Hi! So like many other threads I’m having some issues deciding between UCSB and UCSD.
A little about me that might help: I want to become a doctor specializing in the back (who knows though). I practice yoga and am healthy conscious. I love the outdoors and adventure, but currently live near a city, so I like the hustle-bustle too at times. I don’t drink or smoke. I am very laid back and like my “me time”. I’m totally okay with just staying in on the weekends and going to bed super early. However, I do love catching up with my friends during the day doing something active, like hiking and exploring. I want to learn how to surf. I am Christian. I also want to study abroad, do internships, undergrad research, join clubs…all that fun stuff
I don’t like UCSB because of all the partying, it just almost didn’t feel right to me, and I hated how it was surrounded by nothing…kinda trapped by the mountains on one side and then nothing surrounding it. However, I did love all the outdoor adventure, the beach, the professors, the classes, the food. The people seemed cool too, maybe a bit much for me.
I like UCSD because it is less of a party school, the location (city nearby), and it has physiology and neuroscience. The sciences seem big at UCSD and a really good reputation so it’d be super to study physiology and neuroscience there. The cons… well I am a little weary of attending there, because I am a super outgoing, adventurous, fun, and laidback person. I don’t want to have nothing to do or feel like I’m surrounded by high-achieving, but not fun/adventurous people.
@swimmer123456 It sounds like you’re leaning strongly towards SD. Is anything holding you back?
@groverrohan the campus doesn’t seem as nice and the people don’t seem as outgoing and adventurous…
Every campus, especially at big schools, are going to have a mix of personality types. Some people will be outgoing, some people will be outdoorsy, some people will be adventurous, some will be all of the above, and some people will be none of the above. If you seek out those kinds of opportunities and people, then you’ll find them. If you go in assuming that people won’t be outgoing and adventurous, then it’ll be harder to find.
For what it’s worth, I knew many people who were outgoing and outdoorsy, who regularly did a range of activities (hiking, kayaking, surfing, snowboarding/skiing, rock climbing, camping, biking/mountain biking, skateboarding/longboarding, running/marathons/etc; and some people who did all of the above), and I was someone who didn’t seek those types of people out at all. I just met them all the time or found that all out after we became friends. There will be people like that wherever you go, and if you actively participate in those activities, you will find more and more of those types of people. But you should go to a school where you feel comfortable in the school’s environment.
Agreed with the above^ also, I mentioned in another thread (I think in response to your question lol) some of the many different opportunities there are for adventures and exploration. Also everyone living in La Jolla is fit as hell, lots of joggers and yoga.
In terms of campus, I’m just gonna put it out there that I think the La Jolla area is way prettier than Isla Vista, and I love UCSD’s campus (even though Muir and Marshall are kind of ugly).
You’re right that as a whole, people at UCSB are gonna be more outgoing (no one ever heard of a party school full of introverts), but that doesn’t mean people aren’t at SD! I definitely don’t buy the “socially dead” stereotype; everyone really wants to meet people, make friends and have fun. You’re really only gonna be miserable if you try to be miserable. Good luck with your decision!
ps since you’re pre-med, it might help your decision to know that UCSD has a medical school and seven exclusive teaching hospitals four of which are walking distance from campus