Questions for a Warren Third Year

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
1

<p>I've been doing this each Spring Break since I entered UCSD, and here I am again. Send me your questions, and I'll try my best to answer them promptly. I will check this thread pretty regularly, and as long as there are questions, I will keep coming back. If I notice that it's stopped for a period of time, that will be the end of it.</p>

<p>If I am feeling extra nice, I may release my e-mail at the end. I noticed someone PMed me over a month after I stopped checking last year, and I did not realize this until just a couple minutes ago. Oops. ^^</p>

<p>Oh, and my major is Biochem/Bio if there are any major specific questions.</p>

2

<p>What are some of the positives at warren other than not too many general req's? how r the dorms? </p>

<p>Whats the worst thing about warren?</p>

<p>I've been accepted at UCLA and my rents seem to be set on me attending there. I'm still considering UCSD though. How do the prestige and post graduation opportunities compare? </p>

<p>Several questions...i'd appreciate thogh</p>

3

<p>eav1277:</p>

<p>There are really not that many distinctions among each colleges other than the GE's. In general, people at UCSD are pretty friendly, so you're bound to meet good people.</p>

<p>Warren's dining hall, Canyon Vista, serves pretty good breakfasts, entrees, and sanwiches. When I lived on campus, I usually avoided the typically pizza and burger choices, and went for the entree menu that changed daily. They served pretty good prime rib each Thursday.</p>

<p>There's a little shopping/cafe sort of place above Canyon Vista calls Earl's Place that is a pretty popular for nighttime snacks and "Starbucks" coffee....and random ...stuff.. :D</p>

<p>I did like living in the dorms. I liked the suite arrangement, so every 10 people or so has it's own common area and bathroom space. There's also study lounges on each floor, which in while can get to be like social lounges after you start to get to know people. Haha. I personally really liked my RA, but that just depends on who you get. Here are some photos I took when I first moved in..</p>

<p><a href="http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829983_1276.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829983_1276.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829984_1632.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829984_1632.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829987_3217.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829987_3217.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829993_1199.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829993_1199.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829994_1515.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-c.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829994_1515.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829998_2853.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v48/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31829998_2853.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Sorry it's a bit bare. I think these were taken the day after move in.</p>

<p>The worst thing about Warren imo is it's location, but it's not so bad. If you have a class in the morning at Warren, it's only a 5 minute walk. For farther places, there are shuttles.</p>

<p>In my opinion, most of the UC's are very good and respected schools. I have a few friends who already have a job waiting for them after they graduate. However, if you're looking for prestige, UCLA in general beats UCSD. I love UCSD, but it's the sad truth. </p>

<p>I'm personally heading off to grad school after UCSD, but I think if you do well here academically, get involved, make connections, etc, you will do well post-grad. (Can't say anything for sure due to the current economic state.... =PP) I am a pretty strong believer that it's you who makes the best of your college experience.</p>

4

<p>Good UCSD pages in general to explore:</p>

<p>UC</a> San Diego Housing, Dining, and Hospitality Home Page</p>

<p>The</a> University Centers at UC San Diego</p>

5

<p>With the rooms, how hard is it to get a single? I've heard there are a lot of triples. I'd be fine with a double...idk about a triple.</p>

<p>I was actually at UCSD this past summer. Stayed at ERC. The food did get sorta old after a while, but it wasnt too bad at cafe ventanas. I had a double there.</p>

6

<p>I tried for a double my first year, and I got a triple. I did have a double my second year, and a single over the summer. You will have to sign up EARLY for singles. I don't think they have doubles in Warren dorms during the regular acadmic year. They have doubles in the apartments, which some first year students live in as well. Then again, if you get a roommate who is never in the room, it'll be like have a double or a single. =P Out of the three, I'd prefer a single too. I have my own room now off campus. =]</p>

<p>I never went to ERC all that much since it was so far away, and personally, I'm not all that picky about food. In the Warren apartments, you get a kitchen, so you can cook for yourself as well (Good preparation for living off campus.)</p>

7

<p>How do you feel about your overall experience at UCSD? One thing you didn't like so much or wish was changed?
Also, after you move off campus by the third year, what is the social life like compared to when you were a freshman living on campus in the dorms? What do you do in your free time? How is La Jolla as far as cost of living and college life etc.?</p>

8

<p>Is there a chance that i can switch majors from bioengineering: pre med to bioengineering or will it be really hard to get in to?</p>

<p>also did warren have cool people in it or were most of the people there boring and always studying?</p>

9

<p>katie09:</p>

<p>Overall, I've enojoyed being here at UCSD. I didn't like how UCSD was inconviently located, but if you or a friend is bringing a car, that should be less of a problem. However, now that I live off campus, I wish not so many 1st and 2nd years brought their cars. Haha. So, I guess parking is also somewhat of an issue. </p>

<p>Most third years have cars for the days that they have to commute to campus. There are buses and UCSD shuttles that go to campus, so you don't have to drive to school everyday. I do miss living literally right next door to my friends, but since some complexes have such a high population of students, it's kind of like living on campus. And you will still find people who go out clubbing, drinking, and what not 2 or 3 times a week. Haha.</p>

<p>I sadly did not have much of a life last quarter due to academics and research, but to list out some of the things I did do sans winter 2009: clubbing (now a lot of my close 21+ friends go 21+ clubbing, but frats will host clubbing nights for 18+ and 21+), exploring SD, parties (of friends and frats), kickbacks, raves (although these are usually in LA cept for the 1 or 2 raves held on campus each year) etc.
If you're into outdoorsy things, there's surfing, kayaking (which I'm going to try out soon...yay), hiking, etc.
Join clubs because they will often hold socials like paintballing, laser tagging, ice skating, drive in movies, bowling, etc. Often clubs will provide rides to their events.
Campus will hold dances, concerts, Bear Gardens (beer is served for beer-philes), Sun God (24 hr partying unless you have a mean professor that has a midterm or some other required agenda that day)
Then there's the usual shopping, movie theater going, working out with friends, beach going etc. </p>

<p>Currently, I live with one other apartmentmate in a less nice complex (Less nice because the kitchen looks a bit old. Otherwise, the place is fine.) for $800/month. We each have our own rooms and bathrooms. If you live with more people, you can find a nicer place for about the same price or cheaper. 2 Bedrooms/2 Baths can range approximately from $1610/mo to $2000/mo. Obviously if you live farther from campus, it will also be cheaper.</p>

<p>La Jolla is pretty expensive near the beach area, but around campus, it is not too bad. There are coupons in the school newspaper, in the free coupon books handed out each quarter, and clubs may have sponsors that offer discounts at more popular places.</p>

10

<p>jerrberr:</p>

<p>I'm not sure not easy it is to switch from one impacted major to another.</p>

<p>I switched my major from Biochem/Chem to Biochem/Bio with ease, but biology majors were not impacted at the time.</p>

<p>Try asking this question to the Virtual Advising Center <a href="https://a4.ucsd.edu/tritON/HS?shire=https%3A%2F%2Faventeur.ucsd.edu%2FShibboleth.sso%2FSAML%2FPOST&time=1237779585&target=https%3A%2F%2Faventeur.ucsd.edu%2Fstudents%2Fvac&providerId=https%3A%2F%2Fucsd.edu%2Fshibboleth%5B/url%5D"&gt;https://a4.ucsd.edu/tritON/HS?shire=https%3A%2F%2Faventeur.ucsd.edu%2FShibboleth.sso%2FSAML%2FPOST&time=1237779585&target=https%3A%2F%2Faventeur.ucsd.edu%2Fstudents%2Fvac&providerId=https%3A%2F%2Fucsd.edu%2Fshibboleth&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>If that link doesn't work, use Welcome</a> to Warren College Academic Advising and click on Virtual Advising Center under Quick Links in the 2nd left side bar.</p>

<p>You will find cool people and boring people alike. I've met eager-to-enter-sorority/fraternity-people, does-drugs-regularly-people, must-study-a-lot-and-do-other-things-for-med-school-people, social butterflies, hangs-out-in-room-all-day-doing-who-knows-what-people, start-our-own-band-or-love-to-Dj-people, thinks-UCSD-sucks-people, loves-UCSD-people, strong-headed-political-activists etc etc. Then again, if you happen to meet a significiant other in another college, you might end up on the other side of campus all the time. Approach each person as an individual, and try not to label them too early, because they might surprise you. =]</p>

<p>I will say, a lot of so cal first years do tend to go home every 2 weekends or so their first 2 - 3 quarters, so it will be a little quiet on the weekends during campus. But if you have friends who go to UCI, SDSU, UCLA, etc, feel free to visit them over the weekends as well. This is not to say there won't be any awesome people on campus who are willing to do something fun. If none of them come to you, go out and find them. Basically, meet as many people as you can and since first years are all pretty eager to do so, it shouldn't be that hard at all. Meet people through your roommates, activities, clubs, class, etc.</p>

<p>Just 2 weekends ago, I was at a 21st birthday party in my apartment complex off campus, and there was a well-welcomed first year there. I applaud her for getting out there.</p>

<p>I've always kind of thought by spreading the students out into 6 colleges across a large campus sort of lowered the social life, but then again, it's also kind of nice, having a close community for each college.</p>

11

<p>
[quote]
I switched my major from Biochem/Chem to Biochem/Bio with ease, but biology majors were not impacted at the time.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I got into Biochem/Bio but I'm thinking about switching to Biochem/chem. Is there a specific reason why you switched? Or simply because you liked bio more than chem?
Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>Btw, you give great advice.</p>

12

<p>pharmaybe:</p>

<p>I was researching California pharmacy schools my first year, and each school will have some pre-req classes that are different from other schools. When I looked at their prerequisite and course equivalency list, I realized that Biochem/Bio was far more fitting than Biochem/Chem in terms of being able to finish all prereqs in 4 years. You can finish in 4 years with other majors, but I personally felt like Biochem/Bio was the best option. In addition, Biochem/Chem requires Pchem, which I would like to avoid for as long as necessary. =P Lastly, I did not want to be solely a Bio or Chem major. </p>

<p>If you know what you want to do in the future or if you have a few ideas in mind, do your research early. I'm glad I discovered the amazing amount of prereqs for some pharmacy schools ahead of time. You don't have to be set in career so early, but it's good to doing some exploring ahead of time. I actually didn't finalize going to pharmacy school until this quarter.</p>

<p>Thanks. I've actually been sick the past two days and felt like my responses were not as good as they could've been, but thanks a lot! =]</p>

13

<p>obviously, lower division classes will often be large...especially at a such a big university. Do u feel that they were ever too large or that it was hard to access professors due to the size?</p>

14

<p>eav1277:</p>

<p>Actually, not that many students go to office hours in their lower division classes, so it won't be too bad. If you also normally sit in the front of the lecture hall, ask questions during lecture, or talk to the professor before or after class, they will get to know you better. Of course, access to professors also differ with each professor. You can also do research under a professor as I am doing now. There are also Dine with a Prof. events; I've never attended these, but I know people who have.</p>

<p>For the Warren Writing Program, the class size is 14 or 15 students, so that's pretty cozy. =P</p>

15

<p>Actually, I've thought of pharmacy as an option hence my username, but I don't like Public Speaking requirement... I'm horrible at speaking in front of people. Do students have to take that class at a community college? I heard it isn't offered at UCSD. I've also heard about a 7 year Chem BS/Pharm program... what's that about? Also, are the upper-division bio classes just mere memorization?</p>

<p>Sorry for so many questions haha xD.</p>

16

<p>pharmaybe:</p>

<p>I don't like public speaking either, but according to pharmacy students, you get used to it after a lot of practice. The UCSD class for public speaking is TDGE 25, or at least it is for the California pharm schools that I checked out. USC used to require a public speaking class from a community college, but not anymore. =]</p>

<p>Here's more information for the 7 year BS/PharmD program
UCSD</a> | Department of Chemistry&Biochemistry -- Administration</p>

<p>Also check out the UCSD general catalog
UC</a> San Diego General Catalog Web Contents for major requirements. </p>

<p>I feel as if the program is for students who are sure they want to do pharm and want to finish their degree a year early. However, University of the Pacific also offers a 3 year PharmD program, but it does not include summer vacation like regular 4 year programs. You can contact Chem advising for more information.
UCSD</a> | Department of Chemistry&Biochemistry -- Administration</p>

<p>Not al upper-division bio classes are just memorization. Out of the upper div bio classes I've taken, genetics, mammalian physiology I, and cell bio require application of what you've learned. Structural biochem and metabolic biochem seemed more memory based. </p>

<p>By the way, check out UCSD's Pre-Pharmacy Society. I'm in it. =]
[url=<a href="http://prepharm.ucsd.edu/Home.html%5DHome%5B/url"&gt;http://prepharm.ucsd.edu/Home.html]Home[/url&lt;/a&gt;]&lt;/p>

<p>No problem. Ask away.</p>

17

<p>if anyone else has pictures of warren they'd like to share... PLEASE DO!
i can't want until i go down over spring break... and i won't be able to go for admit day.
anyone else as jittery as i am to see what life'll be like this fall?</p>

18

<p>Warren is a very nice-looking college, in my opinion at least. You'll love the school.</p>

19

<p>unochamp:</p>

<p>more photos? im a camera-whore. :D</p>

<p>Took these during orientation:
bathroom in the suite
<a href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122928_2553.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122928_2553.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>bathroom in the suite 2 (one of the two shower stalls)
<a href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122930_4344.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122930_4344.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>bioeng building
<a href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122941_5698.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122941_5698.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>canyon vista dining hall and jk wood lounge
<a href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122943_6532.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122943_6532.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>front entrance to frankfurter (one of the 3 1st year residential dorms)
<a href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122944_6951.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122944_6951.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>warren lawn and one of the grad school res buildings, which are right next to the undergrad res buildings
<a href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122949_9043.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122949_9043.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>side view of stewart hall, the bldg i stayed in my first year
<a href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122950_9461.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v35/199/15/3324326/n3324326_31122950_9461.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>This next bunch was taken one day when I happened to be up at 5:30AM. I didn't feel like sleeping yet, so I went out to take photos of campus.</p>

<p>view of the warren apartments
<a href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599089_3590.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599089_3590.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>one of the warren academic buildings from the back
<a href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599093_4592.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599093_4592.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>not in warren but here's price center
<a href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599101_6553.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599101_6553.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>the bear statue in warren
<a href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599115_8081.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599115_8081.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>more buildings in warren
<a href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599121_8591.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599121_8591.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>warren mall with a view of geisel
<a href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599127_9143.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599127_9143.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>academic buildings to the left. warren res area to the left
<a href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599130_9435.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599130_9435.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>the canyon beside warren. some of the dorms have a view of this canyon
<a href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599133_9730.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599133_9730.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>one of the 3 first year residential dorms
<a href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599136_32.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599136_32.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>canyon vista entrance
<a href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599138_292.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599138_292.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>another view of the canyon from the back of canyon vista
<a href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599141_809.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599141_809.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>one of the many warren rabbits
<a href="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599145_1353.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599145_1353.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>goldberg, one of the warren apartments
<a href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599147_1634.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v262/199/15/3324326/n3324326_38599147_1634.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

20

<p>cali45, i'm currently a warren freshman also majoring in biochem and cell bio :D</p>

<p>i have a few questions. </p>

<p>academics: i'm currently registered for 5 classes next quarter and am planning to drop either one or two of them. i have bipn 100 (french), chem 6c (johnson), chem 6bl (bernoilles), lign 101 (kilpatrick), and anbi 100 (friedlander). there is no way i'm gonna drop chem 6c or bl cuz i wanna take ochem in the fall. currently i have sophomore standing and can possibly graduate in 3 years if i wanted to. so, which class should i drop/ have you had any experience with either bipn 100, lign 101, or anbi 100 or the profs teaching those classes?</p>

<p>also, i have a non-academic question regarding housing for 2nd year students in the apartments. i kinda want to have a single next year but im not sure yet. how hard is it to get a single? also, which apartments do you recommend/ think are the nicest?</p>

<p>also, i've taken a few pictures myself of our suite:
my triple: Login</a> | Facebook
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closets: Login</a> | Facebook
door to our suite: Login</a> | Facebook
the rest of my floor: Login</a> | Facebook
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<p>i hope the pictures are helpful visualizations!</p>