So I got accepted to UCI and SDSU. I am required to live on campus for SDSU, and I can live on campus UCI or commute (approx. 1 hour away) I don’t know which university to choose! Help? I have to make the decision by May 1st. My major for SDSU is Mechanical Engineering Bioengineering and for UCI is Biomedical Engineering. I wanna go to SDSU because I like it there and its cheaper when compared to UCI if I were to live on campus, but then UCI will be cheaper if I commute (or would it?). What are the pros and cons? Anyone has any suggestions? and vote which uni and why please! thanks!
@WinnieH: Both are very good schools, but I think commuting in traffic while trying to maintain a good GPA in a very demanding major may takes its toll for UCI. Are you eligible for Cal Grants and other FA? UCI may turn out to be cheaper in the long run than SDSU if you can get a decent amount of FA. Also living on either campus is important to make connections with professors and other students. As a commuter, you would miss out on alot.
School fit is also important since you will be attending for 4 years.
My younger son attends SDSU and loves the school, finds the academics very challenging for CS, enjoys the social scene and of course the great Basketball team. It is a tough choice and only you can make it. I do not think you could go wrong with either school.
If you can afford it, living on campus (at either school) is a once in a lifetime experience.
What if I live off campus like find room/apartment to rent that is close to UCI? @Gumbymom
Off campus room/apartment would be a good option, but if you are receiving FA, the amount will be lower since off-campus costs would be considered lower. As a Freshman, I think it is important to be on-campus and get full Freshman year experience along with a chance to meet people and interact. Figure in the cost of parking which is high at UCI plus the issue of finding parking in the first place. If possible, live on-campus the first year…
the UCI’s My Aid hasn’t posted anything about my FA yet, is it because I have to submit the SIR stating im going to attend UCI then I will received how much aid I will get on My Aid? right now it just say that they have receive my fafsa on time and nothing else… @Gumbymom
Then you will have to wait to see if UCI is affordable. Have you used the Net Price calculator and your FASFA info to get a rough estimate of your Cost of Attendance? https://www.ofas.uci.edu/content/Calculator.aspx?nav=17