UCSC Slugcast

As graduation gets closer, the pressure to figure out what's next gets REAL! In this week's episode of Slugcast, host Maria gets personal as she shares her experiences navigating her fourth and final year at UC Santa Cruz. From the uncertainty of post-grad plans to the big question of whether graduate school is the right next step, Maria reflects on the challenges, expectations, and excitement tha...

Halloween at UC Santa Cruz is a time for costumes, parties, and community, but it also raises important conversations about safety and cultural awareness. In this episode, Slugcaster Chandler reflects on Halloween festivities at UCSC, discusses safer drinking practices and alcohol awareness, and explores cultural appropriation in Halloween costumes. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about maki...

How can we approach our lives with more conscious understanding? In the third episode of Deep Dive, Ryan discusses Eileen Gu’s take on neuroplasticity, while exploring the implications of it in daily life, and how it connects to a virtuous life! Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free expression of ideas. Please b...

The final years of your undergraduate studies can be stressful, and applying to graduate school may feel like one more thing on your plate. This quick guide will help you navigate the application process and stay on track throughout application season. Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free expression of ideas. P...

In this Episode, Seamus gives tips and tricks on how to live with roommates, and how best one could start living on campus. Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free expression of ideas. Please be aware that the views and opinions expressed by speakers are that of the speaker alone and their appearance on the progra...

Missing your loved ones? ❤️ In this week’s episode of Slugcast, Maria explores the significance of Día de los Muertos, a tradition that honors and celebrates the lives of those who have passed. She also shares details about UCSC’s very own Día de los Muertos event happening on November 7th! Tune in to learn more about this meaningful celebration and how you can participate right here at UCSC! Spon...

Join Unscripted host Austin as he sits down with Alison for a wide-ranging conversation about Santa Cruz… Island, its adorable tiny foxes, and a surprising chapter in UCSC mascot history. Was the sea lion really once our mascot? Don’t worry, banana slugs! They also share some helpful tips for navigating the campus bus system. From island wildlife to campus life, you never know where an Unscripted...

How do we maintain balance when everything around us is changing? In the second episode of Deep Dive , Slugcast host Ryan explores the concept of homeostasis and how it applies to everyday life. From adjusting to new classes and responsibilities to building healthy routines, Ryan reflects on the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and taking time to check in with ourselves. Sponsored by th...

Finding the perfect study spot on campus can be a challenge, especially when you're still learning your way around UCSC! In this week's episode of Slugcast, Maria and Austin share their favorite places to study on campus, from popular locations to hidden gems you might not know about. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to focus or a cozy spot to hang out with friends, we've got it all! Plus,...

Listen to the second part of The Worst Afternoon of Clark Kerr's Life . This is one of our most popular episodes from Kyle, who recently graduated! What do you get when you mix Clark Kerr, an enormously influential educator and former president of the UC system, with a group of politically radical UCSC students? In the final part of a two-part series, Kyle takes us back to an infamous afternoon in...

This is one of our most popular episodes from alum Kyle. Check out part 1 now if you missed it! It’s 1969, and a LOT is happening – including some pretty important things at UC Santa Cruz. In the first part of a two part series, Kyle tells the tale of UCSC’s fourth year in existence, featuring (among other things) a restraining order between a Chancellor and the entire student body, a building occ...

Talking to professors can seem intimidating. This guide is here to demystify one of the most important parts of college! Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free expression of ideas. Please be aware that the views and opinions expressed by speakers are that of the speaker alone and their appearance on the program d...

New to UC Santa Cruz? Slug Start is here! In this episode of Slugcast, Maria highlights some of the exciting on- and off-campus events happening during Slug Start, from the Cornucopia and the Boardwalk Frolic to Late Night at the ARC and more. Plus, get the details on the Quarry Dance Party featuring student DJs. Mark your calendars and get ready to kick off the new school year, Slugs! Sponsored b...

Picking the right classes can seem daunting. This quick guide is here to point you in the right direction! Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free expression of ideas. Please be aware that the views and opinions expressed by speakers are that of the speaker alone and their appearance on the program does not imply...

The Summer UCSC Colleges Series is coming to a close with our final college John R. Lewis. Exploring the newest addition to the residential college family. John R. Lewis College helps students look at the world through the lens of Social Justice and Community. Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free expression of...

Our second-to-last episode in the Summer UCSC Colleges Series takes us to College Nine , UCSC’s second-newest residential college. In this episode, learn more about College Nine and its vibrant community, centered around the theme of International and Global Perspectives. Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free ex...

Looking for off-campus housing ? In this episode of Slugcast, Maria shares resources to help UCSC students navigate the housing search with a little more confidence. Learn about UCSC Community Rentals, rental application resources, online housing listings, Facebook groups, and emergency housing assistance through Slug Support. Whether you’re just starting your search or looking for additional opti...

Packing for college can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time moving into a residence hall! In this episode, the Slugcast team shares our list of packing essentials to help you get ready for move-in at UC Santa Cruz. Before you start packing, be sure to check out the official UCSC Housing What to Bring list for additional information about what to bring, what’s already provided, and wha...

This episode originally aired in 2024. Listen in for 2026 updates from Kresge College , including new residence halls and apartments and an updated Owl’s Nest Cafe. Then, continue listening for a re-run of Mia’s 2024 interviews with Kresge students and hear their perspectives on life at the college. Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UC...

This week in our Summer UCSC Colleges Series, we’re featuring Oakes College. Over the next several weeks, we’ll continue re-sharing episodes highlighting each of UCSC’s residential colleges. Oakes, the seventh college established at UC Santa Cruz, is more than a beautiful setting overlooking Monterey Bay. Join Xochitl as she explores the history of Oakes College and the ideas and principles that s...

In 1972, Rachel Carson College was founded and named after environmentalist Rachel Louise Carson. With its theme following the pursuit of environment and society, listen to today's episode to explore more about Rachel Carson College. Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by our student podcasters, UCSC Slugcast supports free expression of ideas. Please be aware that...

The fifth college featured in our Summer UCSC Colleges Series is Porter College ! Over the next several weeks, we’ll be re-sharing episodes highlighting each of UCSC’s residential colleges. Ever wonder what makes Porter College unique? In this episode, Mia talks with Porter students and staff about the college’s creative culture, community, traditions, and everything you need to know about life at...

We hope you are enjoying our Summer UCSC Colleges Series. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be re-sharing episodes featuring each of UCSC’s residential colleges. This week we are continuing with Merrill College . Notorious for the steep hike up, Merrill College has a lot to offer. With the theme of "Cultural Identities and Global Consciousness" in mind, let's learn about Merrill and check out wha...

Next up in our Summer UCSC Colleges Series is Crown College . Over the next several weeks, we’ll be re-sharing episodes featuring each of UCSC’s residential colleges. In this episode of exploring the 10 colleges, Mia dives into Crown College. Come learn about Crown and listen to affiliates share their perspective on the theme “Science, Technology, and Society”!Sponsored by the Division of Student...

As part of our Summer UCSC Colleges Series, we’re revisiting past Slugcast episodes highlighting each of UC Santa Cruz’s residential colleges. This week, we’re visiting Stevenson College, where the Self and Society Core course brings students together to explore big ideas about identity, community, and the world around them. Sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Success and produced by...