I’m a transfer student having trouble deciding which school to go to, my major is Sociology. Any info/input on these schools would be greatly appreciated!
I highly recommend visiting both (especially since they have transfer events coming up later this month). Even though they are both on the coast, the campuses are very different (as are the students) and by visiting, you can get a better feel for what each school is like/which would be the best fit for you.
If you were STEM major, i’d say UCSD without a doubt. But since you are not, for your major, both schools are equally good. UCSB is more social and UCSD is more studious. Location wise, both excellent. However, UCSB is cheaper for housing. Your pick!
as said above, visit both. The biggest difference IMHO is the feel for being a student. Most UCSB students live off campus in Isla Vista, which is a small student-dominated community/slum next to campus. Easy to meet up with friends or go back onto campus for an event, to go to office hours, etc. UCSD has more of a commuter feel with students living throughout the San Diego area, many preferring to live on the beach such as in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. The freeway can be congested so it can affect your ability/willingness to go back to campus once you’re at home.
Accounting/social science for UCSB and STEM for UCSD