In addition to the already busy workload of graduate students, housing can be another difficult task to navigate. The Santa Barbara housing market is one of the most competitive in California. We recommend that graduate students begin their search for housing several months before their expected arrival or end of current lease. Below you will find a recording of the Campus Housing Team with graduate specific resources.
Four key resources for you to keep on hand:
Community Services
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
The GSA is the elected representative government for UCSB graduate students and offers activities, grants, and opportunities to get involved on campus.
Asian Pacific Islander Graduate Student Alliance (APIGSA)
The Asian Pacific Islander Graduate Student Alliance (APIGSA) at UC Santa Barbara is an organization that strives to create and maintain spaces of support for graduate students of Asian panethnicity, while advocating for a more critically accurate representation of Asian American students. APIGSA aims to carry forward critical conversations that are frequently read illegible and absorbed into the background. The Asian panethnic community’s plurality of experiences contributes to a rich archive of shared knowledge that networks across ostensibly separate incidents of social injustice. The APIGSA welcomes opportunities to critically engage notions of community in our development as students, individuals, and community members.
Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA)
The Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) provides academic support and social resources to meet the needs of Black graduate students. BGSA is committed to mentorship, research, and service while also striving to create an inclusive environment where all students at UCSB can thrive. BGSA has partnered with organizations including the MCC, RCSGD, and GSA and welcomes collaboration with other like-minded individuals and organizations.
Queer and Trans Graduate Student Union (QTGSU)
The Queer and Trans Graduate Student Union (QTGSU) at the UC Santa Barbara provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ identified UCSB students to socialize, organize, and seek support. The QTGSU advocates for the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ identified students on campus and works to foster ties with the greater Santa Barbara community.
Graduate Scholars Program (GSP)
The Graduate Division's Graduate Scholars Program aims to provide a welcoming, collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment that thrives on the wide-ranging perspectives and experiences of a diverse population of students, a place where students can grow, excel and develop professionally, and one which will prepare them for careers of substance and impact. Click the link above to find out more about related resources.
The GradPost
The GradPost is a go-to website for news, funding, professional development, events, advice, and more related to graduate student life at UCSB.
Multicultural Center (MCC) | University Center Room 1504
Through the medium of high-powered educational programming, the MCC has been an agent for change on campus and in the greater Santa Barbara area. By partnering with academic departments, departments within the division of Student Affairs, and student groups, the Center conceptualizes and presents scholarly programs, performances, art shows, and facilitated discussions that enhance our awareness and inclusivity of all people.
Resource Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity (RCSGD) | Student Resource Building 3rd Floor
The RCSGD works with students, staff and faculty to ensure that LGBTQ identities, experiences and concerns are represented and addressed at UCSB. The center aims to create a vibrant and engaging environment through social and educational programming, volunteer and leadership opportunities, a comfortable and welcoming social and study space and professional and student staff members for support and advocacy. The RCSGD hopes that all LGBTQ students can thrive at UCSB, feeling safe, affirmed and valued on campus. Look at this map of all-gender restrooms on our campus.
Lunch & Learn
Lunch & Learn is a monthly informal seminar series that provides grad students with two important things: free lunch and a chance to socialize with and learn from their peers from across the campus. Each event features 15-minute talks by two graduate students – one from a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and one from a SHEF discipline (Social Science, Humanities, Education, and Fine Arts).
Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS)
OISS serves UCSB's international students and scholars. OISS issues immigration documents for incoming students and hosts CALI Training, an online and in-person orientation program for international students. All incoming international students will need to complete CALI Training. OISS provides ongoing advising and support for international students, and hosts cultural programs throughout the year to help international students thrive at UCSB. Check out their welcome guide for international students.
Undocumented Students Services (USS)
USS practices a solution-focused, intercultural, intersectional, and social justice approach that provides personalized support, programs, services, and resources. USS strives to develop a strong sense of awareness and understanding of the experiences of undocumented students and immigrant communities by providing resources and tools for UCSB campus community to support undocumented students and their communities.
Women’s Center
The Women, Gender, & Sexual Equity Department exists at UC Santa Barbara to support students, faculty, and staff who might face some challenges due to their identity. We celebrate all identities and encourage people from all identities to get involved. Our department is made up of four distinct program areas: Women’s Center Programs, Rape Prevention Education Program, Non-Traditional Student Resource Center, and LGBT Resources/Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity. Collectively we strive to make UCSB a more welcoming and just place. We encourage you to check out our events each quarter and to join or request a workshop. If you are part of one of the specific communities we are here to serve you. If you want to become an ally to one of the communities we serve, you are also very welcome to get involved and learn more. Feel free to stop by and visit any of our centers.
Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)
WiSE is a nonprofit campus organization that promotes equal opportunity for women and girls in science and engineering in order to improve their scientific and career advancement. WiSE encourages the participation of all science/engineering undergraduates, graduates, researchers, faculty, and professionals in the Santa Barbara area.
Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS was established 10 years ago to serve as a support group for students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The society strives to promote both minority students and diversity in the STEM fields through professional development events, guest speakers, community service events, and high school outreach programs. SACNAS proudly represents the National SACNAS Organization, which encourages Chicano, Hispanic, and Native American students, along with students of other ethnic backgrounds, to pursue higher education and assists them in obtaining the advanced degrees necessary for scientific research, industry, leadership, and teaching careers at all levels. For 40 years, SACNAS has provided strong national leadership towards improving and expanding opportunities for minorities in the scientific workforce, also mentoring college students in science, mathematics and engineering.