UCSD vs UCI

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>Trying to decide between the two schools. Can anyone offer any information regarding the social atmosphere at either UCSD or UCI? I'm from norcal so I don't know how accurate an indicator my one visit to either school will be. It's unlikely i'll often be able to visit home once I transfer so I wanna make sure I'm going somewhere where I can enjoy my time when not focusing on school. Also I plan to live on campus for my first year.</p>

<p>In addition, does anyone know anything about the resources or internship/employment opportunities that the cities of Irvine and San Diego have to offer? I'm interested in a career in health and I want to start gaining experience in the field as soon as possible. </p>

<p>Any feedback helps! Tell me about the vibe you get while on the campus. Does it feel welcoming? are the people outgoing or reserved? Does it seem like a campus that has much to offer beyond academics? etc etc.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

2

<p>UCSD largely has the feel of a commuter school. After frosh year most kids live in the greater SD area, often in Mission beach or Pacific beach. Both schools are in major urban areas so there is no dearth of health experience opportunities. </p>

3

<p>As a current student of UCSD, I could tell you that I really enjoy the great San Diego area. There are a lot of really awesome things to do here.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, you don’t feel a “real” university vibe at this schools (unlike UCLA) but it’s still a nice campus. It all really comes down to which campus you see yourself at, but I’ll tell you about some things regarding UCSD and the San Diego area.</p>

<p>Academics: UCSD is a lot more competitive than UCI. Honestly, I was quite surprised at how competitive the other students are but that just means you need to work just as hard. </p>

<p>Vibe: as I said before, i wished it had more of a “university” vibe to it. When I think university, I imagine a campus like Harvard, UCLA or Berkeley; however, UCSD is very modern. Whether or not it feels welcoming all depends on you. When I first got here, it was a little scary but if you join different organizations, you’ll have a lot of fun. The students are actually very welcoming. Just remember that college is what you make of it.</p>

<p>Living on campus: You would be living at the Village (transfer housing) which is at the corner of the school. It’s very convenient to live on campus and at the village, you have the bistro (UCSD’s high end dining spot) and market.</p>

<p>Employment opportunities: From what I know, there are a few health clinics you can volunteer at to get a hands on feel of the job and see what it’s like in the field. Both of my roommates are currently volunteering at a health clinic. UCSD is known for their health and science so I think studying here can help pave a path for you in the health field.</p>

<p>Leisure time: Campus is literally a couple minutes from the beach. You could walk or take the school shuttle which takes you right down to the shores. Surfing, swimming, or even bonfire. We have fire pits right on the beach. You could also go kayaking or go sailing. We also have many hike trails, the most famous one is potato chip rock. UTC Mall and the movie theatres are also within a few miles and you could take the bus there within a few minutes. We also have a lot of great restaurants in the area. Like Clubbing? Pacific Beach aka PB, Gaslamp. There are many other places and activities to do here in SD.</p>

<p>Sorry for the choppiness of my post but I hope it helps you.</p>

4

<p>UCI vs UCSD is a common tug-of-war for most. I applied to both, got into both, but also applied to UCLA and got admitted. I somewhat knew UCLA would accept me, but I still planned where would I go between UCI vs UCSD just in case…</p>

<p>UCI is in nice quiet Irvine. They have a beautiful mall there, and life is quite mellow, your typical OC feel. It is right between LA and San Diego. Can make a trip to either or on the weekends, if that is what you want. Campus life, from what i have been told, is nothing great, but if you are from the OC or a small town, then you won’t really feel the difference. A friend of mine went to UCI who has grown up all his life in LA, basically would come home on the weekends to party, because he just didn’t really like campus life there. </p>

<p>UCSD- Has the stigma and the moniker of University of(the) Socially Dead. I don’t know, I have visited UCSD before, and thought it was beautiful. Located in beautiful La Jolla, but it did seem a bit quiet. I can not vouch for anything about UCSD but for the stigma and moniker, as the saying goes, if there is smoke, there is fire. The poser above, who is a UCSD did a good job filling you in. </p>

<p>It all depends, what you may like. I’d say, visit both school’s and see what you like. Do not do a virtual tower or anything like that, go and get a feel for the school. Best of luck! </p>

<p>Just to add… If you care about sports, especially basketball, UCSD is a DII school, meaning, no March Madness. </p>