We all know how difficult the transition into college can be. There’s so much to keep track of and worry about; you hardly have any time for yourself! You’re so busy you didn’t even know that college kids basically speak an entirely different language than you do! That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to teach you all the hip lingo used by UCSBros and UCSBabes everywhere. Go from lame-o to coolio before you even begin your freshman year!

The Dorms

So you know you’re going to be living in tight quarters for the rest of the year — what you didn’t know is that it’s basically going to be your identity! So, when someone asks you where you’re living, be cool and shorten the name of it. If you live in Manzanita Village, call it “Manzi.” San Miguel becomes “San Mig.” And EVERYONE refers to the Santa Catalina dorms as “San Cat.” or even “SC” for the super advanced.

Del Playa

If you’ve committed to UCSB, you’ve already heard of the infamous “Del Playa.” What most people don’t know is that “Del Playa” is actually short for “The Del Playa.” So, when you see people captioning their pics, “we found The Del Playa!!!” they are actually showing the utmost respect for the street by using proper language. If you’re feeling brave, call it “DP.” Just know that usually only freshmen call it this, so it’s a little lame to do so.

It is also perfectly appropriate to call your professor “daddy,” if you feel so compelled. They know you are away from home for the first time and missing your folks, so this is a huge compliment for them!

Downtown

Anywhere in Isla Vista that isn’t The Del Playa is referred to as “downtown.” I know it seems a little silly but since it’s “down” from the street it sort of makes sense. Just go with it. So if someone tells you they’re going downtown, know they can’t be far!

“UCSB,” “OOTs,” “GDI” and “DLG”

What these acronyms have in common is that they are widely used within the student community. You can probably guess the first one — “UCSB” — stands for University of California, Santa Barbara. The next one is a little tricky, but “OOTs” are “out of towners.” Whenever you see some strangers, label ‘em what they are — OOTs! Now, “GDI” stands for “God Damn Independent,” and that means that someone is single and proud, so let them be proud! Not everyone wants a relationship in college. Finally, we will address the “DLG.” You might be familiar with the line, “Well I was eating lunch at the DLG.” from that famous Jack Johnson song. The truth is that Jack Johnson is a liar and DLG has nothing to do with this school, so forget about it.

When you go to the library, tell your friends you’re, “going to the lib.” If you want to initiate a fist bump, yell, “fist me, bro!” Nothing is off limits here at UCSB.

Professors

It can be intimidating talking to or about your professor, especially when you’ve never had a professor before! It is totally cool to refer to them as “prof,” if you don’t feel like saying the whole word like a dweeb. It is also perfectly appropriate to call your professor “daddy,” if you feel so compelled. They know you are away from home for the first time and missing your folks, so this is a huge compliment for them!

Other Abbreviations

Finally, just know that it’s cool to shorten literally EVERY word you use. Call Starbucks, “Starbs.” Call Freebirds, “Freebs.” When you go to the library, tell your friends you’re, “going to the lib.” If you want to initiate a fist bump, yell, “fist me, bro!” Nothing is off limits here at UCSB.

 

Ariana Marmolejo is super cool and popular and knows exactly what she’s talking about.

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Ariana Marmolejo
Ariana Marmolejo serves as the Nexustentialism Editor and spends her days making bad to moderately good jokes. She formally requests that any anonymous hate comments be sent to her directly via email at nexustentialism@dailynexus.com.