SBCC International

Happy Labor Day, Vaqueros! 🎉 The campus is closed today, so enjoy the rest of your long weekend and take some time to relax and recharge. We’ll see you back on campus tomorrow! ✨

At SBCC, having a great support system for every student is really important. It is one of the many reasons why Julia really enjoyed her time here!✨❤️

Welcome and welcome back, Vaqueros! 🌟 The first day of classes is here, and we’re excited to kick off an amazing semester. Whether you’re new to SBCC or returning, today marks the start of new adventures, opportunities, and memories. Let’s make this semester one to remember! 📚✨

Are you one of our new students and starting your journey at SBCC? 📱 If you don’t have one already, make sure you stay connected with a U.S. phone number! With campusSIM, you can activate your Mint Mobile number using eSIM right from your phone. Their plans are designed for international students, offering affordable options with no contracts and no need for a U.S. bank account.
Check your Welcome Week email for a QR code to get your eSIM and set up your phone number. Alternatively, you can pick up a SIM card from the International Education Office and enjoy one month free! Stay connected and make your transition to SBCC seamless.

How to Get Your Textbooks:

1. Visit the Campus Bookstore: Head to the lower level to find your required textbooks.
2. Prepare in Advance: Look up your classes on the bookstore website (https://www.bkstr.com/sbccstore/) to see what materials you need.
3. Order Online: You can also place an order for textbooks and class materials directly on the website📚📒

Make sure you have everything you need for a successful semester!

Welcome to SBCC to all new international students! To welcome all of you, we decided to have a photo challenge during Welcome Week!

Theme: Post a picture of yourself at your favorite spot on campus.
How to Enter:
- Share your photo on Instagram and tag us!
- Include the hashtag in your post.
- Submit by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, August 22.

Prizes: The top 3 photos will win a Welcome Package filled with SBCC essentials!
Winners Announced: Join us at the Welcome Lunch on Friday, August 23, to see if you’ve won!

Good luck, and we can’t wait to see your favorite spots on campus!

Meet the team dedicated to making your SBCC journey unforgettable! 🌟 Our International Student Support Program staff is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Get to know the friendly faces who will help you thrive at SBCC — we are so excited to meet you!

Ready for Takeoff? 🌍✈️ Discover essential travel tips in our latest blogpost to ensure your journey to SBCC is a breeze! Check out the link in our story!

Are you going to be a new student in Santa Barbara? 🌴 We’ve got you covered with plenty of transportation options to help you navigate the city and make the most of your time here!

🚌 Bus: Ride the bus for free using your SBCC student ID! It’s a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around town and to neighboring towns in the county.

🚲 Bicycles: Prefer biking? Santa Barbara is a really bike-friendly city. Buying a bike can be a great investment for staying active and exploring at your own pace. Before you leave, you can sell your bike to a new student or at a local bike shop.

🛴 E-scooters: E-scooters are a fun and quick way to get around town. They’re perfect for short trips, to get to school or run some errands. You can buy an e-scooter for your stay and sell it when you’re leaving, making it a cost-effective option.

🚗 Driving: Planning to drive? Getting a California driver’s license is a good first step. Start by applying for a permit and passing a written test at the DMV. Once you have your permit, you can practice driving before taking the road test for your full license.
Buying a car can be a great investment for longer trips and weekend getaways. You can find affordable used cars through local dealerships or online platforms. Remember to budget for insurance, registration, and maintenance costs. A great advantage of having a car is the freedom to explore beyond the city, from the stunning coastline to the nearby mountains.
When your time in Santa Barbara ends, you can sell your car through local dealerships, online platforms, or to another student. This can help you get back some of your money.

🚖 Lyft & Uber: For convenient rides, Lyft and Uber are always available. Just remember, you’ll need to pay each time you book an Uber or Lyft. They’re useful for those times when you need a quick and easy ride.

Heading to Santa Barbara City College?🌴 Discover how to pack light and live big with our ultimate guide!🧳✨ Check out the blog for tips that’ll make your move a breeze - the link is in our story!

Great classes, supportive professors and many new friendships and memories! These are the things Frida loves the most about SBCC - and we couldn’t agree more!❤️✨

📅 Today’s the last day to petition for pass/no pass! Don’t forget to petition and make the best choice for you and your semester. You’ve got this! 💪

🌍✨ Celebrating International Day of Friendship! Here’s to the friends who make every corner of the world feel like home. Tag your global buddies and share the love! 🤝❤️

Attention incoming students! 🌟 Get a head start by submitting your photo for your SBCC student ID before you arrive. Swipe to see a step-by-step instructions and have your ID ready for pick-up when you get here! 📸✈️

SBCC: Where international students thrive! 🌎 Victoria from Germany shares her experience of amazing support from advisors, teachers, and the writing center. We are thankful to be part of such a caring community. 📚✨

Meeting students’ essential needs, one step at a time. The Basic Needs Center at SBCC offers support, resources, and a helping hand. From the food pantry to housing assistance, they’re here for you. 🌟🍎📚

🌊🏖️ Dive into summer with Santa Barbara’s best beaches on our blog! 🏖️🌊
From sunbathing to surfing, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to Santa Barbara’s top beaches. Ready to explore?
Check out the link in our story and let us know: What’s your favorite beach in and around SB? 🏝️👇

Summer session in Santa Barbara calls for a sweet treat at Hook & Press🍩 Head to this charming gourmet donut shop located downtown and fuel your study session with delicious donuts. It’s the sweetest way to ace your study goals this summer!📚✨

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸✨ How are you celebrating today? Whether it’s a BBQ, fireworks, or exploring Santa Barbara, we hope you have an amazing day!

Lights, Camera, Action!🍿🎬 This year’s lineup includes classics like “Jaws,” “Point Break,” and “Mamma Mia!” - and the best part, entry is FREE. Movies begin at 8:30 pm, and guests can set up their viewing spaces anytime after noon. Bring low-back chairs, non-synthetic blankets, as well as snacks and drinks for a cozy evening. Don’t forget a jacket, as it gets chilly after sunset. More details can be found on the Santa Barbara tourism website.💫

Transformative journey alert! 🚀 Tom’s time at SBCC not only improved his English skills, but also introduced him to lifelong friends and a vibrant new culture. He is very grateful for his life-changing experience. 📚🌍

Find your inner peace this International Yoga Day! 🧘‍♂️✨ Did you know SBCC offers a variety of yoga courses as well as free yoga classes offered by the Well throughout the semester? So many opportunities for you to unwind and destress! Roll out your mat and join us for a session of relaxation!

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

Santa Barbara is so beautiful - sometimes it can be overwhelming where to start your adventure! Free Walking Tours
Santa Barbara is perfect for international students at SBCC! These fun, tip-based tours have been a hit since 2017. Explore the lively Funk Zone in 90 minutes, stroll along the gorgeous waterfront learning more about the history of Santa Barbara with the 105-minute Waterfront Tour, or admire unique architecture on the 105-minute Old Town Tour. With tours available on weekdays and weekends, there’s a perfect fit for every schedule. Ready to explore? Check the website linked in their bio for more information! 🌍👟

It is the weekend of National BFF Day!✨❤️ Here’s to global connections! From study sessions to beach days, we are so grateful for friendships that unite us across continents. Tag your SBCC besties and let’s celebrate the bonds that make college unforgettable!

Happy National Ocean Month! 🌊 Make sure to get your daily dose of vitamin sea and keep our coastline sparkling!

It is the first week of summer session, and there’s no better place to be than sunny Santa Barbara! ☀️🌊 Are you ready for new adventures, learning, and soaking up this amazing weather on our beautiful campus? Let’s make it a summer to remember!

The Intentional Office will be closed on Monday, May 27th. Enjoy the long weekend!

Where’s Santa Barbara’s bright and warm summer? We miss it!!!

Always fun hearing students appreciating the student services at SBCC! Annika from Germany said she enjoyed the Basic Needs Center and that her experience at SBCC has been great!

Come back and visit soon!