College Eight

College Eight is a residential college on the western edge of the University of California Santa Cruz campus, nestled among redwood trees. The residence halls are built around shared spaces where students access advising services, dining facilities, mail services, and peer support programs.

The college was established in 1972 as part of the University of California Santa Cruz system with a focus on environmental education and social justice studies. These founding principles continue to guide its academic direction and shape the programs it offers.

Students from different backgrounds gather regularly for workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects that shape daily campus life. These activities create spaces where people with varying perspectives meet and exchange ideas naturally.

The college is easy to locate on campus, situated on the western side and marked by the distinctive redwood trees surrounding it. Walking is the best way to explore the area, as the grounds are designed for pedestrian movement and distances between buildings are manageable.

The college stands out for integrating environmental sustainability into its teaching, with students actively participating in ecological projects. Many of these initiatives grow from student interest and connect classroom learning with hands-on experience in nature.

Inception: 1972

GPS coordinates: 36.99117,-122.06497

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01