my take on UCSD (2nd year)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
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<p>Hey guys, I use to post here alot when I was going into college and it was a big help to me, so I want to return the favor as best as possible. I am going to be as comprehensive as possible b/c I won't be back here for a long time probably. Skip my two-cents if you aren't interested in greek life b/c I cover other topics as well.</p>

<p>1) SOCIAL LIFE
I'm not gonna BS it can be tough. The problem is the 6 college system, if you analyze when UCSD was constructed and it's social context (around the time of the Berkeley Riots), then you understand that the campus is designed to dissuade student centralization.</p>

<p>BUT I am having a kick ass time still :D</p>

<p>Greek-life:
I am in the greek system. Don't believe 99% of what you hear, but if you want a semi-accurate impression of the vicious greek system check collegeacb.com (search UCSD.) Parties are fun even without a greek-row. Just be careful NOT to get too drunk at any greek event b/c this is when mistakes happen that people regret.
GIRLS: rush freshman don't be scared: just don't get super effed up your first few nights out. be careful. Second year and third year is fine too, if you just want to wait it out.
GUYS: Rush 1st quarter if you want, but realize frats will put up a front to get you. If you are genuinely interested wait until spring to make a semi-informed decision.
Biggest rushes:
Fall -> then Spring -> Winter (those that rush in winter tend to be "not so popular")</p>

<p>Clubs:
community service clubs: I was VP of interact at my hs, but the community service clubs here are kinda wack. ( I checked both Rotaract and Key Club)</p>

<p>Cultural clubs: Most cultural clubs here are not bad. I've seen the strongest presence from BSU, NSU, KP, and KASA (some what)</p>

<p>Religious clubs: They are all solid. I don't participate in any, but they are worthwhile. Only caveat: alot of the kids I know in it end up being VERY clique. Each religious group honestly seems like their own "frat"</p>

<p>downtown SD:
if you have a car and a social group of friends, then you're set. The drive ain't bad, just try to get out by 10 pm b/c that's when drunken military folks and bums roam the streets.</p>

<p>PB
I'm gonna be 21 soon, so I am pretty stoked.</p>

<p>2) ACADEMICS
I am a biochemistry (bio) major
I have taken mainly lower division classes and a few upper division science classes. My GPA is around 3.5.
Classes are NOT easy. I actually was semi-depressed fall-freshman year cause classes were so dang tough, but if you sack up and try your best that's all that really matters.
Just do it.</p>

<p>3) Off-campus involvement/internships/jobs
NON-science majors:
finding any ole' job is easy
trying to find a related internship isn't necessarily hard, but don't expect to get a worthwhile one until you are about a 3rd year.</p>

<p>science majors:
there are ALOT of science industries close by. Do NOT get discouraged and you will eventually find one. I applied to over 20 places. I was offered about 7 interviews. I only took one of them. Still there to this day. Just apply ASAP.</p>

<p>6 COLLEGES:
if you go to a college that doesn't fit your major, then the GEs will suck for you - regardless which college you go to. Muir has easiest majors.</p>

<p>Revelle - They have a central fountain that alot of skaters and bmxers are at. It's pretty sick. Far from classes.
Muir - easy GEs. Social dorm setup. Close to classes.
Marshall - OVT (open till 1AM), close to the gym, close to most classes
Warren - Everyone in warren seems to know one another. Far from classes
ERC - Alot of "UCSD" hot girls and my gay friends tell me there are alot of gays in ERC. Far from some classes. Semi-social.
6th college - IF you are in the "social scene" you will meet EVERYONE else in 6th. Often called Camp Snoopy. Far as HECK from everything. :( Some of my closest friends are in 6th though.</p>

<p>OFF-HOUSING
No offense, but unless you know alot of people you are geniunely screwed. You SERIOUSLY need to make an effort to meet people. It's not easy. Don't go to commuter events, go straight to the clubs/greek you want to join and be active.</p>

<p>Long story short:
SOCIAL STUDY SLEEP
you can only have 2 of the 3
:D</p>

<p>GL</p>

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<p>Hey thanks for the info i have a question though : You said “Rush 1st quarter if you want, but realize frats will put up a front to get you. If you are genuinely interested wait until spring to make a semi-informed decision.” Im guessing there are some lame frats that are desperate for members, could u give me a little heads u about which ones to avoid? And which one are you in and how do you like it?</p>

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<p>great post</p>

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<p>i know this is an old thread, but what do you mean “those that rush in the winter tend to be not so popular” are you referring to the girls or the sorority.</p>

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<p>I find it interesting how people say that UCSD’s college system makes it harder to meet people when it’s absolutely no different than any other university where their student housing isn’t all located in the same spot.</p>

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<p>I feel like the idea of suites make people form a close group of friends within the suite. But it also makes people less open to other people outside of it IMO compared to other schools with halls.</p>

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<p>^Perhaps. I know our suite definitely interacted with one of the other suites on our floor. Either way, knowing 10-14 people well on your floor (in your suite) is still doing pretty good. I don’t think it’s THAT much of a difference from the people you’ll interact with if you have a hall full of dorms anyway.</p>

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<p>Thanks! Answered a lot of my queries :D</p>

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<p>how exactly did you get a research position? I’ve been applying on port triton but I never hear back…</p>

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<p>^I find port Triton to be ineffective due to the large volume of users. It’s probably more efficient if you look for career and job fairs in the area and get connected from there. I got quite a few interviews for internships from doing that.</p>

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<p>what kind of career job fairs are u talking about?</p>

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<p>so true, i just finished my first ever fall quarter at ucsd</p>