Just wanted to post a quick hello and welcome to GC to our newest international member.
UCSB is a great school...you will love it I am sure.
As Daffy KD said the weather hear has been totally bonkers, so definitely make sure you have at least a light cardigan because you never know. Santa Barbara typically has a little cooler weather just because they are at the coast.
The dresses you described sounded great! The black strapless and the pink sound great...As for white, you might possibly need it, and let me tell you to get it now if you can because it seems impossible to ever find it when it's needed. As you have probably figured out the first day is the most casual, as I am only about 100 or so miles from SB I can safely say that the women that go through at my Uni (though I'm only an alum helper at this point) all seem to dress casual and comfortable yet well put together. Does that make sense? So maybe like a casual day first date?
Anyhow, I've rambled on enough. If you have any questions be sure to let us know here and there will be many women to help you!
Cheers!
Suzanne