Isla Vista

A.S. Pardell Center

If you're new to UCSB or Isla Vista, make the Pardall Center one of your first stops. The staff can help point you toward housing resources, student services, legal assistance, local organizations, and many of the everyday services that make settling into Isla Vista much easier.

The Heart of Isla Vista

Located in the center of Isla Vista at 6550 Pardall Road, the Associated Students (A.S.) Pardall Center serves as one of the community’s most valuable resources for UCSB students, Isla Vista residents, and visitors alike. More than simply a community center, the Pardall Center functions as an information hub where people can study, connect with others, attend events, access important services, and learn about the many resources available throughout Isla Vista and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Whether you’re a first-year student arriving for the first time, a long-time resident, or a visitor exploring Isla Vista, the Pardall Center is an excellent place to begin.

The Heart of Isla Vista

The Pardall Center was established in 2013 after years of community planning and student advocacy to create a welcoming public space in downtown Isla Vista. Although the building has served many purposes throughout its history—including a residence, restaurant, coffee shop, and print shop—it was transformed into the community resource center it is today through the efforts of UCSB Associated Students and the Isla Vista community. Interest in creating a community center dates back to the late 1970s, making the Pardall Center the realization of a decades-long community vision.

Today it is student-run, student-funded, and operated by Associated Students at UC Santa Barbara, providing a welcoming environment where education, community, and local services come together.

A Resource Center for Everyone

One of the Pardall Center’s greatest strengths is the variety of services available under one roof.

Visitors can find:

  • Study and meeting spaces
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Computer access
  • Printing, copying, and scanning
  • Bluebooks and Scantrons for exams
  • Community information
  • Event calendars
  • Campus organization resources
  • Local housing information
  • Community bulletin boards

The center regularly hosts study sessions, student organization meetings, workshops, and community events throughout the academic year.

Legal and Housing Assistance

The Pardall Center is also home to two of Isla Vista’s most important community services.

Associated Students Legal Resource Center

Registered UCSB students can receive confidential legal education, information, and referrals covering a variety of common legal issues that may affect student life. Appointments are available both in person and remotely.

Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU)

Housing is one of the biggest challenges for many students and residents. The Isla Vista Tenants Union provides guidance on tenant rights, lease questions, landlord-tenant issues, and housing concerns for both students and Isla Vista residents.

Isla Vista Resource Guide

One of the Pardall Center’s most useful tools is its online Isla Vista Resource Guide, which helps connect people with essential community services.

Topics include:

  • Off-campus housing
  • Greek housing
  • Student cooperatives
  • Community organizations
  • Local businesses
  • Government agencies
  • Parks and open spaces
  • UCSB resources
  • SBCC resources

This guide is especially valuable for students moving to Isla Vista for the first time.

A Place to Study and Connect

During the school year, the Pardall Center becomes a gathering place for hundreds of students each week.

Visitors use the facility to:

  • Study individually
  • Meet classmates
  • Hold club meetings
  • Prepare for exams
  • Access free internet
  • Attend workshops
  • Participate in community events
  • Relax between classes

Its central location on Pardall Road makes it one of the easiest places in Isla Vista to meet friends or get information about the surrounding community.

Community Events

The Pardall Center regularly hosts educational and community programs throughout the year.

Examples include:

  • Study Jams during finals
  • Student organization meetings
  • Wellness programs
  • Community workshops
  • Information fairs
  • Resource events
  • Public meetings

These activities help strengthen connections between UCSB, Isla Vista residents, and local organizations.

Why Visit the Pardall Center?

For many students, the Pardall Center becomes one of the first places they visit after arriving in Isla Vista.

Whether you’re looking for:

  • Community information
  • Housing resources
  • Legal assistance
  • Study space
  • Campus organizations
  • Local events
  • Printing services
  • Exam supplies

…the Pardall Center offers a welcoming place to start.

Amenities

Community Services

  • ✔ Community Information Center
  • ✔ Study Areas
  • ✔ Meeting Rooms
  • ✔ Free Wi-Fi
  • ✔ Computer Access
  • ✔ Printing, Copying & Scanning
  • ✔ Bluebooks & Scantrons
  • ✔ Kitchenette
  • ✔ Charging Stations
  • ✔ First Aid Supplies
  • ✔ Community Bulletin Boards
  • ✔ Event Space Reservations
  • ✔ Legal Resource Center
  • ✔ Isla Vista Tenants Union
  • ✔ Housing Resources
  • ✔ Student Organization Information
  • ✔ Wheelchair Accessible
  • ✔ Family-Friendly Community Space

Location

6550 Pardall Road
Isla Vista, California 93117

Nearby Attractions

  • UCSB Campus
  • Pardall Road Shopping District
  • Campus Point
  • Anisq’Oyo’ Park
  • Isla Vista Food Co-op
  • Sands Beach
  • Coal Oil Point Reserve
  • UCSB Library
  • Storke Tower

Helpful Resources

For the latest programs, services, and event information, visit:

Santa Barbara Local Tip

If you’re new to UCSB or Isla Vista, make the Pardall Center one of your first stops. The staff can help point you toward housing resources, student services, legal assistance, local organizations, and many of the everyday services that make settling into Isla Vista much easier.

Editorial Note

This article was researched and prepared by SantaBarbaraLocal.com using a combination of original editorial work and artificial intelligence. Information has been compiled, cross-referenced, and verified using official organizations, publicly available resources, and reputable online references to promote accuracy. Because organizations, services, hours, and programs may change over time, readers are encouraged to verify current information through the official websites and organizations referenced above before making plans or relying on specific details.