University of California - San DiegoNightlife Summary

Written by Juan Ramirez

Juan Ramirez

Hometown

El Monte, Calif.

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UCSD is not known as a party school, and there are very few on-campus parties, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. It’s a little harder to find fun things to do when you’re under 21. Most people recommend checking out Tijuana (TJ), especially Club Safari, but just remember to be careful in Mexico, and always bring a passport and be cautious. Some people hate going clubbing in TJ, but for most it’s a great time. Wednesday nights, which are college nights, and the weekends are both popular times to head down to Mexico. There are still a lot of fun things to do if you aren’t 21 and choose to stay north of the border. There are usually frat or house parties every weekend, along with a couple of 18-and-up clubs around San Diego. Another great option is going to a comedy club, hooka bar, or sporting event.

Once students hit 21, they tend to go off to the local bars, which are busy Thursday through Sunday nights. Pacific Beach is a popular place for all college kids in San Diego. Most of the places are primarily bars with smaller dance floors in case you want to get out and shake some booty. The nicer clubs are in the Gas Lamp District, downtown. The nightlife directly around campus is slim to none, but all these places are worth the short commute—but only with a designated driver.