Students find their home at UC Santa Barbara. Here, students thrive by building communities through student organizations, events, research opportunities, and support services. Discover all of the factors that make us proud to be Gauchos.
Featured Event
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Campbell Hall
American Hagwon
Acclaimed novelist Min Jin Lee appears for an evening of reading and conversation upon the release of her highly anticipated new book American Hagwon. She is the author of the international bestseller Pachinko, an epic family saga following a Korean family’s migration to Japan and a New York Times Book Review 100 Best Books of the 21st Century selection. Through her award-winning fiction, Lee has become one of the most celebrated literary voices of her generation, exploring themes of race, ethnicity, immigration, class, religion, gender and identity with “a compassionate, clear gaze at the chaotic landscape of life itself” (The New York Times).
Point of Pride
The Department of Asian American Studies was the first academic department dedicated to the study of Asian Americans at a major research university, and the first in the United States to offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian American Studies.
Alumni Spotlight: Kathy
“Being part of the Southeast Asian Union (SEAU) on campus has contributed greatly to my educational and personal journey at UC Santa Barbara. Surrounded by a diverse and supportive network, I found a space where I was able to celebrate my cultural identity and, most importantly, engage in meaningful conversations with other students that extended into my academic work. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of community and representation, but also inspired me to pursue my goals with confidence and purpose.”