Is UC Santa Barbara a top school for particle theory?

  • Thread starter Thread starter QuantumDefect
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reputation and cost of attending UC Santa Barbara, particularly in relation to its particle theory program. Participants share insights about the school's ranking, living expenses, and personal experiences related to housing and financial aid.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that UC Santa Barbara is promising for particle theory, noting its institute for theoretical physics and recent research output.
  • Concerns about the high cost of living in Santa Barbara are raised, with estimates of $20,000 projected for undergraduates renting apartments.
  • Participants discuss the practicality of living arrangements, including sharing apartments or commuting from nearby areas like Ventura to save costs.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of living on campus and compares costs to another university, indicating that rent can be high in campus-affiliated communities.
  • Financial aid and grants are mentioned, with some participants expressing challenges in securing sufficient funding due to family income levels.
  • Personal anecdotes about transferring universities due to relationships add a social dimension to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the ranking of UC Santa Barbara for particle theory, as opinions vary. Participants generally agree on the high cost of living, but specific figures and experiences differ, leading to a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding financial aspects.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the accuracy of cost estimates and the availability of financial aid, indicating that personal circumstances may significantly influence their perspectives.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students considering UC Santa Barbara for particle theory, individuals interested in the cost of living in Santa Barbara, and those exploring financial aid options may find this discussion relevant.

QuantumDefect
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Ive been looking at this school for particle theory and it looks very promising. Does anyone know how it ranks compared to other schools?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's been getting a lot of press lately for the amount of research coming out of it. It has the institute for theoretical physics as well.
 
Have you rented an apartment in Santa Barbara lately? :eek:
 
Is it expensive John?
 
For undergrads renting apartments the total cost for the next academic year is "projected" to be $20,000 (which is supposed to include everything.)
 
For undergrads renting apartments the total cost for the next academic year is "projected" to be $20,000 (which is supposed to include everything.)


Please tell my you're kidding. I'm starting there this fall. Where did you get that info by the way?
 
Santa Barbara has one of the highest costs of living in California. Many students rent out a single-bedroom apartment and partition it. I have heard of four living in a single.

$20,000 a year is probably about right, but that assumes the student lives alone (a rarity in Santa Barbara for obvious reasons).

You could also live in Ventura and commute, which would save a little money. Or better yet, buy a boat, live on the boat while you go to grad school, then sell the boat when you are finished.
 
Gza said:
Please tell my you're kidding. I'm starting there this fall. Where did you get that info by the way?


Well i applied for the fall got accepted to the Colelge of Creative Studies, and found that i couldn't scrounge up the dough. So i feel failry well informed on the matter, since it was my first choice.
 
JohnDubYa said:
$20,000 a year is probably about right, but that assumes the student lives alone (a rarity in Santa Barbara for obvious reasons).

That was for Undergrad living in dorms.
 
  • #10
Oh my. :eek:
 
  • #11
I went to school there last year and lived on campus. It was about the same as it costs to live here in Irvine and go to UC Irvine.

I have friends who live in Isla Vista, the campus affiliated apartment community, and rent is insane. We're talking 600 bucks a month to share a room. But it's an awesome place to go to school and if I could reverse time I would have stayed there..
 
  • #12
why did you transfer to irvine?
 
  • #13
doesnt the university help pay your way with grants and fellowships? There is also the FAFSA too.
 
  • #14
I get very limited grants because of how much my mom makes. I'm basically taking out around $5500 in loans each year to pay for school, most of that in unsubsidized loans. Compared to other schools though, I think this is a bargain.

I transferred to UCI to be closer to my ex-girlfriend. Obviously, that wasn't a wise decision, but I have to live with it. That's another story entirely, however.
 
  • #15
That's funny, I'm moving to Santa Barbara to be further from my ex girlfriend, since I also got accepted to her university. There's a certain symmetry to that situation. :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
7K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K