<p>I'm from Australia looking at coming to California for a 6 month study abroad program for US first semester 2012. I've narrowed down the two schools I'm looking at (Berkeley and Santa Barbara) but I cant decide between the two! </p>
<p>I am coming to America for the typical college experience, and am basically looking for fun and friendships. I have heard that the coop living at Berkeley matches the party scene at SB, is this true? And does SB give the typical US experience including the college loyalty, sporting events etc that Berkeley would give?</p>
<p>I’m only a junior in highschool but I have visited both UCSB and Berkelely. I dont want to bag on Berkeley or anything, but if you’re coming here for a college experience then you MUST go to UCSB. The party scene is ranked #10 in the nation, the people are just insanely beautiful (girls at least), everyone is just chill and relaxed compared to Berkeley’s cut-throat atmosphere, AND it’s right on the beach!! You can literally walk across the street and you’ll be stepping into sand. Also UCSB has one of the BEST college towns ever, and the city of Santa Barbara is like 5-10 minutes away. Honestly, the only thing that Cal has the advantage in is football. Although UCSB doesn’t have a football team, the basketball team made it into the NCAA men’s Basketball tournament, the soccer team is one of the best in the nation, the lacrosse team is one of the best MCLA teams, and everyone throws tortillas onto the field when UCSB scores! I didn’t think I would like UCSB when i went, but within an hour upon being on campus it became my favorite place in the world.</p>
<p>UC Berkeley is a much better choice, dont listen to a hs junior. UC Berkeley is the most prestigious public school in the US. UCSB doesnt even have a football team ( no school pride) and the campus isnt as pretty as everyone says. I got into both UC berkeley and UCSB and chose berkeley. GO BEARS!</p>
<p>“UCSB doesnt even have a football team ( no school pride)” LOL. football is stupid and is not universal so stop thinking it’s superior. UCSB has basketball and soccer, both at the TOP collegian level so back off. I’m a senior with an open mind to both schools, but just between us, SB>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SF
SF is boring and not exciting, while SB is filled with awesome people, a great atmosphere, and MUCH better beaches.</p>
<p>Berkeley is simply a much better school. Unless you really really really (have I emphasized it enough?) want to go to southern California there is absolutely no reason to pick UCSB over Cal.</p>
thanks heaps for all of your replies.</p>