UC Santa Barbara Summer Programs for High School Students

After class, take a leisurely bike ride to the hip town of Isla Vista. Enjoy the Spanish architecture and sunny skies while visiting cafes, surf shops, galleries, and boutiques. Or, take a supervised trip to the tourist town of Santa Barbara and eat at one of the many restaurants or stroll through the Santa Barbara Zoo.   

Our home on campus is Santa Cruz Residence Hall, overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean. Here, you will be a part of a dynamic community of students and staff who live together in one residence hall. You'll be only a short walk from De La Guerra Dining Commons, academic buildings, the University Center (UCEN), the beach, and two outdoor pools. Did we mention that we can see the Pacific Ocean from our windows?

Get in touch with your inner adventurer with a hike on the beautiful Paradise Road, or take a surfing lesson at Leadbetter, Santa Barbara, or Goletta beach. Whatever your preference, we’ve got an opportunity for fun in the sun!  Known for its incredible recreation centers, access to surfing, beautiful coast line, and more, UC Santa Barbara is a great place to learn and spend your summer.

Living: Our home on campus is Santa Cruz Residence Hall. Students live in a double room with communal hallway bathrooms. Every room includes a bed, study desk, closet, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges, game rooms, laundry facilities, and the Summer Discovery Office are all in our residence hall. We are located only a short walk from De La Guerra Dining Commons (with gluten-free and vegan options), academic buildings, the University Center (UCEN), the beach, and two outdoor pools. Did we mention that you can see the Pacific Ocean from our windows?

Dining: Unique to Summer Discovery is our all-inclusive meal plan. Enjoy three meals every weekday, and two on the weekends, while on campus in the modern De La Guerra Dining Commons. Choose from daily options at the salad bar, deli counter, pizza oven, stir fry station, ice cream, and more. Are you a vegetarian? Do you have food allergies? Special diets are not a problem.

Tuition includes: Term fees, academic and enrichment program, housing, comprehensive welcome orientation and ice-breakers, 3 meals daily while on campus (2 on weekends), use of athletic and recreation facilities, activities and trips, transportation for included activities, college admissions presentation, blanket and pillow.

Not included: Application fee, $95 student ID/technology fee, airfare, airport transfers (available for $45 each way), class materials, course supplements, meals eaten off campus, medical expenses, laundry, linens, spending money, Summer Discovery promotions do not apply to the Summer Research Academies or the Research Mentorship Program (please visit UCSB Summer Session's website for more information about these programs).