University of California-San Diego Reviews

"UC San Diego's CS program is seriously underrated. The AI and systems tracks are genuinely world-class — the faculty are doing cutting-edge research and actually talk to students, which isn't a given at big research universities. Coursework is tough but fair, and you'll come out knowing your stuff. The San Diego tech scene means internships and jobs are within reach, not just a talking point in the brochure. The campus looks like a brutalist fever dream and the social life takes some digging to find, but if you're there to learn CS? You picked a great spot. Slept on nationally, respected everywhere that matters.Read Less"

"UC San Diego's CS program is seriously underrated. The AI and systems tracks are genuinely world-class — the faculty are doing cutting-edge research and actually talk to students, which isn't a given at big research universities. Coursework is tough but fair, and you'll come out knowing your stuff. The San Diego tech scene means internships and jobs are within reach, not just a talking point in the brochure. The campus looks like a brutalist fever dream and the social life takes some digging to find, but if you're there to learn CS? You picked a great spot. Slept on nationally, respected everywhere that matters.Read Less"

"I had a good overall experience at UCSD. The provided education felt high-level, providing students with lots of opportunities and options to explore their area of interest. The resources provided was great as well. The weather is nice, main library is a great place to study and hang out, and lots of options for extracurricular activities and entertainment. It is especially recommended for people who want to pursue research."

"For the most part, I enjoyed my time at UCSD. Most of the required classes were interesting and I learned a lot. There were a handful of classes that did not seem related to the major in any way, but were still necessary to graduate. Sometimes they were easy classes and other times they were pretty hard. Course difficulty could vary from quarter to quarter depending on who was teaching, so it's important to plan ahead, if possible. The campus is HUGE, so it's important to take a look at room locations when planning your classes, it's not fun sprinting from one side of campus to the other!Read Less"

"UCSD is a great campus that truly encapsulates the essence of "work hard, play hard". That is, if you're a transfer at least. I had a very unique experience because I transferred from community college, so I started school at UCSD as an older student. Getting the chance to study amongst other top scholars was great, and getting to do so as a transfer allowed me to navigate the school with less apprehension. San Diego is also a beautiful city with gorgeous beaches and a vibrant bar scene. UCSD is a stellar school with dedicated professors in every major. I think UCSD is a great choice, particularly for non-traditional studentsRead Less"

"UC San Diego is a beautiful campus with a prestigious STEM program. However, it has no social life (unless you look for it), faculty don't care about you (advisors see you as another head for money), and the liberal arts programs are basically just writing degrees."

"Unfortunately, UCSD did not meet my expectations at all, especially with how other reviews talked it up as one of the best schools in the country, especially in my major (Computer Science). There was always construction going on that distracted me and many other students heavily from learning, and the huge classes made it difficult to learn effectively. The shorter quarters were also hard to adjust to since I came from a semester system, and career-wise I felt that UCSD was not very good in setting students up to get internships and full-time jobs.Read Less"

"Today, I will be reviewing the university I attended: UCSD. There are many ways to describe this school, but one of the first things that stands out is its location. UCSD is only a short drive from the beach, and there are many places nearby to explore, such as Little Italy and the Birch Aquarium, where enrolled students may be able to receive a discount.UCSD also offers many opportunities for students to grow academically and socially. Students can network with professors and classmates, join different clubs, and get involved in programs that match their interests. One thing I love about UCSD is that it made me feel connected, almost like a second home. My first home is Los Angeles, the city where I grew up, so moving to a new city was a big transition, but it ended up being a great experience.Housing at UCSD is also convenient. If you live off campus, the campus shuttle can pick you up at nearby bus stops and drop you off on campus. The dorms are nice, updated, and comfortable, which helps make the school feel more like home. Overall, UCSD offers great programs, clubs, and opportunities to meet new people, making it a great place to learn, grow, and make friends.Read Less"

"My experience at Scripps Institution of Oceanography within UC San Diego was great. I got to meet a lot of awesome professors and researchers, got involved in two research labs, and was able to take part in a study abroad program in Costa Rica, all of which greatly supported my career and application into graduate school. As with all places, the experience is what you make of it, and it might take time to find your people. Some classes in some departments might be hard to get into, and a couple professors I had weren’t the best. The parking situation is also difficult (but public transit is good). However, I think overall the diversity and the breadth of classes and activities UCSD offers is really great, and the majority of people I met there were incredible. The location is also hard to beat. Take advantage of it when you can!Read Less"

"UCSD is a great school if you are looking to focus solely on academics. The professors can be cutthroat, but you will also meet many who are passionate about what they do and about leading the next generation into brighter futures. I was able to switch majors and still finish on time. If you are a dedicated student, you will get a lot out of this school, but with every campus, you get what you put into it. Also, the library and the different coffee shops on campus are great places to hang out and study (or nap). If you want to party, this is not the school for you. It is not nicknamed UC Socially Dead for no reason, but the beaches are lovely if you need to get away or want to hang out with friends. Also, nearby campuses have fun parties to offer too if you feel like crashing. I also miss the greek loaded fries on campus- please try them if you can.Read Less"

"UCSD is a significantly big school with very strong programs in STEM, especially in the areas of computer science, biology and oceanography. The courses were for the most part very rigorous and the professors took their job seriously in all aspects. They expected students to work independently and they carefully checked for cheating during exams and especially for homeworks and projects. They programmed automatic checks alongside with manual reviews. The only downside of this school is the administration. The school could be better by having an administration that cares about the students and not just about expanding and getting funding.Read Less"

"UCSD is such a great school. The academics are top notch and the location is unbeatable. I loved spending time at the beach, and the Mexican food was out of this world. The facilities are pretty new and the dorms are small but nice. I also found a great campus community to get involved with!"

"UC San Diego is a great school that has so much potential, given the location of the school. San Diego is an up and coming city that is rapidly changing and becoming more popular. The school itself has great professors, although definitely crowded. I would say the school is on the older side, but offers great education."

"As a commuter, it is a bit difficult to determine whether the school's atmosphere on campus did me any good, but the physical environment is something I find rather nice. It is very open so you have lots of space to lounge under the shade or exercise inbetween classes, however a downside to this is oftentimes traversing from one class to another can be time consuming. I made great friends through the clubs, and academically I'm doing fine. I'd say if you wish to achieve something you gotta be proactive.Read Less"

"I think UCSD has a strong reputation as a STEM-focused school, but because of this it seems to attract professors who appear to be only interested in conducting research rather than actually running good classes and teaching undergrad students. Oftentimes it felt like teaching was low on their list of a their priorities. Also, as someone who wanted to enter the business/finance/consulting industry, they didn’t offer the best business courses and the relevant coursework felt lacking in this regard. The management courses felt very shallow, whereas some of the technical courses were way too granular and lacked the big picture insight into how what you are learning can actually be used and applied in real life.Read Less"

"I am a graduate student at the University of California San Diego. I didn't attend undergrad here so I can't attest to the academics and social life on that front. I have a small cohort and perhaps got lucky but everyone is sweet and very sociable. The professors are very accomplished and accommodating. My tuition is paid for through a stipend I receive by being a TA."

"My experience at UC San Diego was wonderful. From the supportive staff, to the multitude of on campus resources, a thriving and welcoming student body, and the prestigious nature of the institution, I felt I was able to truly gain a better understanding of my field of study. I enjoyed studying under professors with extensive knowledge of Ecology, animal behaviors, and evolutionary principles. Curriculum in-class was supplemented by field excursions that were enjoyable and aided in the retention of the subject matter. All in all I am satisfied with my academic experience at UCSD.Read Less"

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at UC San Diego. Academically, I felt I could choose between various courses for my major and had some really great instructors. Socially, I gained meaningful friendships through club sports and found great community there. This is a school where you must make an effort to find that community, but its very rewarding once you find it. Financially, San Diego is tough in more ways than one"

"I believe that UCSD was the best college I could have went to. Each student has their own preference on campus and type of academics they want, but for me UCSD was my number one pick. Beautiful weather, right by the beach, rigorous academics, and multiple communities to join. I'm very glad I chose to be a triton."

"The school offers great and technical degrees and supportive staff. The campus is large, beautiful, and next to the ocean and beaches. The campus is divided up into colleges where you are able to socialize with others. Many extracurricular activities are available."