Study in the Global Center for Tech Innovation
When you join the NLP MS Program, you’ll study at UCSC’s Silicon Valley Campus located in Santa Clara, right in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Located less than 45 miles southeast of San Francisco, five miles west of San Jose, and around 30 miles north of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara is a safe and pleasant city at the global center of innovation and technology. Many of the world’s best known high-tech companies are headquartered in this area. Big names such as Google, Apple, and Intel are based nearby with Adobe, Cisco, eBay, and many start-up companies within easy driving distance. Santa Clara is close to Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino — cities which are equally well-known for their technological reputations.
On the weekends when you need to unwind, you’re also within easy reach of spectacular natural spaces and beautiful coastal areas such as Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Carmel. You’ll also enjoy exploring the rich history and cultural heritage that Northern California has to offer.
Weather
Santa Clara has a temperate climate with pleasant, sunny weather year-round (over 3,000 hours of sunshine logged each year) and coastal breezes. Temperatures are warmest in July and August (high temperatures around 80°F) with December and January dropping to around 58°F. On average, you should expect around 26 inches of rainfall per year.
Housing and rent
Living in Silicon Valley can be expensive. Recent estimates indicate that around 60% of residents rent their homes, and renting an apartment or finding a houseshare is likely to be one of your biggest expenses. UCSC Silicon Valley Extension has partnered JM Consulting to put together a handy guide to help newcomers to the area navigate the rental market. You’ll also find some recommendations on finding somewhere to live in our NLP Graduate Student Handbook.
Cost of living and everyday expenses
Just across the street from our UCSC Silicon Valley Campus you’ll find an incredible range of cuisines and restaurants with something to suit most tastes and budgets. Groceries, meals, and snacks can also be purchased at the Whole Foods grocery store directly across the street. You’re also welcome to bring your lunch to campus — the Silicon Valley Campus has refrigerators and microwaves available for student use.
Transportation
Airports
UCSC Silicon Valley is conveniently located within a ten-minute drive from San Jose International Airport. Students may also choose to travel through nearby San Francisco International Airport, which is around 30 miles northwest of Santa Clara (typically a 30- to 45-minute drive).
Rail and bus services
There are a few public transportation options in Silicon Valley. The VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) operates buses and light rail services. For detailed information on frequency and fairs, visit VTA’s website.
You can also reach Bay Area destinations by train using Caltrain services which run from San Franciso to Gilroy, and the BART service which covers most of San Francisco and the East Bay.
Taxis and carshares
Car ownership
If you prefer to have access to your own vehicle, there’s advice available on UCSC Silicon Valley Extension’s guide for international students. Parking is free at the Silicon Valley Campus!
Traveling between campus locations
UCSC recently launched the Silicon Valley Connector, a pilot transit service that helps students travel between the Santa Cruz Main Campus and the Silicon Valley Campus. UCSC students use this service to attend events, access support services, and explore both campus locations. Visit TAPs’ Silicon Valley Connector page to learn more about this transit service and to reserve a ride.
Exploring the Bay Area
There’s so much to do in and around Silicon Valley! Check out these recommendations compiled by UCSC Silicon Valley Extension and our NLP Program Team.
Outstanding natural beauty
If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll love the rugged coastline, surf, and beaches of the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas. You’ll also enjoy exploring our world-famous redwood forests, foothills, and Sierra mountain ranges. Check out “The Best 10 Parks in Silicon Valley, CA” to get a sense of the natural and recreational spaces in the area. California is also home to a range of fascinating wildlife like whales, elephant seals, and banana slugs as well as raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and local reptiles. You might even see black bears and mountain lions in more remote areas.
City life
If you see yourself as more of a city dweller, you’ll enjoy visiting high quality art and tech museums, city centers, and concert venues. There are countless activities you can choose from every weekend in neighboring San Jose and even in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland which are accessible by car and public transportation. Take a look at Eventbrite’s calendar for upcoming Santa Clara events.
Tech history
Silicon Valley is where the high-tech industry was born. There are many fascinating places to explore from the Computer History Museum to the Tech Interactive in San Jose. Check out these resources to learn more:
Sports
The coast and countryside provide many options for recreation from ocean swimming and surfing to hiking, running, and mountain biking. There are also a number of student sports clubs and recreation facilities based at our Santa Cruz Main Campus offering everything from ballroom dancing and fencing to ice hockey, lacrosse, and more!
A short distance from Santa Clara lies the lively downtown area of San Jose. Here, students can immerse themselves in a bustling urban environment with an array of attractions.
Making lifelong connections
We want you to get the most out of your time at UCSC both personally and professionally. You’ll get to know your fellow classmates really well as you work with them on NLP projects and assignments. We’re also proactive in organizing social events from hikes and picnics, to barbecues and holiday celebrations. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to check out the social activities our current students have enjoyed attending.
Networking
A major advantage of studying NLP in Silicon Valley is the opportunity to build your professional network in one of the global hubs for careers in tech. UCSC and the NLP Program Team offer a variety of opportunities to meet industry professionals throughout the year and students are also encouraged to engage in off-campus events (such as Meetups) to further expand their networks. Looking to learn more about networking? Check out resources from the UCSC Center for Career Success to get started.