When you tell people you live on Del Playa, you always get that look of half jealousy, half concern. My friends and I have always talked about living on DP, and this quarter that dream officially became a reality.
What I love most about being here is how easy everything feels. If we want to surf or tan, we are at the beach in a minute. If we want to catch the sunset, we can walk out the door and start a run along the bluffs all the way to Sands.
And whether we feel like going out or just watching the DP chaos unfold from the balcony, living on the mountain side lets us do both. It definitely comes with its trade-offs, the kind you only understand once you actually live here, but for me it is completely worth it. It feels like the true UCSB experience.
When the Street Never Sleeps (But You Still Have To)
Honestly, our biggest concern before moving in was the lack of quiet on the weekends. A lot of us have jobs, heavy class loads, 8 a.m. lectures, and tests, so we worried about whether DP would be too loud if we wanted a night off. But honestly, it’s fine. Most of the time we’re out anyway, and when we’re not, the noise usually dies down around midnight, which feels like a reasonable cutoff. Plus, parties aren’t always on DP, so there’s some variation.
Daily sunset migration traditions
If you live on DP, you know exactly what I’m talking about, the daily migration of people heading to Dev’s and Sands to watch the sunset is such a wholesome thing to see. I love DP for this. It’s so easy to just go and enjoy for a few minutes or an hour, and living here makes the beach feel more accessible. Often, I get caught up in homework and everything going on, but it’s really nice to take a break and appreciate the area we came to school for. Having the beach practically as a backyard is something pretty unique.
The Reality of DP Parking
Parking in Isla Vista is hard, especially if you don’t have a reserved spot or someone takes yours — it happens more than you’d think. Luckily, we have a parking lot behind our house, which makes life a lot easier. Personally, I try to avoid parking on the street during party weekends. Cars can get trashed, scratched, or hit, and the list seems endless. There’s always a chance your car gets damaged, so it’s just safer to park somewhere else when things get busy. Also avoid having to use your car on those weekend nights, coming in and out is a nightmare. It is better to plan and stay away from the craziness.
DP social life
One of the best parts about living on DP is how close we are to so many friends. We end up house-hopping pretty often, checking out our friends’ ocean view, or just hanging out on a balcony. It makes the street feel social and connected in a way that’s hard to explain until you experience it. Whether it is enjoying sunset together, waking up with some good breakfast, or biking to and home after classes, there is always something going on. DP also has a unique vibe because it isn’t right next to the big El Colegio road or main streets. It feels like its own little community, and you get the perfect mix of energy, privacy, and accessibility.
Living on DP is truly a once-in-a-lifetime lifestyle opportunity. Does it have its flaws? Sure, but that’s part of the college experience — it’s about having fun and making the most of every moment. I never imagined myself waking up to the ocean every morning and watching the sunset over it every night, but now it’s my reality. It’s an experience I will never forget, and one that makes my last year at UCSB feel completely unforgettable.