University of California - San Diego - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

La Jolla is a ritzy, stuffy community filled with rich, retired old people. However, this does not stop UCSD students from enjoying the beautiful place where they live. With the beach just walking distance from campus and sunny skies and water sports everywhere, it is hard not to enjoy living in San Diego. There are many exciting things to do away from the beach, as well. You can visit the Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park, Mission Bay, Mexico, watch sporting events, or run in the Rock and Roll marathon. La Jolla is a beautiful and safe place to live—it’s just not like the college town students may have pictured when they planned to go away to school.

UCSD students are generally happy with the activities and environment San Diego has to offer. With such a laid-back atmosphere, everyone can find some place they fit in. A popular place with many students is Pacific Beach, more commonly known as PB, where you can find a more independent environment than La Jolla. PB is known for its fun little stores, great Mexican food, and huge bar scene. Also popular is the Gas Lamp District, located downtown. The Gas Lamp District has the feel of an urban city, and there are constantly concerts or events to attend. For an Animal House-esque college scene, UCSD students head over to San Diego State. Overall, there is no excuse for sitting at home and being bored in San Diego.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

La Jolla is not a college town.... La Jolla is not a college town. The beach is close, so that’s nice, but most of the fun stuff to do is kind of far. San Diego is great—there are tons of different things to do. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Watch out for Tijuana. Make sure... Watch out for Tijuana. Make sure you have your driver’s license and don’t do anything against their rules. I have friends that got stuck at the border because they didn’t have green cards with them or they misbehaved in some way. Go in large groups to Tijuana. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The University is like its own... The University is like its own town because La Jolla is full of rich old people. It kind of sucks, but Pacific Beach and University City are both full of college kids. Definitely check them out. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

San Diego is a big metro city with... San Diego is a big metro city with lots of beaches and water sports. There are a lot of other attractions to keep you busy when you aren’t busy with school. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

San Diego has lots of fun tourist... San Diego has lots of fun tourist destinations like the Zoo and Sea World, Balboa Park, and downtown San Diego. Almost everyone, at least during freshman year, ends up going clubbing in Tijuana, Mexico. Tijuana, or more commonly known as TJ, can be a little scary at times, but once you are in the club, it’s a guaranteed good time. There are also lots of other things to do in Mexico. The have some good surfing and cheap lobster in Rosarito, which is just a little farther south than TJ, but a whole lot nicer. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about San Diego:
• The 2002 Superbowl (XXXVII) was held in San Diego. (The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Oakland Raiders.)
• Parts of Black’s Beach are nude beaches.
• Sports Illustrated has named UCSD the best school for surfing.
• Terry Allen’s “Trees,” also known as the “Talking Trees,” are three lead-skinned sculptures disguised as trees in the Eucalyptus Forest which regularly broadcast poetry, stories, and songs.
• Every year, Comi-con is held in San Diego, where you can meet actors and comic book authors.
• There are haunted houses in Old Town San Diego.

Famous People Living in San Diego:
San Diego has created a lot of famous surfers along with a few actors and musicians. Jack Johnson, Annette Benning, and James Avery are from San Diego.

Local Slang:
Anything beachy or typical Southern CA: dude, like, and cool. If you’re from Northern CA, do not say “hella,” and remember you need to put “the” in front of freeways (i.e. “I took the 5 south.”) This is always a big debate between Northern and Southern Californians at UCSD.

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