University of San Diego

General Information

Founded: 1949

Control: Private

Setting: Urban

Academic Calendar: 4-1-4

Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic

Overall Experience

It’s hard to imagine a comparable experience to USD. By the end of four years, everyone has done so much growing and changing, and it’s hard to tell how much of it depends on the University, your friends, yourself, and just blind luck. Whatever it is, the majority of USD students love their lives at USD. Sure they complain a little, but when asked about overall satisfaction, students have nothing but superlatives for their school. Many students noticed an adjustment period in the beginning, not just to life on their own, but life in San Diego. The only other common complaint references the size and “cliques” on campus. Things definitely go slower in San Diego, and the surrounding community and its way of life have a lot to do with the University experience. Beach life can become addictive, and for some, it is impossible to leave under
any circumstances.

Spending four years on such a small campus, you also get to know the faculty and staff extremely well. Sometimes it only takes one good class or professor to do it, but somehow USD manages to get a hold of your consciousness, and it feels like it will stay with you for the rest of your life. USD is also an easy place to feel nostalgia towards. The small size is a problem for some, as is the lack of collegiate atmosphere. For most, the laid-back style, the intimacy of campus, the strong bond between classmates, the involvement of professors, and life at the beach is something they find hard to leave behind. Few people look back on their days at USD with regret. In fact, most envy their days gone by.

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