University of California-San Diego Top Questions

What college town? Surrounding the campus is upper-class La Jolla and cookie-cutter University City. I personally enjoy the areas 5-10 miles North and South of campus: Del Mar, Solana Beach, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest, South Park, Noth Park, Downtown! Those are the best places for entertainment and food. School is "too large" but there are six different colleges that downsize the huge university feeling. The college system is interesting, and while it has its benefits holds students back from being an adult. I think the college system allows too much hand-holding and "free food" giveaways, when the university as a whole could provide more eye-opening and age appropriate programming. People are usually impressed that I go to UCSD. Other UC students are curious about the student life, since well, the "Socially Dead" stereotype looms. Administration... as a person involved in student government my entire time at UCSD, I view them as my greatest supporters and challenges. I think being 18-22 entitles a certain amount of liberty and independence, which is often not granted by our admin. There is a lot of emphasis on "no drinking," understandably so for illegal ages, but once your 21? I think the admin should and could lighten up on alcohol policy. If we want to advertise it as a "beer garden" why change it to be bear??? There is some school pride. Not in the "everyone is always wearing a UCSD sweatshirt" pride and rambling on about their athletics, but rather knowing that this is a great institution. Academics are stellar, however I wish there was more appreciation for non-science majors. Student Center is the best place on campus. KSDT radio, Grove Caffe, Co-Op, Women's Center, LGBT center, Groundwork Books, and other great places that add to the individual culture here.

The best thing about UCSD are the organizations. There are SO many it's SO easy to get involved. The only thing, however, that I would change is that I would have a Greek Row! As being a part of a Panhellenic sorority, I would love to have a house were we could meet, even if it doesn't house many girls. It would just be nice to have a physical representation of the Greek Life on the UCSD campus. La Jolla is definitely NOT a college town. It's made up of tones of old people that are way rich and don't like having a college in their city! The biggest recent controversy on campus was the alleged hazing by some fraternities on campus. The only reason why it sparked such a large interest, though, was because the issue itself is very stigmatized. Half the people that were talking didn't know what they were talking about anyway. The situation has been handled and that's all that matters. Another controversy has been JuicyCampus. It's a horrible website that allows people to post whatever they want about others and is pretty much a slam book for the entire UCSD campus. That again, however, has died down (at least to my knowledge) but there's no knowing whether or not it will re-interest others and start over again. School pride is odd at this school. Because we don't have a football team, it's hard because there's no rallying point for our school. Our basketball team is alright, but nothing significant. It's just difficult to get people to go sometimes. That being said, it is possible for some to have school spirit. As an RA, I'm extremely involved with my college and truly enjoy being here. As for others, I'm not so sure. The one big complaint I've heard about are the students that preach (with their own microphone) in the middle of Price Center about Christianity and how God is our Savior. While there isn't anything that can really be done (thank you, free speech) it can still get pretty annoying, as I believe there is a time and place for all that, aside from in the middle of the plaza while everyone is trying to mingle ans socialize.

ucsd is perfect. not only is an extremly large campus with a ton of resources, but it also gives each student the feeling of a small college community because of the way it is broken down into smaller colleges within the large university. students live in their college and take a specific significant writing class with other people from their college. this builds class unity. all other classes are open to any student, so there is also the sense of the large university. ucsd is one of the top science research facilities in the country, but we are also nationaly ranked for our theater, economics, and communication departments, just to name a few. it is not much of a college town. la jolla has a fun downtown and we are ten minutes from downtown san diego. the beach is across the street. there is school pride, but it is built around academics rather than athletics. we do not have a football team, but a lot of people make it out to basketball and volleyball games.

The best thing about UCSD is that everyone can find their niche. It allows people to really shape themselves and find out who they are. We are also close to the beach and the mountains and live in an amazingly temperate climate.

Academically, UCSD has been a challenge and you're definitely getting a great education (for a great price too!!). I love the 6 college system. Coming from a small high school, I was able to feel comfortable with a small college feel at a large university. It's exactly what I needed! As an RA, I spend most of my time in the dorms with my residents, at the dining halls or in price center having lunch with friends or studying between classes. La Jolla is definitely NOT a college town which kind of sucks but they're building up the campus this year with new transfer housing, a RIMAC expansion for north campus and an amazing Price Center expansion which will definitely enhance our campus life. Different student have different opinions of UCSD admin. Personally, I've never had a problem and I truly believe that they have the best interest of the students in mind. With that said, no one's perfect, but I think UCSD in general has some great administrators. The biggest recent controversy was probably the raising of student fees for athletics last spring. UCSD is a really young university and has a very small alumni base, especially when it comes to athletics, so alumni giving to the athletic department is small. Plus, our fees were pretty low compared to most other schools as far as I know so I think it was definitely a good thing. In the end, I think it'll definitely help with UCSD athletics promotion and school pride. Spirit Night and Sungod are by far the two most memorable events of the year.