<p>Hello all! If you’re anything like me, you want to know EVERYTHING about UCSD which is why you’re on these forums. 
Or at least that’s why I am because I can’t wait to go to UCSD and go to college! Forget high school man! Well, I just thought I’d post this e-mail to me from a current sophomore that attends the school to all y’all who are interested in knowing another person’s opinion. He’s a great guy and he’s pretty much a social butterfly. One of those all-around types, you know?</p>
<p>Well I hope you enjoy!</p>
<p>"Sorry for the delay on this email. (Note: I e-mailed him during his finals. Oops.)</p>
<p>One very important thing Ive learned since starting college, is that no matter where you end up, its all about your attitude, goals, and what you hope to make of your experience. I realized that no matter where I had chosen to go for college, I would have been equally as engaged and excited. =)</p>
<p>With that, heres what you asked about: Classes, dorms, food, social life</p>
<p>CLASSES: The class sizes are often huge, but there are some amazing professors here, many of whom are published researchers and world-renown scholars. This has been a huge benefit for me personally because Im learning from some of these famed professors in my biology/psychology classes. You may or may not know what you want to study yet, but it is always a good idea to check up on the kinds of people who are teaching in your areas of interest. </p>
<p>RANDOM NOTE: The six college system is one of the best ideas ever, because like the rest of the UCs, there is such a large student body and its hard to meet people and connect with people without some kind of common ground. College unity is HUGE at UCSD and having that college name to identify by is very helpful. (ex. Hi, Im Annie, Im in muir. What college are you in?) The thing is, students live within the parameters of their college, but everyone at the university takes classes with each other. </p>
<p>DORMS: Im a Muir College student so my living situation is going to be different from the sixth college experience of campus living. But one thing thats for sure is that our housing at UCSD for first years is made up of suites with lets say about 6-8 people sharing a common area and a bathroom. Many prefer this to the whole dorm situation with like a 50 people sharing one bathroom. There are also on-campus apartments (usually for second years) where you pay the same price, but live in an actual apt-style setup.</p>
<p>FOOD: I love it. It works for me. There are at least 7 dining halls where you can get food, so theres lots of choices.</p>
<p>SOCIAL LIFE: This is the big one for you, I bet. The thing is, the college experience is going to be on the dull side for one who chooses not to meet people or be active, no matter what university. I know you wont have a problem with this one, but there is indeed MUCH to do in the San Diego area. The campus is actually located in La Jolla which is north of San Diego. Either way, therere places to explore, sights to see, and people to meet. Transportation wont be problem even without a car. As a UCSD student, you can take the city bus for free to all the cool places. Some of my favorite hotspots in the area include the cliffs atop La Jolla Shores, all the beaches, downtown La Jolla, downtown San Diego, etc. Besides these places though, UCSD has so many hidden secret places that they dont show you during their tours. But once a student here, the secret gets out. (ex. theres a stairwell in the arts building that is filled with peoples graffiti art, messages, paintings. Its covered wall to wall!)</p>
<p>Anyhow, I know this was lots to take in and it may not be too helpful in your decision making process, but if anything, youll be just fine no matter where you choose to go. I do love UCSD and would recommend it gladly."</p>