To anyone concerned about the "social life" at UCSD...[From the eyes of a Freshman]

<p>I posted this as a reply on a UCSB vs. UCSD thread. Whether this directly addresses your concerns or not, I'm sure anyone at least CONSIDERING UCSD can get something useful form this spiel, so enjoy:</p>

<p>I was in the same position a few months ago as the OP (even though this thread is 2-4 years old, lol), and I'm currently at UCSD. My mom really wanted me to consider UCSB since she thought my more-outgoing personality would fit right in (in conjunction with the fact that she herself had grown up in Santa Barbara). Since my grandparents live in SB, I figured I would fall in love with its campus, but when I visited to take a tour, I simply was not impressed. The feel of the campus is certainly laid-back, and the first buildings you see upon arriving are definitely pretty renowned-looking (I think it's the engineering buildings), but as you progress further and further onto campus, things get grungier and grungier. IV reminded me of old town Redondo Beach -- shoddy housing, perfect for a college student atmosphere but just not the right environment I was excited about. I walked around and took a tour of the main campus and the older facade of the buildings and interior just didn't click with me. If you want a laid-back, bike-friendly, socially-enriching college (for any of you who happen to read this), this would definitely be the place for you.</p>

<p>That being said, I chose UCSD as I already mentioned, and it has doubtlessly been one of the best decisions of my life. Many say it's socially-dead, but what does that really constitute? No parties? I have been to at least 6 parties so far (keg stands, multiple beer pong games going on simultaneously, etc.), and it's only been second quarter, not to mention there have been numerous kickbacks my suitemates and I have organized. Not to mention, like any other college, nearly ALL the intramural sports teams, on-campus clubs (newspaper staffs, board clubs, etc.) throw regular parties - one of my suitemates is on the UCSD Ultimate Frisbee team and he goes to parties every other weekend - ULTIMATE FRISBEE--who the hell would have thought? As sociable as my mom thought I was, I was NEVER a party-goer in high school-I had gone to at most, 2-3 parties my entire four years and those 2-3 all occurred during senior year (unsurprisingly, eh?), and yet, I'm having a solid time going to parties (which ARE accessible--most frats, especially during rush period give rides to frat houses that don't disappoint). Some frat houses are shady, but I've definitely been to the more La Jolla-representative ones- Living in a generally wealthy community has its benefits.</p>

<p>Like with any college you go to, YOU, yourself, are going to have to put in some effort to meet the "right" group of people, whether you are into partying or not (I have plenty of friends who fit the latter characterization). People on here who are asking about the party scene of schools seem to automatically think that they are party-worthy bros. Yes, we do not have a frat row (one of the MAIN disadvantages I would say), but if you want to have a good time you will have one here regardless.</p>

<p>Campus-wise, I would say SD would be a 7/10 and this is coming from a guy who didn't appreciate its campus at first. There is an amalgamation of architecture, but overall, I think we do pretty well -- BTW, I think Geisel (that weirdass structure we're apparently "famous" for), is one of the ugliest structures on campus so I'm with whoever claimed it first. Additionally, we have amazing weather- I would probably rate it a notch higher than SB simply because SB is more north and absolutely NOTHING beats our beaches -- Blacks and La Jolla Shores (also within walking distance). And I come from a coastal community very similar to La Jolla, and can truthfully say the beaches here are insanely nice (our surfing team I believe is still ranked #1 in the nation). The transportation bus services are pretty consistent, not to mention you can take the MTS pretty much anywhere you want to as long as you have your student id with you (free charge, of course). Sure we don't really have a typical college town, but there are definitely shopping areas, restaurants, and hairdressers within walking distance. Not to mention downtown La Jolla is a bus ride away and downtown SD itself is an option (although I wouldn't recommend going on weekends-it can take up to an hour with all the stops, so go on weekdays because they offer a no-stop route)</p>

<p>With all respect to SB (I practically grew up here since my grandparents lived there) and UCSB as a school, I just don't think people should rule out UCSD as a "socially-dead" school. Meet people, make friends, lose some, and solidify existing friendships, and you will have the best time of your life. I certainly am, and it's only been (almost) 2 quarters .</p>

<p>**BTW, if you want a good look at UCSD, take a look at this photo album:</p>

<p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/UCSD.GSW%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://picasaweb.google.com/UCSD.GSW&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>courtesy of SDTriton and the thread, found here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-san-diego/475176-ucsd-pictures-6.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-san-diego/475176-ucsd-pictures-6.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I really love this post! Thanks for taking the time to do this.</p>

<p>I just want to add that it is possible to party more than 6 times in two quarters. haha. If you join the greek system you can/will party at least 2-3 days per week. There are different degrees of “social-ness” at UCSD which is really cool. You can be as social or as antisocial as you want and there is a really good middle ground.</p>

<p>Excellent post, thank you!</p>

<p>Out of curiousity, what major are you taking?</p>

<p>what’s up with all this “triton eye” that I hear you get from going here? lol</p>

<p>What is the greek system?</p>

<p>I love this post and those pictures!
Recently (yesterday to be exact), I went to go visit the campus with my class. It was pretty dead when we arrived, because it was spring break. Most of my peers are party-goers and were definitely not impressed. They kept sarcastically asking me if I enjoyed the tour, because they knew that I was most likely going to commit to SD. When we went to Cal State SD, so many of them wanted to apply/regretted not applying because it looked social. I pretty much already have Triton pride, so I’m really glad to see we’ve got it going on. B)</p>

<p>@xpolly: Greek system = the compilation of all the fraternities and sororities on campus. </p>

<p>[UCSD</a> IFC](<a href=“http://www.ifcucsd.org/]UCSD”>http://www.ifcucsd.org/)
<a href=“http://www.panhellenicucsd.org/[/url]”>www.panhellenicucsd.org/</a>
[MultiCultural</a> Greek Council (UCSD MGC!!!) | Facebook](<a href=“Facebook Public Group | Facebook”>Facebook Public Group | Facebook)</p>

<p>@Objection - pretty much everyone is home for spring break so yeah, campus is definitely dead haha. Don’t worry it’s not like that all year.</p>

<p>Yea, I gave it that consideration.
My classmates just weren’t as nice. :
I look forward to admit day though. Can you give me the basic gist of sororities/fraternities? Its not all about parties, right? Not that I don’t mind, but my brother graduated from SB and went to a ton of parties without joining a fraternity. He thinks I’m not suited for greek life because of his experience, but I’m pretty sure SD and SB greek life is pretty different.</p>

<p>^I’m messaging you! :)</p>

<p>For UCSB, joining a frat to party is COMPLETELY unnecessary. In fact, most of the best parties are completely non frat related.</p>

<p>Also, stickied at the top of the UCSD CC subforum is a link to astrina’s UCSD picasa albums. They’re very representative of the school & really interesting to look at! (Brings back a lot of good memories for me)</p>

<p>Sure thing, I didn’t think many people would find this thread that helpful but apparently it’s easing some doubts so I’m pleasantly surprised.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that parties are definitely a little bit harder to come across since we do not have a frat row–you ARE going to have to make a little extra effort to go to the shuttle spots (unless you are bringing a car down). Not to mention you WILL have to find the right people to hang out with – Luckily for me, I ended up in a building with a great group of guys who like to both go to parties and kick it at the dorm and relax (with the occasional drinking of course). </p>

<p>Any questions at all, feel free to post them here and I’m sure other UCSD-goers will be glad to answer them; I’m still a freshman and I’m learning new things as well.</p>

<p>Wow this thread is great! Its nice to hear UCSD described as something other than “socially dead.” I got accepted as a Human bio major at Marshall. Does anyone know any details about marshall, like pros/cons in regards to both academic and socail life?</p>

<p>Wow nice, I consider myself a Frat type of guy - or at least I was for a while - and my father is encouraging me to chose SD over USC and UT Austin because of distance and financial reasons. So far everything I have read about SD has been depressing but this is an uplifter. How do you think Warren is socially if I am majoring in Engineering?</p>

<p>^You’ll be fine, definitely join a frat!</p>

<p>Will do, Thanks!</p>

<p>Do what you want, learn from your mistakes, and move on.</p>

<p>I think there are three. Can someone give me a gist of the Asian fraternities on campus?</p>

<p>My suite mates are in psi chi omega </p>

<p>I’ve partied with them before, they are chill people</p>

<p>Apparently one of the other “asian” fraternities is currently suspended due to hazing</p>

<p>I wouldn’t be surprised if all the asian frats hazed…but the two suitemates who joined psi chi seem to absolutely love it, so try your luck.</p>