I have been accepted for a physics major in the universities mentioned, currently my top picks are UVA and UCSB. Both universities have a good physics department; however, the difference is that UVA has a smaller community than that of UCSB. I also prefer the campus and setting of UVA. I am not so sure which one I should choose. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Have you sorted out your finances? UVa will give you financial aid as an OOS student, California won’t. Have you run the NPC for VA?
For undergrad physics there isn’t much in the difference, so imo choose first on the most affordable and second on where you feel you will thrive the best.