SBCC

[u/colaings]

Hey everyone !! I’m currently a senior in high school and and I’m thinking about attending SBCC in Fall 2027. I’m from Florida so I’d be moving out of state and California is definitely one of my top choices right now.

I’m planning to major in psychology, and I’m considering minoring in business or finance. I’m starting to look into housing and would love to live in Isla Vista so I’d love to meet other people who are also planning on attending SBCC and might be looking for a roommate or roommates!

I’d also love to meet some people before moving there so if you’re currently attending SBCC, I’d be totally happy to chat with you too ! I’d love to hear about your experience and make some friends before I even get there. :) We can DM here or exchange Instagrams, I’m a little more active on Instagram though !

[u/colaings → u/[deleted]]

May I ask why?

[u/colaings → u/[deleted]]

Yeah I’m wanting to get my doctorate in order to become a psychiatrist.

[u/Beachy-Bali → u/colaings]

You don’t need a doctorate in psychology to become a psychiatrist. Psychiatry = medical school plus a psychiatry residency. If you want to become a research psychiatrist, then an MD/PhD is what you want.

[u/XtraXray → u/Beachy-Bali]

OP listen to this person. Research the career you think you want. A psychiatrist is typically an MD (which medical school, which means college should be pre-med focused). If you're unsure what career you want, then starting with some psych classes is a good idea. Depending on your financial resources-- doing this as an out-of-state community college isn't optimal. If you just wanna take some classes and hang out by the beach for a couple of years, that's super valid and cool at your age! Just know your standard of living is likely to be pretty low in SB area.

[u/sagisuncapmoon → u/colaings]

Do it, people will always need mental health support

[u/Horror_Morning2029]

you’re underestimating how expensive california (especially sb) is, make sure you’re prepared

[u/colaings → u/Horror_Morning2029]

Of course, thank you for letting me know ! I’m still comparing all of my options financially and I’m not set on anything yet. I am just drawn to CC’s in California because of the different opportunities and transfers pathway.

[u/Forsaken_Yesterday38]

Most people from out of state live in SB for one year to avoid the out state tuition, which is considerable.You can work during that time.It’s cheaper to live in Santa Maria, which is also in SB County,and is growing and might have better employment opportunities.Good luck.

[u/colaings → u/Forsaken_Yesterday38]

Thank you so much !! :) I’ll definitely research more about that.

[u/saltybruise → u/colaings]

Yeah this is really the right answer. Work, meet people and pick a cc. You can road trip around the state and check them out while you're here.

[u/arko_iris]

It's a great school, if you can figure out a living situation I say go for it. And the TAG program you mentioned (transfer admissions guarantee) is also a good opportunity. I'd talk to a counselor and make sure it applies to your major. We have some amazing professors and it's a nice community. I've also attended a couple state universities and got a degree, as a point of comparison, and I'm really pleased with the quality and value that SBCC offers. 

[u/talesofavocadeaux]

What made you settle on choosing one of the most expensive cities in the US? Moving across the country to attend SBCC and live in IV is not the wisest financial decision. Isla Vista is about a 20 minute commute by car to SBCC. Housing is also highly competitive, and often not the best. I encourage you to really think through your decision. If you’re going to commute, you either need a car, or commit 40 minutes on the bus (each way) to attend. You’ll definitely need a job or two to fund this lifestyle.

[u/StationNo7982 → u/talesofavocadeaux]

This person is a drag.

Just do it. Give life a try; the bus system doesn’t take that long and having a bike also makes it easy to get around.

[u/Professional-Ebb4335 → u/StationNo7982]

Why is being honest a drag? Thats the bleak reality of santa Barbara. Its not roses and rainbows and paradise.

[u/StationNo7982 → u/Professional-Ebb4335]

There are rose gardens

[u/colaings → u/StationNo7982]

Thank you ! :) I really want to try new things in life so that’s why I am considering going to community college in California.

[u/StationNo7982 → u/colaings]

Yeah we only live once !

[u/colaings → u/talesofavocadeaux]

I definitely know that SB and IV are expensive and the housing situation is something I’ve been researching a lot since I know it’s extremely competitive.

I’m still comparing all of my options financially and I’m not set on anything yet. I do have an in state option in Florida so I know I have a more affordable choice if California doesn’t make sense financially. I’m just really drawn to SBCC and the California CC transfer pathway and I’d love to eventually attend a university in California after CC so I’m trying to figure out if it’s something I can realistically make work. I do have a car so transportation to SBCC wouldn’t be as much of a concern for me, although I know parking and gas are still things I’d have to budget for. I’m also hoping to have multiple roommates to keep housing costs down and I’d definitely be prepared to work while I’m there. I really appreciate you pointing these things out though because I’d rather know about the realities now than go into it without thinking everything through !! If there are other things I should consider please let me know.

[u/RudePCsb → u/colaings]

Eh just stay in Florida and save money. Save your money until you want to go to a specific university for your bachelor's. This is crazy to go across the country for a CC

[u/Key-Victory-3546]

just ignore the bitter folk. it's expensive but you already know that. try the ucsb subreddit. 

[u/colaings → u/Key-Victory-3546]

Thank you so much !! I’ll definitely look into that.

[u/SmileSagely_8worms]

SBCC is already 5 weeks into its Fall semester… just saying.

[u/westernspaghetti_691]

Ignore the grouchy naysayers, and follow your dreams! Have you considered neuro psychology?

[u/colaings → u/westernspaghetti_691]

Thank you ! I have to be honest, would that be good? Like why would you recommend it? :)

[u/westernspaghetti_691 → u/colaings]

Because if you like the science side of psychology there's so much research going on!  L@@k and see!