During my freshman year in the dorms, I lived in Manzanita Village. Practically on the opposite end of campus from the freshman-year “love of my life” in Anacapa, where one night I unexpectedly started my period. With no close friends nearby and no supplies on hand, I found myself scouring the communal Anacapa bathrooms in a mild panic, only to come up empty-handed. Eventually, I made the late-night trek through campus to a friend’s dorm just to find a tampon.
Looking back, I realize there were so many resources on campus that could have made that moment a lot less stressful, resources I simply didn’t know existed at the time. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, here’s a quick guide to where you can find menstrual and sexual wellness support right here at UCSB.
- The Women’s Center Lounge (located in the SRB) is one of the most accessible spots for free menstrual and sexual health supplies. Their lounge is stocked with pads, tampons, and condoms, all completely free to take with no questions asked. Their mission is to make menstrual care accessible to everyone while helping normalize these everyday needs. Whether you’re in a predicament like I was or just want to restock your bag, the Women’s Center is a welcoming and stigma-free space.
- If you’re already near the SRB, you’ll also find free pads and tampons in the women’s and gender-neutral restrooms, restocked by Women’s Center staff. The bottom-floor men’s and women’s restrooms also carry free condoms, provided through a collaboration with Health and Wellness. If you don’t use gendered restrooms, you can always stop by the Women’s Center Lounge to grab supplies directly.
- Need something on short notice when Student Health is closed? The Wellness Vending Machine, located on the second floor of the Library, is a good place to go. Operated in collaboration with Student Health Services, it offers several essential wellness products, including:
- Emergency Contraception (Econtra EZ / Plan B): $20
- Pregnancy Tests (2-pack): $10
- Durex Condoms: $2
- Ibuprofen: $2
- Astroglide Lubricant: $7
- Eye Drops: $6
- Allergy Medication (Cetirizine): $6
- Digital Thermometer: $4
- Hand Sanitizer: $2
(Note: The vending machine is cash-only)
4. UCSB’s Student Health Services also provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, including birth control consultations and prescriptions,
emergency contraception (Plan B and Econtra EZ), pregnancy testing, and medication abortion. Plan B is available at the Student Health Pharmacy for $10, and you can pay with cash or card instead of billing it to your BARC account, with no prescription required. It’s an accessible way to take care of yourself any time of day with no appointments or barriers. For full details, visit the Sexual & Reproductive Health page or check the Student Health Price Sheet.
No one should have to trek across campus in the middle of the night just to manage a basic health need. Menstrual and reproductive care are essential parts of student well-being, and UCSB has made real efforts to make these resources free, accessible, and stigma-free. So next time you, or a friend, need something, remember that support is closer than you think.
At Project C.A.R.E., we believe access to menstrual and reproductive health resources shouldn’t be a privilege; it’s a right. We’re working to spread awareness, break stigma, and make sure every student knows where to find the support they deserve. Join us by sharing this article, following our social media, volunteering, or donating to help expand menstrual equity initiatives on campus and beyond. Together, we can make sure no one feels unprepared or alone in moments that should be simple.