<p>Alright, in two days, I have to make a decision to go to either UC Davis or UC Santa Barbara (I'm a transfer student). I was fairly set on SB, but I've had some last minute thoughts about going to Davis instead. As I see it, Davis has two major advantages: It's significantly closer to home (I live in San Francisco), and it's close proximity to Sacramento and the state capitol will make it easier to find work ot internships related to political field (I'm a political science major). Of course, going to Davis means that I'd have to sacrifice the great atmosphere of Santa Barbara... So, do you think that Davis is significantly worse than Santa Barbara when it comes to social life? It's been a bit depressing being a community college student for two years, so I'd like to some fun my abbreviated stay at a 4 year university. From what I understand, Santa Barbara is better in that regard, but is it so much better that I should dump Davis, despite the fact that location-wise, Davis will be easier for me?</p>
<p>Thanks... I know this is last minute, but I'm really going crazy about making the right decision, and because I'm a transfer student and my stay will already be shorter than for most people, I want to make the right choice. I've visited both schools twice and I think I have a good feel for both schools at this point, but it just seems like the positives and negatives of both schools perfectly balance each other out.</p>
<p>What you are experiencing is quite common. It's called Buyer's Remorse. It happens after you've made the decision and have to let go of other choices. There's also usually an element of fear of the unknown involved. At this point, Davis probably seems a little "safer" to you because it is closer to home and perhaps not as radical a change as you think UCSB is going to be. The truth, however, is that going away to ANY college is going to be a change for you, and you will have moments of discomfort and yes, perhaps even unhappiness, at ANY school. That's just the way it is, so don't expect switching to UCD is going to resolve all of your nervousness. It won't.</p>
<p>I personally like Davis a lot --- I think it has a nice "college town" atmosphere and there is enough "social life" there to keep anyone entertained, although perhaps not quite the raucous party scene that UCSB has a rep for. However, your gut instinct told you to pick UCSB in the first place --- trust that instinct, take a deep breath, and forge ahead UNLESS there is a MAJOR reason for picking Davis. </p>
<p>Yeah, that's probably it. The funny thing is, I considered Davis all the way up to the time when UC applications were due, and I kind of signed up for UCSB right before I submitted my app, because it had a guaranteed transfer program and I thought I had nothing to lose. I visited both campuses after that, and began to lean towards SB, but now it looks like I'm leaning the other direction. Ugh.</p>
<p>When I think about it, I think I could consider that distance isn't really a huge factor, I'm going to have to leave home some day and since I've been at home for two years at a CC, maybe it will be good to get away. I'm more worried about work and internship possibilities. Is there Santa Barbara doesn't seem to have much in that regard, due to it's much smaller size than the Sacramento area, and the fact that Sacramento is the centerof politics in California.</p>
<p>RC, don't do this to yourself. UCSB is a great school, and a terrific place to spread your wings and break out of your comfort zone. That's what college is supposed to be about. I know it's a little scary, but you can handle it, I have no doubt of that. Just believe in yourself, and start focusing on your new future, not those nagging "what ifs?" Good luck and enjoy!</p>
<p>RC, I just sent you a PM, but try this: UCSB has been taken away from you. Boom. It's done, no longer an option. You couldn't go there even if you wanted to, even if you begged to. </p>
<p>How do you feel about going to UC Davis now? How do you feel about UCSB? Which hurts more to let go of? That's your answer.</p>
<p>For a policy sci major I think Davis is the better choice. If exposure to gov't. and internships are important to you, Davis is a no brainer. Given you're a junior transfer, social environment and location, IMO, should be less important than preparing yourself for a good job or good grad school which proximity to Sac is way more likely to help you to do.</p>
<p>The thing is, I've completely missed out on the social atmosphere so far. For two years, I've just been going back and forth on a bus between school and home. I don't want to leave college regretting that I never was able to experience any kind of great college atmosphere. Besides, in politics, social skills and human interaction are going to be important factors.</p>
<p>As for opportunities, anything that has to do with politics will interest me. It might also be more rewarding to work at a more local level. And, I mean, not all political science students go to Davis, so Im sure people at other campuses find things they can do.</p>