<p>I'm hoping to get into UCSD for this fall, but it looks like there's a very big chance that if possible, I will be bringing my family with me (lol). Great I know? I can't wait to study even harder with my older (autistic) bro doing what he does best (making very loud noises). </p>
<p>Oh well.. anyway! </p>
<p>We'll probably be looking for a place to rent, and due to the nature of both my brothers, a townhouse or a condo would end up being a bad idea. Very.. bad. I've also realized at some point, that in SoCal, just being off by a couple of blocks when finding a place to live can put you in an ugly situation. </p>
<p>I know, La Jolla is a great town. So where should I be looking? We'd really need a 3 bedroom house, but so far what I've seen suggests we'd find one that barely is that, and it'd be in the $2500/month range. </p>
<p>I saw some nicer houses in Chula Vista, but I feel that's just too far away. As it is, I currently live about 20 minutes from my college, just 20 minutes, but virtually all of my college friends live on the opposite side of the college... not just 40+ minutes away, but a bridge toll as well! It makes our friendships strained and a lot less close than they could be. </p>
<p>So yea, as close as possible.. Ideas? LOL. </p>
<p>Will I still be able to pull off a social life if I'm not within the campus itself? </p>
<p>Also: And this goes to those doing transfer apartments too (those at torrey pines), how do you guys feel not living in the 'college' as the ones that started as UC newbies did? </p>
<p>I know you said in La Jolla, but I would personally look at Mira Mesa. Its kind of developing. Pretty close to campus (but still a good 10-20 minutes away depending on traffic. </p>
<p>But the location has some nice houses, there is everything you need in the area and all that. Plus it’ll definitely be cheaper than living in La Jolla if money is an issue</p>
<p>I would look in La Jolla, Del Mar, and Carmel Valley. Possibly Solana Beach. All are easily accessible to UCSD via the 5 freeway. Mira Mesa is a little too sketchy for my taste but some people really like it.</p>
<p>You will be able to have a social life but you WILL need to make an effort: ie joining clubs or a fraternity, playing IM/club sports, meeting people in classes, etc.</p>
<p>ETA: Mission Valley/SDSU area is another option although I’m not sure what the housing availability is - whether it is houses or mostly apartments.</p>
<p>I live in a house Governor Dr. in University City. It has it’s upsides and downsides, but overall, I really like the location.</p>
<p>Pros:
Only about 10-15 minutes from school
Rent is like $300/month cheaper than La Jolla
Safe neighborhood
Close to the UTC Mall
Movies & restaurants are only a 5-7 minute drive away
Free bus route to school passes through and only takes about 20 minutes</p>
<p>Cons:
Not many things nearby (Targets, etc)
Things nearby close early (e.g. Starbucks down the street closes at 9:00)</p>
<p>About the social life thing…it’s always harder as a transfer student, but if you try to do things to meet people (like joining clubs like TRES, ETC, TMT, ACTA, Commuter Board, etc)</p>
<p>Del Mar and Solana Beach are probably too expensive and you will get ****ed by traffic every morning and 5pm if you live there.</p>
<p>Your best bets are University City, Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa, 92122 and 92121. You can try carmel valley but thats probably too expensive. Clairemont should also be an option, a little cheaper and further though but still closer than Del mar. Don’t know the exact zipcodes there off the top of my head by 92117 is included.</p>
<p>You could check Clairemont, maybe off Balboa. Humble, older and plain; but safe and wholesome. About a 15 min. commute. No college atmosphere at all.</p>