I’ve been admitted to UCSB Honors, UCSD and Occidental, all are about the same price for me to attend. I’m deeply conflicted as to which to choose, unfortunately none are cheap (out of state). But, I recently visited all three and loved them all. I could realistic see myself at any of the three. However, I’m curious about UCSB’s honors program, if the benefits are as good as they appear online perhaps it would make sense to go there over UCSD as it looks like I would be able to get all of my classes. I’m worried though about UCSB’s reputation as a “party school”, is this reputation valid and does it in anyway affect UCSB academics? Part of me feels as if it’s not worth it to pay for a state school if it’s the same for a private school, however, I like the resources and opportunities afforded by a bigger universities. I’m considering majoring in environmental studies, I do especially like Occidental’s urban and environmental policy major too. There’s a few smaller things influencing my decision as well, for instance I love photography and would like to casually pursue it in college but I can’t find if Occidental has a program/access to a dark room whereas from what I can tell the UC’s do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated 
Also, how does Occidental match up academically with UCSB?