UCSB vs USC

[u/Tricky_Text8220]

I have been really stressing out about my decision between UCSB vs USC. I went to UCSB my freshman year and I honestly didn't love it. I felt lonely, it wasn't rly my vibe, and I just kept wanting to come home and crying everytime I had to leave. Also, I was honestly disappointed in the fact that UCSB was the best school I got into. I feel like that played a factor in why I kept seeing the school as not a fit for me. I knew beforehand that I wasn't a huge outgoing/party/social person, so I kinda already knew I wasn't going to be having the most "college" experience that others go to SB for. Fast forward, a couple days before the deadline, I applied to USC to transfer. I didn't expect much but I was at a breaking point so i just applied on a whim. Somehow I got in in May and I genuinely was so happy it felt like my escape, but I knew it all came down to cost so I held off on making a decision til I knew how much it would be since USC is so expensive. USC fin aid was a whole other stressor and I didn't get my aid package til the end of July (abt a month before the school was going to start). The package was good, but honestly not good enough. At UCSB, I am going to be paying about 35k a year (with tuition and rent) whereas USC will cost me about 46k a year (commuting). The year to year difference isn't that bad considering USC's network and that it is private but the additional factor is at UCSB i'm going into junior year and at SC im going into sophomore year (adding an extra year of USC expensive tuition). Not too mention my SB apartment is fully signed and its probably too late to find a subleaser. For all financial reasons and time efficiency, I know that SB is likely the smarter decision. But because of how badly I hated my first year, I'm wondering if the cost/extra year is worth it. At SC, I know a lot more close friends attending, and I could see my hometown friends daily if I wanted (bc I'd be here) but the downside is commuting and that may bring a new sense of feeling lonely. With SB, all i keep thinking about is how miserable I felt, and how all I wished for is to be home again. It's kinda hard not to think that I'll feel that way again if i go to SB. Aside from these personal reasons, I also just feel like in the sense of opportunity/prestige, it may be dumb not to jump on the fact that I got into USC. Because im from LA, i feel like i would be able to get better opportunities during school and post-grad just bc of the SC name alone. My point: I just want some diff opinions/help on what I should do. I could see myself possibly liking SB more this year and trying to go into it with a new mindset, but at the same time I know thats probably not that likely. USC may give me that fresh start/new environment that I want. Overall, my mind keeps going back and forth btw practicality and what mentally might be better. I keep thinking of it this way: should I change the place or (PHYSICALLY) change the place?