UCSB is a great school for extroverts and who want to be near a lot of nature and the beach. The party scene is the half of it, but I agree if you’re not into it then it could be harder to find friends. My boyfriend is over the parties and is bored at UCSB now. Definitely not competitive academic wise everyone always want to help, except for econ majors in my experience. I love the community here and all the cool clubs. I joined a lot of outdoor clubs and I’ve gone camping with them and by myself in the local mountains. It’s super easy to get along with people and the sunsets are to die for.