You'll be as busy as you choose-learning, having fun, and growing during your college years. Some fraternities and sororities offer housing and others do not. Some members live in the chapter house, others do not. It's important to remember that a fraternity or sorority is a group of men or women who join together in pursuit of common goals and aspirations. Fraternities and sororities are not about houses, structures, or real estate.
People are the most important consideration when joining a new group.
A large place like UCSB can be intimidating, confusing, and impersonal. Joining a fraternity or sorority your first quarter can actually help acclimate you to the University, as well as provide you with a support group from day one. The fraternity or sorority members will help you as you begin college life. I've heard something about hazing. Hazing is absolutely forbidden.