u/LowerAwareness2282

I am thinking of applying to UCSB for my PhD for the next round of applications (2027 admission), and I am currently an undergrad here. I was wondering how hard it is/how much of an impact it has if I am applying to do my PhD here in the same department that I do research in now. Does it make it a bit easier? I know it is different for every department, but I was just wondering overall if anyone has any input or experience with that.