MY EXPERIENCE AT UCSB | *tons of footage*

[@latejuly9883]

Every so often I come back to this video when I lose motivation to study. It reminds me of my goal. See you soon UCSB...hopefully!

[@annika_helmer]

Late July aww I’m so happy to hear that! ☺️ Wishing you all the best with your acceptance 💕✨

[@MrDLJ5]

That has to be one of the most well put together vids for a school that I've seen. Super informative. Thanks!

[@samanthafranco2506]

Check out Devanshi’s video on UCSB, it’s super detailed academic wise

[@jasmynmaples4045]

this is the best college review video i have seen

[@gerilegru2303]

I got accepted to UCSB and got a really good financial aid packet. I’ve been really hesitant to attend UCSB bc its the farthest school I applied to and I want to stay close to my fam. However, after watching this video I really want to go now! Thanks for sharing your experience and for putting in the effort of putting together this awesome vid!!

[@annika_helmer]

Geri Legru Congratulations!! That’s amazing 😃 I’m so glad you enjoyed the vid ☺️ I completely understand the struggle of deciding how far away you’re willing to be from your family. That’ll definitely have to be your own decision to make but I have some advice if you’re interested!

[@gerilegru2303]

​@@annika_helmer I also forgot to mention that UCSB is a bit far from where I live, so you just saved me hundreds of dollars and my life because I didn't have to fly out there for a tour and the whole corona virus pandemic thing. I hope you and your family are safe! Take care always! ❤️

[@annika_helmer]

Geri Legru aww I’m so happy it was helpful!!We’re all safe 😊 you and your family take care as well 💕

[@squidwardtortellini4491]

How did you like it?

[@AlyTarmin]

this makes me wanna go so bad omg

[@jewelscastle]

I wish everyone made a college experience video with so much footage instead of them sitting on their bed and talking. Amazing video!!

[@annika_helmer]

Thank you!! I had all these videos that I’d taken back then and thought I might as well put them to good use lol

[@allielee]

I'm so excited to to be a freshman in the fall! this video is so well put together💖

[@annika_helmer]

Allie L. Thank you so much! And congratulations!! I’m so excited for you ☺️💕

[@james-tg4mm]

just got accepted so happy :)

[@annika_helmer]

温james that’s so exciting congratulations!!! I hope you have an amazing time there 💕

[@isabellefrank9911]

how is it going?

[@GiaCrupi]

this made me realize just how many things I didn't realize UCSB had and i go here LOL honestly thank you for this imma make my experience a lot better now

[@annika_helmer]

Giavonna Marie love that 😂💕

[@CALISUPERSPORT]

Awesome, I feel like I got a legit locals tour! I was only going to apply to SD schools but I'm adding UCSB for sure.

[@brooktsui3559]

Amaaaaaazing! Hard to describe how exhilarated I am. Somehow crushed on UCSB😄- as a Chinese undergraduate, I've never seen such a campus. Hopefully, one day I could go there to study physics. Really Love ur video, and have subscribed. Thanks!

[@annika_helmer]

Awww I’m so glad you loved it! 🥰 It’s definitely a very unique and gorgeous campus 😍 Keep working hard and I’m sure you’ll be able to attend UCSB one day! 💕

[@ovchiiee]

I just got accepted here for the school of theater. This video was crazy 😝 the scenery, people and vibes was immaculate lol just made my decisions sooo much harder omg

[@annika_helmer]

Congrats!!! 🎉🍾 I’m so sorry I saw your comment so late! Where did you end up deciding to go? ☺️

[@ovchiiee]

Appreciate you for responding haha but THANK YOU! Dont get mad but i ended up going to UCSD 😭

[@annika_helmer]

@@ovchiiee Omg the audacity! 😤 jkjkjk I hope you have an amazing time there!! 💕 UCSD was actually my other top choice and I struggled between the two as well!

[@standupguyjoe]

Best student life vid I’ve seen for UCSB.

[@samiyaali946]

Just signed my SIR rn !!! AHHH i’m excited and thanks for the VERY informative video. I can already see myself there!

[@annika_helmer]

Samiya Ali that’s awesome! I’m so exited for you!! 💕and so happy you enjoyed the video too 🥰

[@brookeswertfager7895]

Just got in! So excited!!!

[@annika_helmer]

Brooke Swertfager I’m so happy for you!!! I hope you have an amazing time there 💕

[@hanamch]

i cannot believe ucla was my dream school before i got rejected. ucsb couldn’t be more perfect for me. so excited to be a gaucho WOOOHOOO

[@annika_helmer]

Congrats on your acceptance!!! 🥳🎉😍

[@Briman2052]

Hopefully you're a lil basic otherwise you won't have as much fun.

[@_sophiakim]

I just got into UCSB and this video makes me really wanna commit.. like RIGHT NOW!!

[@annika_helmer]

Sophia Kim love that 😂 also congrats!!! Definitely consider all of your options but if you do choose UCSB I hope you have an equally amazing time there 💕 (or anywhere you go for that matter lol)

[@gerilegru2303]

Sophia Kim SAMEEE! Thanks Annika for this awesome vid!

[@abbyor16]

This brings back so many memories 🥰!!! Great video!!!

[@awesomgirl1243]

im TAGing UCSB for next year,, this is so dope :') really excited...

[@석현홍-c6u]

I'm gonna UCSB from Korea for a year as an exchange student! I'm so excited

[@annika_helmer]

석현홍 that’s awesome!! I’m so excited for you :)

[@anabell5229]

Absolutely loved this school but I never applied because I was sure I wouldn’t get in after health issues. Heavily considering transferring after freshmen year but I’m nervous about being a transfer. Maybe spring of freshmen year but I feel like that’s too soon but it would also give me a freshmen experience of UCSB

[@annika_helmer]

Ana Bell I’m so sorry to hear that! I hope you’re doing better now and I totally understand being nervous ❤️ if you feel like you’d regret not applying though then 100% give it a shot!

[@oliverjennings2909]

I’m from Sweden and I’m thinking of going to UCSB as a exchange student for two quarters. Which two would you recommend? I wanna enjoy as much of all the big parties as possible and when just in general would you say would be the best time to do that? Also love the video!

[@Worldbizzare]

I’m going to sbcc and can’t wait to transfer here! Vid was very well done. Makes me super excited

[@annika_helmer]

Olivia Reed thank you so much! I hope you have an amazing time there 💕😊

[@cristinazambrano915]

im going to commit! so excited to be a gaucho

[@annika_helmer]

Awww I’m so excited for you!! 😍 Welcome to the family ❤️

[@mk11fan87]

Be careful of incels lol

[@rodolfosandoval9932]

The ending is so sad. Awesome video I will be attending this fall 🥳😆😆😆😆

[@rachellei790]

I am innnnn yayyyyy!!!

[@annika_helmer]

Omg congrats!!!! 🎉🍾🥂 I hope you have an amazing time ☺️💕

[@rachellei790]

@@annika_helmer thank you!! ❤

[@stayfitkeeptraveling]

If I have a money to study there. I definitely studied there

[@sammitchell7310]

Do y’all even study ?

[@annika_helmer]

2:49 4:34

[@bobbob123ful]

@@annika_helmer 20 minute video with 2 clips of studying....

[@annika_helmer]

Ansa Pectoralis sorry but would you have watched a video that was 90% about sitting in the library? College is SO much more than just studying. I included clips of different classes and labs as well which obviously take up a lot of time on a daily basis but when people search for videos about a particular school they are looking for much more than just studying. When I was applying to schools I wanted to know everything there was to know about them including things that had nothing to do with academics (ex: what the people are like, what the weather is like, what you can do on the weekend, if I’d need a car to get around, if the school is a big city school or if it’s surrounded by nature, what the school traditions are, etc) After all you’re not just choosing a school when you apply somewhere. You’re also choosing the environment that feels right for you. If all you care about is seeing people study then this video simply isn’t for you and that’s ok 😊

[@bobbob123ful]

@@annika_helmer I guess that's fair, but my college experience so far has been anything but partying all day every weekend. More studying than anything - hardly have time to even get out. But we're different students and partying is for you and that's ok

[@annika_helmer]

Ansa Pectoralis May I ask why you’re focusing so much on the partying when that was just a small portion of the video? I hardly partied every weekend. I probably attended a party once every 2-3 weeks and that’s mainly because my boyfriend was in a frat and parties were more common for them. Half the time it was just something silly like a date party where everyone gets together to hang out, dress up, play games, and drink. Also, something that I’m sure no one would’ve guessed about me is that I don’t even drink (like at all) so it was much easier for me to be productive the day after. If you’re talking about all the daytime events that I showed though like deltopia and extravaganza those only happen once a year. Remember this is footage taken over 4 years and condensed into 20 minutes. Also you’re right, there are lots of different kinds of students and some prefer to study all the time and not go out and some have to study all the time and can’t go out. That can really depend on your major though and how much you value balance in your life. I was a film major and while the first two years were very theory based and filled with long nights and essays the last two years were a bit more hands on and I had more time to get out and do other things. I valued a well rounded experience and made sure that’s what I got while I was there. Also another fun fact, all the club footage you saw was filmed because I worked downtown as the front desk girl and cocktail waitress at a club. It was good money and I was able to feel like part of the party without feeling like I was wasting my time. I would work from 8pm to 2am on weekends and I know that probably sounds torturous to some but I literally hate sleeping and don’t need a lot of it to function so it was great for me! It’s all about figuring out what works for you and what makes you happy. I ended up graduating in four years with good grades, a degree, and tons of great memories. I hope your experience ends up being something you can look back on fondly and proudly as well 😊

[@aazucenna]

I start this fall (': , I'm so excited, thank you for this video!!!!

[@annika_helmer]

Azucena Sarabia that’s so exciting!! I’m so happy for you 💕You’re going to have an amazing time there, Gaucho 😉

[@aazucenna]

@@annika_helmer thank you so much 😭😭😭, I'm excited but so scared too

[@annika_helmer]

Azucena Sarabia so was I 😂 just remember to take it one day at a time and to not put too much pressure on yourself! Everything will work itself out :)

[@soleilsisters6023]

feel free to check out our channel for more UCSB/college life videos! wishing you the best of luck here!:)) xx, the soleil sisters

[@emmy5121]

I’m from Texas, but I really wanna apply either to UCSB or SBCC

[@annika_helmer]

Definitely do it! It’s better to have no regrets 😊

[@johnbaptise2262]

“Grab all your friends” hah what friends

[@annika_helmer]

Joseph Kroll my entire senior year honestly 😂

[@sammitchell7310]

Joseph Kroll DONT be a damn loner

[@paraskep5080]

the seal in downtown san diego is similar to the land shark

[@araragomen392]

Im and incoming freshman and i’ve never been more excited

[@internetwork8569]

The best college intro ever i seen

[@AndrewRKenny]

Made me wanna go here and I already went there. Always funny seeing your videos randomly pop up in my recommended lol.

[@AndrewRKenny]

But also I'm subscribed DUH.

[@annika_helmer]

Love that you actually click on them 😂❤️

[@tubbygnome2995]

Oh my all of those clips 👏🏻💥

[@erickfuerte4291]

2:30 rocking that Staley jersey!

[@josephiousbrosif]

Wow awesome video I'm looking forward to it. Also, you're absolutely gorgeous for what it's worth

[@pavannalluri28]

The best 🔥

[@danielkim7841]

Not gonna lie the dancing boy on the rooftop made me nervous. One slip and he could have fallen and cracked his skull! But the footage of the flowers and the landscape was gorgeous. Santa Barbara is gorgeous, the water is gorgeous, the rainbow is gorgeous! You have great eye for film, u should work in film and TV production!!

[@annika_helmer]

Yeah it used to make me nervous too but I got very used to it by the end lol I even had a guy fall off a roof and hit me on the way down. The scariest part is that we were at an oceanside party and that particular side of the house was relatively close to the edge of the cliff. Thank you! Film is one of my passions 🥰

[@riddhibheda6777]

dream school

[@clarayi1840]

Just got in! So excited hehe

[@annika_helmer]

Clara Yi that’s awesome congrats!!! I hope you have an amazing time there 💕

[@timothyorji2048]

Awesome video! Its amazing that this was made purely from old footage!

[@annika_helmer]

Timothy Örji thank you so much! yeah it took a while to find all of it and about 8 days to put it all together so I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@tameemiqbal5567]

Just got in as a transfer!

[@annika_helmer]

Amazing!!! Congrats!!! 💕🎉 I hope you have the best time 😍

[@sealy999]

Whats the game where you put the cups at the corner of the table again

[@hannahekelem2119]

Hi I was wondering how you liked the dining food?

[@annika_helmer]

Hi! I loved the dining hall food 😍 Pretty much everyone I knew at USCB liked it as well. Because I lived in Manzanita Village I mostly ate at Carrillo but throughout my years at UCSB I ate at all of the dining commons and I don’t recall any bad experiences

[@dayday2002canterwood]

I’m going to SBCC and transferring to UCSB my sophomore year. Any advice?

[@annika_helmer]

dalybentley Congrats!! 🎉 Unless there’s something you‘d like specific advice about the only advice I really have to give is: 1. Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s a waste of energy. 2. Take as many pictures and videos as possible because you’re going to want those memories to look back on 🌴😊

[@BadriTouzene]

good times

[@rebeccajamgochian323]

Omg my hometown!

[@paigeyamachikaa]

Hi! I love this video so much. What was ur highschool gpa to get in?

[@annika_helmer]

Paige Yamachika Hi! thank you!! 💕 my gpa was 3.83 I believe 😊

[@suhani1778]

Bruh its ho-li She REALLY SAID HOLLY I'M-

[@annika_helmer]

Ishita Gupta Oh my god I’m so sorry! I kept hearing it both ways while I was there and I thought I double checked the pronunciation before recording the voiceover but apparently I did not. I sincerely apologize for pronouncing it incorrectly, it was not my intention to disrespect the tradition in any way

[@suhani1778]

@@annika_helmer ofcourse , its totally fine !

[@leilapadilla1273]

which dorms are these

[@annika_helmer]

Those are the dorms in Manzanita Village!

[@vatsala6497]

What did you major in?

[@annika_helmer]

Film and Media! ☺️

[@fionafoley3423]

this video is so well put together ! thank you !

[@annika_helmer]

fiionafoley thank you! It took quite a while to find all the footage and put it together so I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@danielaescobar5734]

this videos great.

[@annika_helmer]

daniela thank you! :)

[@laylonieandco]

firstly, I gotta say you look fit and great! i was wondering what kept you motivated to stay relatively healthy and in shape and what did you do? i don't want the infamous freshmen 15 haha

[@annika_helmer]

Thank you! Honestly, it was not easy especially because I had the unlimited meal plan for the dining commons 😂 By the time I graduated I’d definitely gained some weight due to normal things like stress/lack of sleep, poor diet, and less exercise but that comes with staying up late to finish assignments and making quick and easy (unhealthy) meals so you can get back to studying. What really helped me maintain a decent weight though is the fact that I walked everywhere. I did not have a car or bike so I walked to every single class and that gave me some good daily exercise! Another unexpected way that I got some good cardio in was going to parties lol. First of all I’d have to walk to all the parties and then once I was there I’d be dancing with my friends for like an hour. Another thing that I didn’t really do often but is an option for students is taking advantage of the gyms and pools/ocean! I had a few friends who surfed and some who loved beach games like volleyball too so those are always options. I’d say just be active when you can and eat healthy as much as you can and if you gain some weight it’s not the end of the world. Your weight doesn’t define you but if you’re upset about gaining some you can always work it off!

[@lillyraphaelian9519]

do you have any recommendations on which dorm to choose to live in freshman year?

[@annika_helmer]

Lilly Raphaelian I only ever experienced living in Manzanita Village and those aren’t freshman dorms but some freshman do live there (like me my first year) so I don’t know too much about the actual freshman dorms but what I can say is that the freshman dorms have TONS of first years and tend to always have something going on. If you’d prefer a more relaxed vibe and a variety of different aged students though I’d recommend applying to a dorm in Manzanita Village. Manzanita is also right next to Isla Vista so you don’t have to walk all the way across campus to get there like you would if you lived in the freshman dorms. The freshman dorms though are a bit closer to classes since they are on campus and not on the edge of campus like Manzanita is. So it really just depends on what location and vibe suits you best 😊 I hope that helps!!

[@miavalentina2220]

wow that looks so fun and amazing

[@ekakhacapuridze2654]

Guys please answer me🥺 does UCSB get 17 years old students from abroad?

[@annika_helmer]

Hi! I don’t know the exact answer to your question but here’s the email for UCSB’s Office of International Students & Scholars: [e-mail] They should be able to help you out! 😊

[@ekakhacapuridze2654]

@@annika_helmer thanks a lot💕

[@g6at791]

Why is no one talking about how ridiculous this woman is

[@annika_helmer]

In a good way or bad?

[@hannahhenderson4766]

Why do I watch these videos I literally live in Santa barbara

[@internetwork8569]

loved this video god bless you with making such an amazing video there is no word to describe your video

[@annika_helmer]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it ☺️💕

[@ani4310]

I wanna do a year abroad in the US and you convinced me to go to UCSB 😍

[@annika_helmer]

Where are you from? :)

[@cgiscobain]

i must go

[@marys2382]

We've stayed a week in the dorms a few times as FVC vacationers.

[@celineheleneroglin9901]

Hey I want to apply, I would love some advice tho!? Where can I hit you up.

[@annika_helmer]

Céline Hélène Röglin hey! insta is best 😊

[@celineheleneroglin9901]

@@annika_helmer Ill hit you up now x

[@-.____________________________]

What was your major?

[@annika_helmer]

AeroSpace film!

[@bm239]

Debating going to UCLA or UCSB. This video is making it hard lol

[@annika_helmer]

Sorry not sorry 😂 Just make sure to pick the school that feels right to you! Whether it be because of the major you want or the net working possibilities or even location. One of the most important things to me (since I was entering as “undecided”) was the location. Based on my interests in film, marine bio, and warm weather SB seemed like an ideal location - good film & media program, close to LA + lots of successful guest speakers visit campus, good weather, great marine bio program, lots of ocean wildlife near campus, etc. Good luck with your decision making and congrats on getting accepted to both!! 🎉☺️

[@Briman2052]

Trust me dude, fck the parties and all the noise. Go to whichever one you think will benefit you the most in the future. Period.

[@805sportswear7]

IG - 805SPORTSWEAR

[@AustinWang11]

Damn I miss ucsb

[@fatimaliliana6820]

I regret not accepting this school :(

[@annika_helmer]

Where did you accept?

[@joanalaguna5809]

I would be feeding the racoons

[@FruityUnicorn17]

😂

[@annika_helmer]

They would never leave you alone after that 😂

[@余秋逸]

Thanks for covering all the fun things in the video, but you've missed one thing that people spend 90% sober time to work on. Greate commercial!

[@annika_helmer]

I happen to be 100% sober all the time (I’m not a drinker and I don’t do drugs) and this was just my personal experience :) With some majors you don’t have to be in the library 24/7 and even if you do have a more rigorous major it doesn’t mean you can’t go have fun every once in a while

[@thatbitchjj1871]

I want to go there but I’m scared if the fees How much do you pay ?💓🥺💫

[@annika_helmer]

THATBITCH JJ I just graduated but the 2019 undergraduate tuition & fees of UCSB are $14,391 for California residents and $43,383 for out of State students per year as far as I know! It really helps though if you can get your hands on any kind of scholarships. They really helped me out.

[@thatbitchjj1871]

Oh my gowd that’s so expensive 😳. I don’t think I can get in because I don’t do any sports so I can’t really get a scholarship. But I will still look around for some other organization where I am from because I am out of state ,well out of the US tbh

[@thatbitchjj1871]

Oh my god that’s so expensive 😳. I don’t think I can get in because I don’t do any sports so I can’t really get a scholarship. But I will still look around for some other organization where I am from because I am out of state ,well out of the US tbh

[@annika_helmer]

THATBITCH JJ Yea, it definitely isn’t cheap but I didn’t play sports either! I got a large amount paid for through academic scholarships

[@thatbitchjj1871]

Annika Helmer oh ok thank you so much 💓💓

[@kennethscalir3092]

Isn't this biased because you are a very attractive young woman? What if you are not particularly good looking or popular?

[@annika_helmer]

Well, first of all, thank you and yes. This video is titled “my experience” so of course it has some bias. However, most of what I’m talking about in the video is what happens on campus, around campus, and in cities nearby. Being a young woman or being attractive has hardly anything to do with accessibility to those things. The only circumstance I can really think of where those qualities might be considered “important” is when you’re trying to get into a party, more specifically frat parties. Some other parties may care too but a lot of them don’t. Honestly, the key is just to know people. College is one of the best places to start practicing networking. The networking you do in college will help you out later in life as well as while you’re still there. By simply making friends with people I was able to go on some amazing trips, be invited to some great parties, and make fun memories on average school days that could’ve been boring if I’d just stayed home alone. Also, popularity is something that is pretty much left behind in high school. Of course there will still be snobby and stuck up people who think they’re better than everyone else and there also may be people that seem to attract the attention of everyone else but a campus is far too big for a certain few people to be considered popular school-wide. I only ever saw aspects of popularity within friend groups but the great thing about college is that if it’s a group you don’t click with then you can move right along and find new people who have never even heard of or met the other group. Also, I was far from popular in high school and in college I didn’t do anything a stereotypical popular girl might do. I didn’t join the cheer team, I didn’t join a sorority, I didn’t play any sports, and I didn’t hook up with a bunch of people. I didn’t even live with anyone lol I spent all 4 years there living by myself in a single dorm room! My life there could have been so boring if I didn’t go beyond my comfort zone to meet people. Some of my closest friends I met in my dorm building, others I met by going to parties, some I met in smaller classroom settings (big lecture halls aren’t a great place to get to know people) but I met all of them because they either said hi or I did. Then of course once you make some friends you start meeting other people through them and the experiences start coming to you rather than you having to go out and look for them lol. Anyway, sorry my reply is so long but I hope it helps! ☺️

[@nataliacoll8079]

what careers do they have?

[@annika_helmer]

Natalia Coll I’m not familiar with all of them but this page should help a bit! career.ucsb.edu

[@kimberlycuellar6558]

hope I get accepted

[@annika_helmer]

kimberly Cuellar wishing you luck!! 🍀💕

[@mingzhouzhu4668]

go gauchos!

[@tonysopranooo1]

long and hard lol

[@mariannearriola5610]

don’t pet the turtles!!!!!! (

[@annika_helmer]

Marianne Arriola There’re places nearby where you can easily wash your hands! In the 4 years that I and other people I know have given them a pat no one has contracted salmonella. But it’s smart to be safe and you don’t have to get near them if you don’t want to haha

[@bryanbetancourt8888]

That’s the type of woman I want blonde and beautiful, White Girls Do It Better

[@Briman2052]

You forgot "basic" and "shallow."

[@annika_helmer]

@@Briman2052 If you only knew me…

[@Briman2052]

@@annika_helmer Lol I wasn't necessarily referring to you (even though it looks like it now that I'm re-reading it), I meant "Isla Vista girls" in general, many of which were CC students...

[@annika_helmer]

@@Briman2052 gotcha, thank you for clarifying