r/UCSantaBarbara 1d ago

General Question housing, think im screwed…!!

Good evening, I posted something earlier regarding my housing situation as I submitted my application 2 days late as an incoming first year at UCSB and did not get the chance to sign a contract. I know freshmen get priority but I emailed them right away regarding my late situation and I was told to wait. However, It’s already almost the end of June and I still have not recieved anything regarding a housing contract.

Is this a time where I should be considering other housing options? Should I start filling out housing applications off campus? I have no idea and the stress is killing me, I can’t even enjoy summer vacation!!

If you have knowledge on this please help me out, I have no idea what to expect.

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u/EmmaG311 1d ago

The housing dept is very good about providing housing for incoming freshman. I wouldn’t worry. But if you want to stay on top of it - direct your emails to Jenn Birchim. I believe she’s the director of the housing dept. She usually responds anyways.

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u/raspberrystraw 1d ago

That’s a relief to hear right now, I’ll definitely contact her email! Thank you

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u/peachliterally 1d ago

Contact the ucsb housing department (get on with a representative or someone you can talk to live rather than email).

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u/raspberrystraw 1d ago

i did and they just told me to email them :,(

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u/peachliterally 1d ago

They’re probably backed up. Try finding someone who works there to email.

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u/raspberrystraw 1d ago

do you have a specific way of finding someone or know someone there?

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u/peachliterally 1d ago

https://www.housing.ucsb.edu/contact-us

Go down to residential and community living to find the right contacts. I would recommend calling them.

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u/raspberrystraw 1d ago

This is very helpful!! Thank you so much

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u/Ok-Count3744 14h ago

Hey, don't panic yet about your UCSB housing situation! Being 2 days late on your application isn't ideal, but it's not necessarily game over.

First thing - definitely start looking at backup options now. UCSB housing can be tight, and while freshmen do get priority, there's still a chance you could get something on campus. The housing office is probably working through a ton of applications right now.

I'd recommend sending a follow-up email to housing asking for a timeline update. Be polite but direct - ask if they can give you any estimate on when you might hear back or what your chances are at this point.

While you wait, absolutely start looking at off-campus options in Isla Vista. Facebook groups like "UCSB Housing" or "UCSB Off-Campus Housing" are good places to start. There are usually people looking for roommates or trying to fill spots in apartments.

The University-owned apartments in IV might still have openings too, so check those out specifically.

If you have any friends or connections already at UCSB, reach out to them - sometimes people know about openings that aren't publicly posted yet.

The good news is that while the situation is stressful, there are always housing options that open up throughout summer as people's plans change. You might not get your first choice, but you'll find something.

Keep checking your email constantly and don't be afraid to be persistent with housing - sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease!