University of California, Santa Cruz is a public research university located in Santa Cruz, California, situated on a forested campus overlooking Monterey Bay. The university is known for its innovative programs and popular majors, including computer science, psychology, biology, environmental studies, film and digital media, and art. UC Santa Cruz is particularly recognized for its unique college system that creates smaller communities within the larger university, its strong environmental and sustainability focus, creative arts programs, and progressive academic culture that encourages interdisciplinary learning. The campus is nestled in a redwood forest just minutes from Santa Cruz's famous beaches and boardwalk, offering students a blend of natural beauty, surf culture, and the laid-back coastal California lifestyle.