Manzanita Village is considered one of the top undergraduate dorms at UCSB, praised for its spaciousness and modern amenities. The dorm consists of several 4-floor buildings, each equipped with a little kitchen or living area, though only select buildings offer hydration stations and complete kitchens. It boasts private, lockable bathrooms that are not attached to rooms or communal, providing ample privacy. Many rooms offer stunning views of the ocean, making for a picturesque living experience. While some rooms are spacious, others can be quite cramped, particularly in the case of small doubles. The location is strategic, being close to Isla Vista and offering a peaceful respite due to its distance from the main campus hustle, which appeals to those focused on academics. However, this distance could be a drawback for students with classes on the opposite side of campus. Manzanita has a reputation for being quiet, sometimes perceived as antisocial, which might not appeal to outgoing freshmen looking for active social engagements. The proximity to natural areas, such as the lagoon, means occasional ant issues; thus, cleanliness is vital. Overall, Manzanita Village is celebrated as a bright, serene space that supports academic focus, complemented by occasional scenic views of nature, like seeing dolphins from the dorm windows.

San Nicolas dorm offers a favorable location, conveniently close to the library, ILP, dining halls, UCen, and the beach, making it a big plus for many students. The building is L-shaped with mixed-gender floors, and communal bathrooms that are regularly cleaned but may occasionally have ants. Known for constant elevator breakdowns, living on higher floors can be challenging without a working lift. Some rooms have stunning ocean views, but they may also be prone to mold and ants. The building lacks air conditioning, and lagoon-side rooms may experience unpleasant smells when algae growth is high. San Nicolas is particularly popular for students participating in the FSSP summer program, which aids in forming social circles, contributing positively to the freshman experience. Common areas feature amenities like ovens, microwaves, and laundry facilities, although the latter are often faulty and limited in number. Despite its flaws, many students find the experience worthwhile due to its prime location and community atmosphere.

San Rafael Dorm is a well-regarded choice for students who value convenience and community living. Ideally situated, it offers easy access to the bustling campus life, Isla Vista, and the nearby dining hall, making it an excellent location for those who enjoy being at the heart of social activity. The dorm is particularly appealing to second-year students with established friendships as it features a suite-style living arrangement, allowing residents to share a bathroom and living room with friends. Although the rooms are small, they are manageable and come with the benefit of a superb view if you’re lucky enough to stay in the Tower, such as in F6. Students appreciate San Rafael’s proximity to lecture halls and the nearby beach, enhancing the overall living experience. However, prospective residents should be mindful that the Resident Assistants are known to take their roles seriously, emphasizing rule compliance. Despite this, the close community feel and advantageous location make San Rafael a preferred choice for many.

Santa Catalina, often referred to as "San Cat" by students, is a popular dorm option at UCSB, featuring both double and triple rooms. However, space can be tight, especially in triples. A distinctive aspect of San Cat is that it offers private bathrooms shared between a double and a triple room, cleaned weekly, which many students find convenient compared to communal bathrooms. Its amenities include a gym, a pool, and the attached Portola dining hall, which is favored by many, despite its limited variety at times. The dorm is located about 1.5 miles from the main campus, presenting a commuting challenge. Biking is highly recommended over the reportedly unreliable bus service. While the location can feel isolated, it encourages a close-knit community atmosphere, leading to lasting friendships. Overall, San Cat is ideal for students who appreciate a combination of independence, close community bonds, and the convenience of on-site amenities.

Santa Cruz dorm at UCSB offers a vibrant and sociable community experience, highly praised by students for its supportive atmosphere and good vibes. The dorm is renowned for its modern architecture, featuring various lounges and community spaces conducive to social interactions. It's an excellent choice for freshmen eager to make new friends, thanks to its welcoming residents who maintain a balanced social life without excessive wildness. Santa Cruz's stellar location is undoubtedly a highlight, being just a minute away from the beach and in close proximity to dining commons, the library, and lecture halls. However, the dorm isn't without its challenges; the rooms, particularly triples, are often cramped, and the men's bathrooms are frequently in bad condition due to heavy usage. Nonetheless, the dedicated custodial staff works hard to maintain cleanliness. Amenities like good Wi-Fi add to the overall livability, making Santa Cruz a popular choice among the ChI-5 dorms, despite the minor drawbacks of tight spaces and occasional water pressure issues in bathrooms.

Santa Rosa is an older dorm situated ideally on campus, within walking distance to the beach, two dining halls—DLG and Ortega—and all your classes. Despite its favorable location, some residents find it dark and gloomy. Its proximity to other dorms makes visiting friends convenient, and its central placement means commuting to class is quick. The dorm offers a fitness room with several workout machines and even hosts a Pokémon Go gym at the volleyball court. Living conditions, however, come with challenges. The dorm is prone to flooding, as seen when bathrooms leaked and water seeped into hallways. Space is tight, especially in rooms meant for two that accommodate three people. Communal restrooms and frequent toilet clogs are common, and washing machines often malfunction. The dorm staff are described as pleasant, and the residence is home to some of the campus's chillest RAs. For a better living experience, it is advised not to bring too much personal belongings and choose rooms that avoid direct sunlight. Despite its quirks, Santa Rosa offers a unique campus living experience.

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a public land-grant research university in Santa Barbara, California.

UCSB's Campus Housing is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for students' educational needs. Their website showcases a variety of housing options that offer a safe and welcoming environment to make lifelong friends, access resources, and participate in academic, social, cultural and recreational activities. UCSB's Campus Housing team looks forward to assisting students in finding their ideal residence.

UCSB Dorms

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Anacapa

Manzanita Village

San Joaquin Villages

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