<p>Ok so I'm trying to decide between UCSB and UCSD. I'm leaning toward SB right now because I've heard from many people that SD is a boring place. So I have a few questions about that to help with my decision:</p>
<p>1) Are there parties often at SD?</p>
<p>2) Is the social scene bad? </p>
<p>3) What is the greek system like? And how much do you have to pay for it?</p>
<p>4) How are the girls like? =D</p>
<p>By Robbins01: </p>
<p>To anyone concerned about the “social life” at UCSD…[From the eyes of a Freshman]
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>[Picasa</a> Web Albums - Anon](<a href=“http://picasaweb.google.com/UCSD.GSW]Picasa”>http://picasaweb.google.com/UCSD.GSW)</p>
<p>courtesy of SDTriton and the thread, found here: UCSD in Pictures
Last edited by robbins01; Today at 02:31 PM.</p>
<p>1) Are there parties often at SD?
Not on campus. If you join the Greek system, you can/will party 2-3 times a week or more. The board club parties too, and a lot of the athletic teams. If you don’t join a club or the greek system - the parties will not flow freely for you.</p>
<p>2) Is the social scene bad?
It’s not UCSB’s social scene, that’s for sure! I mentioned on another thread that there are different levels of “social-ness”. You can party as much or as little as you want, there is a very nice range. During the later weeks of the quarter, closer to finals, there are very few people partying. Oh and after you turn 21 - the PB bar scene is amazing. </p>
<p>3) What is the greek system like? And how much do you have to pay for it?
Greek system is amazing! So much fun, you meet so many people. I can’t really imagine life at UCSD without it. Most sororities and fraternities charge around $300 per quarter, which is incredibly cheap compared to other schools! We also don’t have a greek row so that sucks. But it’s not that big of a deal since there is a multitude of off-campus condos/houses to party at.</p>
<p>not another, " are ucsd girls ugly " q! haha. there will be plenty of hot chicks there, dont worry. agreed with everything above</p>
<p>ok cool thanks guys. Does financial aid cover the price of fraternities or does that have to come out of my own pocket?</p>
<p>^No, that comes out of your own pocket.</p>
<p>damn…that’s a lot. Thanks for the info</p>
<p>At USC, frats and sororities cost like $3000 a semester. It really is nothing, comparatively!</p>
<p>Oh well then that is cheap but I don’t think I’d be able to pay that much either every quarter haha</p>
<p>when people talk about social scene…do they always mean parties? or people’s level of fun in general?</p>
<p>for someone who doesn’t party that would be a good thing if there’s more people who can have fun without a “party”</p>
<p>(and yes I did read that there are parties…just not known for them…)</p>
<p>Not all UCSD girls are ugly. There are definitely less 10’s than at SB, but these ones aren’t complete idiots like UCSB girls (which you might like, because god are stupid chicks fun). If you want, you can still **** up a storm here without having to deal with uggos. Especially if you try to own a sorority, you’ll have a great time here. As long as you’re outgoing and get into some clubs that have parties (board and surf club) or a frat, you’ll be able to party when you want. The only difference between SD and SB is that SD has overall smarter students and more anti-socials that hang around this site instead of ■■■■■■■■ for strange, while SB has a bunch of idiots with libidos that would make the SD students on this website melt. The Triton Eye doesn’t exist, it’s just that some ugly kids have ridiculously high standards. Word of advice (that Triton Eye believers don’t know), stay in your level of attractiveness. If you’re a 4, don’t hit on a 10 and expect a positive response. If you’re not that attractive, you’ll get more at SD because it’s easier to find unattractive people at SD than SB, which is just ***<em>ing ridiculous. Even if you’re good looking, but-her-faces and 5-7’s are very easy to *cough</em> get to know <em>cough</em> compared to the high maintenance bleached blondes you find in the 8-10 range. It all feels the same in the dark anyways, so SD is not the friendless sexless prison it’s made out to be by these nerds.</p>
<p>Personally, if you plan on going to graduate school, take SD, because it’s actually respected, but if you don’t plan on going past undergrad, go to SB. It’s not a college with parties, it’s a giant party that offers classes. If you’re the type that can get into the 8-10’s, you will definitely land more hotties and much more easily (I’m talking instant) than at SD. Also, SB students are idiots. If you’re an intelligence snob, you’ll be very unhappy there. The big deal that will make or break you in college is your attitude. That’s why so many nerds here talk about the lack of social environment at SD. It’s not because SD sucks, it’s because they suck. If you’re outgoing, you’ll thrive everywhere, and if you’re attractive you’ll nail everything, but if you’re neither, SB is going to be just as miserable of an experience as SD. Just honestly rate your outgoingness and attractiveness. The latter will help you more at SB and the former will help you more at SD. If you have both, you can go anywhere and have a good time.</p>
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<p>@Scott7
Look, this may be a pro-UCSD forum, but trash-talking anyone isn’t really our goal here. </p>
<p>And seeing as you’re an incoming freshman, I have absolutely no idea where you’re getting the idea that your opinions are the truth. Because they’re not. You can go to any UC and go anywhere from there. I’m in a well-respected graduate program at an Ivy, and have classmates from UCSD, UCI, UCSC, and little liberal arts colleges from the midwest. Your college choice says nothing about your intelligence, but the way you’re acting is putting plenty of thoughts into our heads.</p>
<p>Plus, you actually really liked UCSB at one point:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/822073-chance-me.html#post1063632807[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/822073-chance-me.html#post1063632807</a></p>
<p>Did a rejection from UCSB change your mind?</p>
<p>SB accepted me, actually. I liked it until I found out how much it sucked. Hearing actual people’s opinions about SD and SB changed my mind about which school was better.</p>
<p>…incoming freshman huh?..</p>
<p>I got worried for a second about the kind of people I’m gonna meet in a couple months -_-. But then I remembered that there are thousands of incoming freshmans…phew!..</p>
<p>Yikes Scott7 your opinions on SB are quite harsh</p>
<p>I have to agree with 101921…</p>
<p>The way you guys speak about the female community at UCSD is both degrading and repulsive. But then again, the lack of maturity in some of the incoming freshmen does not surprise me.</p>
<p>Do people regard college freshmen like high schoolers view their freshmen? Just wondering.</p>
<p>^Hahahaha, what do you mean exactly? What are you used to?</p>
<p>@JeSuis</p>
<p>Not at all.</p>