Residential & Campus Life
Dorm Life: Embracing a Global Community
At Dunn School, dorm life is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a vibrant community where lifelong friendships are forged. Our boarding students live with roommates, often from their grade level, fostering close bonds and shared experiences.
Living in dorms with peers from around the world and across different grades creates a diverse and inclusive family-like atmosphere.
Dorm parents and Resident Assistants (student leaders) are always available, offering support, late-night talks, and homework help. Each dorm features a kitchen, where students can cook dishes from their home countries, sharing their cultures with friends. Regular dorm meetings, hangouts, and friendly competitions, like lip sync battles or obstacle courses, keep the community spirit alive. Students also enjoy visiting dorm heads' houses and being invited to teachers’ homes for meals, movies, or games.
A Typical Weekday: Balanced and Engaging
Morning Routine:
- Breakfast: Start your day with a nutritious meal.
- Academic Classes: Engaging and challenging courses with supportive faculty.
- Free Period: Use this time to do homework, relax in the CBLC, grab a snack at Jurgensen's Market or Los Olivos Grocery, meet with teachers, go for a walk, take a nap, or socialize with friends.
Midday:
- Lunch: A chance to refuel and catch up with friends.
- Academic Classes: Continue with your academic schedule.
- Clubs, Committees, Advisory Meetings: Engage in extracurricular activities and connect with advisors.
Afternoon & Evening:
- Athletic Practices / Drama Rehearsals: Participate in sports or prepare for performances.
- Dinner: Enjoy a meal with friends.
- Hangout/Free Time: Options include working out in the gym, playing music, or getting a head start on homework.
Night Routine:
- Dorm Meeting: Gather with dormmates for announcements and bonding.
- Room Inspection: Ensure rooms are clean and organized.
- Homework Time: Focus on studies with the support of Resident Assistants if needed.
- Hangout Time: Relax and socialize.
- Get Ready for Bed: Prepare for a good night’s sleep.
- Lights Out: Rest up for the next day.
Weekend Activities: Fun and Relaxation
Saturday & Sunday Mornings:
- Brunch: Sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast. Students have until 11am to wake up and eat.
On-Campus Activities:
- Movies on the Big Screen: Watch films with friends.
- Pool Parties & Night Swimming: Cool off and have fun in the pool.
- Slip n’ Slide & Video Game Tournaments: Enjoy exciting activities.
- Cooking/Baking Lessons & Open Studio in Ceramics: Learn new skills.
- Capture the Flag & Flashlight Tag: Participate in classic games.
- Dodgeball Tournament & Ice Cream Social: Enjoy friendly competition and treats.
- Rock Climbing & Poker Tournament: Test your skills.
Off-Campus Activities:
- UCSB Sports Games & Plays/Musicals: Experience live events.
- Shopping Trips: Visit big stores or boutique shops.
- Beach Trips & Santa Barbara Downtown: Explore and relax.
- Trampoline Park, Go-Kart Racing, & Paintball: Engage in thrilling activities.
- Advisory Group Dinners: Bond with your advisory group over special meals.
Special Traditions: Celebrating Community
- Lip Sync and Talent Show: Showcase your talents.
- Carnivals: Mark the beginning and end of the school year with fun fairs.
- All Community Dinners: Gather for meals with the entire school.
- Dances: Enjoy Homecoming, Winter Formal, Prom, and the Barn Dance.
- Sports Awards Banquets: Celebrate athletic achievements.
- Trivia Competitions & Murder Mystery Parties: Engage in exciting events.
- Advisory Group Dinners: Spend quality time with your advisory group.
Big Off-Campus Trips: Annual Adventures
- Theme Parks: Visits to Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Universal Studios.
- Trips to Los Angeles, Hollywood, or Santa Monica: Explore iconic locations.
- Sports Games: Cheer on the Dodgers, Clippers, or Lakers.
- Musicals at the Pantages: Enjoy Broadway-caliber shows in Hollywood.
