Hi! I'm Presleigh, a Biology major at UCSB from Northern California. I love meeting new people and helping future Gauchos get a feel for what life is really like here. I'm involved on campus through Alpha Chi Omega, and I enjoy spending time at the beach, exploring Isla Vista, staying active, and cheering on the Gauchos. I'd love to answer your questions about classes, housing, campus life, clubs, and what it's like to be a UCSB student. My goal is to make you feel excited and confident about your college decision!

Hometown

Dixon, California

Major(s)

Biology, Pre-Med

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Dance

Describe your college experience

Coming to UCSB was definitely an adjustment at first, but it quickly started to feel like home. I've made some of my closest friends in my classes and my sorority. Being a biology major has challenged me academically, but I've grown so much as a student and as a person. I've loved getting involved on campus, exploring Santa Barbara and Isla Vista, and making the most of everything that UCSB has to offer. Looking back, choosing UCSB was one of the best decisions I've made.

Tip for future students

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there during your first few weeks. Go to club meetings, introduce yourself to people in your classes, and say yes to every opportunity, even if it's outside of your comfort zone. Everyone is looking to make friends and find where they belong, and some of the best memories you'll make start by simply showing up. Also, don't stress if everything doesn't fall into place immediately, it takes time to get into a routine that works for you. So take risks and make mistakes because your college experience is what you make of it.

Favorite class

Although I'm a Biology major, my favorite class has actually been Sociology. I loved learning about society, culture, and how our life experiences shape the way we think and interact with others. It helped me develop a broader perspective that I think will make me a more compassionate physician in the future.

Career goals

After graduating, I plan to attend medical school and become a physician. I'm excited to continue learning, care for patients, and make a positive impact on peoples' lives through medicine.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is grabbing dinner with friends in Isla Vista or downtown Santa Barbara, watching the sunset at the beach, and ending the night with a movie or late night talks with my besties. I also love discovering new places I haven't tried yet, thrifting downtown, taking walks around campus, or just relaxing after a busy week.

High school or secondary school

Dixon High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the Arbor. It's my go-to place to grab a red bull or snack before heading to the library to study or in between classes. It's always busy, and I love running into friends between classes, especially since some of my friends work there so I'll stop just to say hi. It's definitely the heart of campus and also where I find out about events, learn about clubs​/​student organizations, and great atmosphere since there are always people hanging out on the lawn, walking through to get to class, and studying.