I’ve been having a hard time deciding which college to go to, whether to go to UCSD as a commuter or go to UCLA and live on campus. I originally wanted to stay home, but now I am considering getting out of SD. I was unable to attend both campuses on open house but both locations look great and I know that both colleges are good in terms of education. My major is econ, but I might try to attempt a major change to computer science or another related field.
I live 30 minutes from UCSD, so I can drive over there. I know that I’ll miss out on having a complete social life, but I would like to save money by living home. I have visited the campus once before but I haven’t explored it fully.
Having been accepted to UCLA after, I feel like I might miss out on what it has to offer if I don’t go. I feel like I’ll have a chance to explore myself further since I have lived in SD my entire life. The problem is I’ll be more in debt and will have to take out a hefty amount in loans.
Is the college experience really worth the risk and debt? I do have some career possibilities I’d like to pursue, but I don’t have a definite plan for the future. I want to focus on my education and explore a career that is best for me. This is a really big change in my life and it is hitting me hard right now. I know it seems like I’m ranting, but I just want to di what is best.
Hi @sqt4567 ! I was also accepted to both UCSD and UCLA as business Econ majors and I chose ucla. Four years of living on campus might be more expansive, but definitely worth the experience. YOLO you should take it as an opportunity rather than a factor preventing you from going to UCLA.
If you can’t afford the $13k/yr or so UCLA charges for dorms without debt, the no. it isn’t worth it. My son is a graduating Sr at another college, he says his peers who have debt are ‘freaking out’ about the total, and the payment schedule. $45k+ of debt to have the ‘freshman’ experience is something you’ll regret for many years to come. You could live at home, work, save some $$ as a freshman then get an apt as a sophomore in San Diego
Normally, I would say skip the debt. UCLA is a phenomenal place.
You have to visit UCLA before you make that decision. You have to visit. The difference in campuses, course variety and life are MAJOR.
You can go on a weekend.
Taking on debt is always a scary thing. However, whichever school you chose, i think living on campus for at least one year is a very good thing. I believe that’s a part of the college experience and it often pays dividends later on in life. As to UCSD vs. UCLA, they are both great schools and you can’t go wrong with either one.
What kind of debt are you looking at with each option? Also note that UCs often do have different financial aid for on-campus, off-campus, and with parents.
Another option is to live on campus frosh year at UCSD, but consider moving back home for later years if budget needs require that. (Remember, living at and commuting from parents’ house costs more than $0, but usually substantially less than living on campus or nearby off campus on your own.)
According to UCLA’s cost of living calculator, after factoring in my FAFSA, scholarships, and option for work study, I’d have to take $7K out in loans. With UCSD, I would essentially have a full ride. Their calculations advise me to take $5K out, but I doubt that I’ll need to do that if I’m commuting.
UCLA’s Bruin Day for transfer students is 5/13. It’s similar to the freshman Bruin Day with campus and housing tours etc. Visit!
ETA sorry, I guess you’ll have to SIR before then. Drive over today!