want to tell people which school I would be attending in the fall (these people being mainly adults). Having attended UCSB for nearly two years now, I can honestly say that any stereotypes I have heard about UCSB and the student body are completely false. The fellow students here are some of the most hard-wording, kind, dedicated, creative, and passionate people I have ever met. Many students are able to maintain their grades while juggling work, their social lives, and involvement in other organizations on campus.
*photo courtesy of UCSB Utility and Energy Services
Gauchos are innovators, advocates, and creators. We are more than the stereotype that many people (who, most of the time have never gone to UCSB) have placed upon our university. I do agree with one other stereotype though: I do think we are one of the best-looking universities.
Sincerely,
A Gaucho who is tired of everyone’s negative comments about UCSB