UC Davis vs UC San Diego (Muir College) for Computer Science

State Forums
1

Hi,
I got accepted into both school for Computer Science and still on my decision process. UC Davis is much closer to my relative’s house in the US (I’m an international student currently finishing my A-levels degree in Vietnam), but UC San Diego’s ranking is higher. Can you tell me the positives and negatives of each school (job opportunity, the people, program structure, stress level, environment) and is it worth moving far away from home to study at UC San Diego.
Many thanks,

2

UCSD CS is better.

I don’t know if you are allowed to work part time or not. If you are allowed then you can easily find jobs or intership near UCSD. There are not many companies near UC Davis.

You can go to your relatives in Davis during breaks. It’s about 1 hour flight. You won’t have time to visit them frequently if you go to UC Davis. Besides, it could be a distraction.

3

My parents lives in San Diego. UCSD have very strong program in anything Engineering. go to UCSD. you will find better jobs, also San Diego is nicer than UCD

4

As an international student, you have to consider the schools for their educational value. Yes, UCSD might be stronger, but that depends on who is ranking it.

In addition,
UCSD has limited transportation, so you will need a car if you plan to go anywhere off campus. Public transportation is awful.
UCD, within town, is a biking community; there are 40,000 bikes on campus, but the train station is a 10 minute walk from campus and takes you into Sacramento or Berkeley and San Francisco.
UCD is just north of Silicon Valley, maybe an hour commute by car to San Jose. All of the big companies are in Silicon Valley and the bay area.

As far as job prospects: If you are a non-citizen, you have to assume that you will be returning to your country after graduation, unless your relatives will be sponsoring you for permanent residency.

The US immigration laws are strict. The employers have to state that there are no US applicants available for open positions in CS; they also have to pay sponsorship fees and have a 6 month? waiting period for the government to consider a visa. Most of the time, it doesn’t happen and you won’t be employable unless your family sponsors you. Your family would have to begin the process as soon as you arrive and I dont think.