Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

UCSB Survival Guide: Acronyms

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.

So, you just started your first day at UCSB and you might be feeling a little bit like this…

 

One of the most important things you need to know about attending UCSB is that we are HUGE on acronyms. Seriously, we have acronyms for everything, from street names to dinning common to of course, buildings on campus.

 

The ladies at Her Campus UCSB are here to help you survive your first year at UCSB by giving you the 11 most important acronyms you need to know.

1. IV

IV is probably the most important acronym you need to know as you begin your college career at UCSB. Isla Vista is home to many UCSB students and is popularly known as one of the top party college towns. So, if you’re going out to a party, chances are it’s in IV.

2. DP

Del Playa is the wildly known for the craziest parties in IV, it’s also home to the infamous “Deltopia” every year. If you come across an out-of-towner, chances are you’ll be asked “Where’s the Del Playa?”, feel free to point them in the wrong direction.

3. DLG

De La Guerra Dining Commons is the most popular dining common on campus. Not only do they serve the best lunch but they also have “Late Night” every Monday through Thursday from 9:30p.m. until 12:30 a.m., so if you’re ever in a need of a late night snack, DLG is the place to go!

4. MCC

The Multicultural Center is located right next to the Associated Students building and right across from the Corwin Pavillion. The MCC hosts culturally aware events, whether its guest speakers, movie screenings or performances, learning about different cultures is something we can all benefit from.

5. FT

Santa Catalina Residential Halls used to be named Francisco Torres Residential Hall, hence the “FT” origin. Believe me, nothing screams “I’m a freshman” like calling San Cat, “FT”.

6. SRB

The Student Resource building is one of the most helpful places for students. You can find CLAS classes and tutoring on the 3rd floor, EOP is also located on the 2nd floor, and there are various resource centers located on the first floor of the SRB. There is the African Diasporic, American Indian, Asian, Chican@/Latin@, Greek Student, Middle Eastern, Non-Traditional and Re-entry Student Resource Centers. They also have the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. 

7. CLAS

Campus Learning Assistance Services is a program that offers tutoring for various science and math classes. They also have writing/essay checking services available. If your class has a tutoring class, you’ll teach will let you know how to sign up. Check out what they have to offer here. Raise your hand if you have ever felt personally victimized by science or math…

8. CAPS

Counseling and Psychological Services is an amazing place that offers free counseling for students. They also have massage chairs and an egg chair! If speaking to a psychologist is something you’re not ready for, they also offer Peer Counselors you can speak to. If you need someone to talk to, visit their website to find out how you can schedule an appointment (walk-ins are also welcomed) click here.

9. HSSB

The Humanities and Social Science building is a popular building if you have Writing classes or section for history. Let’s be real, no one has time to say “I have class at the Humanities and Social Science Building” so HSSB is a quick and catchy way to say it!

10. RecCen

The Recreation Center is the ultimate gym for all gauchos! There is various gym rooms, weight rooms, basketball and tennis courts and a swimming pool and hot tub! All you need is your access card to get in and your willingness to workout!

11. UCen

The University Center consists of the book/gift store, PO boxes for on-campus students, the Hub where many concerts and dances are held, and restaurants that vary from Panda Express to Root 217.

We hope this quick UCSB survival guide helps make your transition here, to UCSB, a smooth one. And always remember…

Elizabeth Vasquez graduated from UC Santa Barbara back in 2016 with a BA in English. Elizabeth currently resides in the Silicon Valley area and works for Modern Luxury Silicon Valley magazine as a marketing & events coordinator. When she isn't working, Elizabeth enjoys dining out with friends, reading a book and spending time with her two dogs. See what she is up to on Instagram: @iamelizabethvasquez and on Twitter: @MissElizabethLV
Kirby is a recent graduate from UCSB currently living in Los Angeles. As a proud Her Campus UCSB alum, she's happy to be back on the HC team covering one of her fave shows: "The Mindy Project." On any given day you can find her with her nose in a book (let's be real - it's a Kindle). In her free time, she likes petting dogs, binge-watching TV, and eating a lot of food. Find her on Instagram: @kirbynicoleb or @GirlBossEats.