Fun in the Sun!

UCSB’s Open House Welcomes Future Gauchos and Their Families

More than ten thousand guests funneled onto campus on Saturday, April 15, 2023, for UCSB’s Annual Open House. HDAE student and career employees were 230+ strong at the Housing Fair at Storke Plaza representing Residential & Community Living, the Residential Housing Association, Campus Dining, The Club & Guest House, the Associate Vice Chancellor’s Office, and the HDAE MarCom Team. 

“Super enthusiastic people at every turn. Campus really turning out to show itself in the best light. So many people but it was fairly manageable to navigate.”

“This event and the UCSB Housing virtual session were super informative. Helped us to decide UCSB was a solid choice for our freshman.” 👏

“The atmosphere was phenomenal and seeing so many people having fun in the environment was amazing!”

New incoming, prospective freshman and transfer students were able to learn about housing options, pick from an assortment of brochures and logo-branded schwag items, including backpacks and carabiners, and experience 3-D virtual tours and the triple model rooms while asking questions to a cadre of staff and student workers. 

Under the main canopy, Campus Dining representatives answered a medley of questions from inquisitive visitors ranging from “What are the hours…” to “What if I’m a picky eater”; and to provide the full student experience, the Dining Commons opened their doors to welcome 460 Open House guests for brunch! For the grab n’ go types, HDAE’s Retail Dining was busier than ever, selling 6,142 items, including hot and cold food items, snacks, juice, and coffee drinks.

Not to be outdone, visitors brave enough to enter the crowd of shoppers who had descended on the Campus Store were met with a rich assortment of UCSB-branded gear and specialty items. Incredibly, they sold 6,962 units, and the lines reached the back of the store! At the height of their activity, the Campus Store recorded 1,348 transactions in one hour! Go #UCSBCampusStore!

Shout out to those who worked behind the scenes to maintain a smooth operation! Catering prepared 1,403 boxed lunches packed with Portabello Mushroom, Turkey, and Beef choices, pita chips, and a cookie — keeping all Open House workers’ tummy’s happy. Distribution & Logistical Services supported five campus departments, including setting up two triple rooms and delivering linen and rental equipment. Transportation & Parking Services directed thousands of visitors to parking spaces for Open House and a concurrent soccer game. Last but not least, The Club & Guest House was sold out with a waitlist and received booking requests for Move-In and Parents & Family Weekend from Open House visitors. All of these areas contributed to a warm and welcoming UCSB #OpenHouse experience! #NextStopUCSB!