Upon attending the University of California-San Diego, it has become more than an academic institute for me, it is a new home, a place of self-discovery, as well as a foundation to a strong and bright future. UCSD provides a welcoming environment for its students, returning and new, and it pushes you to reach your potential with its inspirational messages and morals around spread throughout the campus amongst its six colleges. The campus's endless resources and eager professors and counselors are a relief to have with me every step of the way, and I am grateful to be part of the UC San Diego experience.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
When entering UCSD, it is important to keep a positive outlook and to stay true to who you are. To become successful in not just UCSD, but anywhere, it is crucial to know who you are and what kind of person you want to be. Do not conform to fit any type of social standard or to develop any relationships, because ultimately you will not succeed and end up unhappy with who you've become. The key to success is good old-fashioned honest hard work and determination. Go to your lectures, don't oversleep, keep up with your courses, ask questions in class, stay healthy, give yourself time to socialize and relax, but most importantly, know the balance between work and play. These are the steps to success.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Every student is unique, and each and every person works in different ways. As for me, I believe the academic rigor at UCSD is challenging. Coming from the top of my high school, I found myself as well as other students struggling to keep up in classes and working extra hard to understand certain material. The professors and their courses challenge the students so that they can reach their full potential, and because UCSD is composed of academically excellent students, this intensifies the academic rigor and makes the environment even more competitive.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorm life at UCSD is extraordinary in that it creates an environment for the students to interact, grow stronger together, and develop long lasting relationships. Living on campus gives the students a sense of community, as we interact with each other on a day to day basis. The residential advisors are excellent in helping new students adjust to their new environment, and the suite format of the dorms really allows students to connect in a deeper bond. Resources are magnificent, the housing facilities are commendable, and the staff is nothing but welcoming and helpful. I could not have asked for a better dorm experience than my first year at UCSD.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The dining halls and markets around UCSD do not disappoint. Sure it's no five-star restaurant with a million reviews, but it's as good as it's going to get when it comes to dorm food. There are many options in the six UCSD dining facilities, satisfying your vegetarian needs, meat cravings, and sweet tooth. If you grow tired of the dining halls, UCSD also has a sit-in restaurant called The Bistro, where you can order gourmet dishes such as a sauteed salmon, glazed chicken, bbq pork loins, and more. UCSD was also recently voted the #1 vegan-friendly college campus in the United States.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Settled in the astoundingly beautiful beaches and natural reserves of La Jolla, students at UCSD are extremely lucky to have access to endless amounts of outdoor activities. From surfing lessons, hikes along preserved trails, hang gliding on the outskirts of campus, and so much more. Not an outdoorsy person? That's not a problem, there is plenty to do around the San Diego area. Hit the clubs in San Diego's Gaslamp District. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Go shopping in the large variety of stores provided by the Westfield UTC or Fashion Valley Center. See if your favorite artist is performing at Porter's Pub or RIMAC. Catch a baseball game at the grand Petco Park stadium. There's a never-ending list of things to do on and off campus, it's up to you to find them!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One of the most celebrated traditions on campus is the annual Sun God Festival hosted by the Associated Students for Concerts and Events department. On this day, the campus comes alive as students unite for a music festival with the top artists and performers of the year.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you like to be challenged academically, take part in nature activities, enjoy athletic pastimes, or just LOVE the California weather and environment, the University of California San Diego is the school for you.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Campus safety is above average throughout the year. At night, there are Campus Security Officers patrolling the school and escorting students back to their residences when called. In addition, there are Residential Security Officers patrolling the residential facilities throughout the school to ensure the students' safety throughout the night. The RSO staff is extremely friendly and they give the students a feeling of security in their homes at night. The only thing I would say is that the campus could be a bit better lighted in the night time.
Upon attending the University of California-San Diego, it has become more than an academic institute for me, it is a new home, a place of self-discovery, as well as a foundation to a strong and bright future. UCSD provides a welcoming environment for its students, returning and new, and it pushes you to reach your potential with its inspirational messages and morals around spread throughout the campus amongst its six colleges. The campus's endless resources and eager professors and counselors are a relief to have with me every step of the way, and I am grateful to be part of the UC San Diego experience.
When entering UCSD, it is important to keep a positive outlook and to stay true to who you are. To become successful in not just UCSD, but anywhere, it is crucial to know who you are and what kind of person you want to be. Do not conform to fit any type of social standard or to develop any relationships, because ultimately you will not succeed and end up unhappy with who you've become. The key to success is good old-fashioned honest hard work and determination. Go to your lectures, don't oversleep, keep up with your courses, ask questions in class, stay healthy, give yourself time to socialize and relax, but most importantly, know the balance between work and play. These are the steps to success.
Every student is unique, and each and every person works in different ways. As for me, I believe the academic rigor at UCSD is challenging. Coming from the top of my high school, I found myself as well as other students struggling to keep up in classes and working extra hard to understand certain material. The professors and their courses challenge the students so that they can reach their full potential, and because UCSD is composed of academically excellent students, this intensifies the academic rigor and makes the environment even more competitive.
The dorm life at UCSD is extraordinary in that it creates an environment for the students to interact, grow stronger together, and develop long lasting relationships. Living on campus gives the students a sense of community, as we interact with each other on a day to day basis. The residential advisors are excellent in helping new students adjust to their new environment, and the suite format of the dorms really allows students to connect in a deeper bond. Resources are magnificent, the housing facilities are commendable, and the staff is nothing but welcoming and helpful. I could not have asked for a better dorm experience than my first year at UCSD.
The dining halls and markets around UCSD do not disappoint. Sure it's no five-star restaurant with a million reviews, but it's as good as it's going to get when it comes to dorm food. There are many options in the six UCSD dining facilities, satisfying your vegetarian needs, meat cravings, and sweet tooth. If you grow tired of the dining halls, UCSD also has a sit-in restaurant called The Bistro, where you can order gourmet dishes such as a sauteed salmon, glazed chicken, bbq pork loins, and more. UCSD was also recently voted the #1 vegan-friendly college campus in the United States.
Settled in the astoundingly beautiful beaches and natural reserves of La Jolla, students at UCSD are extremely lucky to have access to endless amounts of outdoor activities. From surfing lessons, hikes along preserved trails, hang gliding on the outskirts of campus, and so much more. Not an outdoorsy person? That's not a problem, there is plenty to do around the San Diego area. Hit the clubs in San Diego's Gaslamp District. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Go shopping in the large variety of stores provided by the Westfield UTC or Fashion Valley Center. See if your favorite artist is performing at Porter's Pub or RIMAC. Catch a baseball game at the grand Petco Park stadium. There's a never-ending list of things to do on and off campus, it's up to you to find them!
One of the most celebrated traditions on campus is the annual Sun God Festival hosted by the Associated Students for Concerts and Events department. On this day, the campus comes alive as students unite for a music festival with the top artists and performers of the year.
If you like to be challenged academically, take part in nature activities, enjoy athletic pastimes, or just LOVE the California weather and environment, the University of California San Diego is the school for you.
Campus safety is above average throughout the year. At night, there are Campus Security Officers patrolling the school and escorting students back to their residences when called. In addition, there are Residential Security Officers patrolling the residential facilities throughout the school to ensure the students' safety throughout the night. The RSO staff is extremely friendly and they give the students a feeling of security in their homes at night. The only thing I would say is that the campus could be a bit better lighted in the night time.