Most first-time visitors to campus will be destined for the Visitor’s Center or perhaps the University Center. Visitors to the former (in the SAASB) will first be greeted by a map that can be most easily read sideways. For some reason the map was printed 90 degrees out of alignment with the visitor’s physical orientation making it appear as though they are standing on the west side of the building when, in fact, they are lost somewhere on the north side. There is a “You Are Here” legend on the map, but there is no “You Are Here” arrow indicating where “you” actually might be. Welcome to UCSB. Enjoy your stay. And, by the way, don’t even think of finding a parking place near the UCen. You can probably walk from here assuming you are not hit by a bicycle or skateboard along the way. Just don’t ask for directions because we’ll tell you to go south towards the Pacific Ocean and then give you a map which is best read either upside down or heading north.

Most of the buildings on campus do not have a formal lobby or official entryway. It is quite uncommon to find a departmental office, for example, on the ground floor of a typical classroom and office building.

Most faculty and staff enter their respective places of work from the nearest parking lot. This often entails a casual stroll by the building’s dumpsters and loading dock. In addition to these points of interest, faculty in the prestigious College of Engineering will also be greeted by a groundskeeper’s shed and an assortment of building utility equipment.

Exceptions to the general rule can, however, be quite impressive. Elings Hall, the Center for the California Nanoscience Institute, has a stunning lobby with a video wall displaying highlights of their research. The Career Counseling Center is an excellent example of a building that features a very impressive and welcoming lobby. The Student Health Center and Student Resource Building are additional examples of appealing entrances. Check them out soon from this page.