<p>I have heard that UCSC is similar to being at a summer camp with spectacular redwoods, ocean, and clean air--however, more marijuana use going on openly especially at the 4/20 annual celebration. UCI does not appear to be a very sociable campus and is basically a commuter college, but seems all the students there are "nose to the grindstone" and serious about their studies. I'm a Physics Major (perhaps will get into Astrophysics if I choose UCSC), but I am really having a hard time deciding which UC. Would appreciate any thoughts to help me choose.....I also understand that UCI is higher ranked in the UC tier?</p>
<p>I’ve never been to UCSC, but your description is what I’ve heard as well.</p>
<p>I have visited UCI and have a few friends that went there. I personally like it a lot. There are a lot of commuters from around the OC, LA, and SD. However, there are still a lot of students who live in the dorms. I hear a lot of students go out to eat for fun haha but really there are parties and things to keep you busy. Also, Laguna Beach seems to be popular on weekends during the summertime.</p>
<p>In regards to Physics, I think I passed the building during the tour and I remember it beign really nice. UCI seems to be a better school for the sciences. One really cool thing is that Frederick Reines is a professor there. This dude is a famous Physics professor and has won a Nobel Prize. If you go there, try to take a class with him or get involved in a research project!</p>
<p>Also ask on the Search & Selection and/or UC forums as your question is more about the schools than about transferring per se.</p>
<p>Rankings, but for the school as a whole, not physics:</p>
<p>[Top</a> Public Schools | Rankings | Top National Universities | US News](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/top-public]Top”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/top-public)</p>