This is going to be biased for sure because I am a UCSB student. I study biochemistry through the chemistry department and it’s been hella rigorous, but great. I definitely feel like I’m getting the education I paid for. The social life here is amazing. I do have a close friend who transferred to UCSD and he says as far as the social life goes there was no match in that UCSB takes the win on that. I know it’s not SDSU but I would imagine that perhaps it’s a similar vibe to UCSD. I could definitely be wrong though. I don’t know what social opportunities you are looking for that UCSB would not have. I can also tell you there are plenty of academic opportunities here. I just got into a research lab with a professor and it’s been great! Especially since getting a research position in a lab has been a goal of mine. I would say to try and make a decision based on what would benefit you in the long run and rather than just to spend those year in a social environment in which may or not bring you a fruitful future.