University of San Diego literally stands out from the rest of the community because it is located on top of a hill that overlooks Missions Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Simply put, USD is gorgeous. It's not uncommon to find visitors coming to campus just to take a scenic stroll. Students can often forget that they are on a college campus, rather than an elite country club. The lawns are always freshly manicured and green, the flowers never seem to die, and the palm trees give the campus a beach vibe. On a warm weekend, USD seems more like a vacation spot. There are two pools that are a perfect way to cool down between classes, but one of the complaints is that there are no Jacuzzis—this just shows the high standards of most USD students.
The first thing you notice about the USD campus is the beautiful Spanish Renaissance architectural style, which gives each building a bit of character on an otherwise quiet campus. During the week, there are always events held in either the dorms or the new Student Life Pavilion. Another new addition to campus is Frank's Lounge, where people can meet up and play pool, watch TV or movies on big screens, or play board games. On the weekends, however, campus life can seem a little dead, especially during the day because most people are usually at the beach, shopping, catching up on work, or working out. But, overall, for a small school, USD offers quality facilities and a beautiful environment. Many students might even consider it an academic version of a four-year vacation.