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Inside Scoop

Quick Stats

School Slang
  • Cardiff By LA: Cardiff by the Sea, as in, it is almost as far as LA (it’s not).
  • The Comber: The Beachcomber bar
  • Del Far: Del Mar, as in, it is far away.
  • Fat Pad: Jenny Craig Pavilion
  • The Fox: The Silver Fox, a local bar
  • Hahn, Hahn’s, Hahnny’s: Hahn University Center. It’s always a race to see who will be the first to make the “Going to the Hahn solo?” joke.
  • The Knolls: Santa Anita Mission Apartments
  • Mission: Mission Beach
  • The Palms: Palm trees near Camino/Founders
  • PB, OB, IB: Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, respectively
  • P-Safe: Public Safety
  • Sea of Red: The Beachcomber
  • Solana Reach: Solana Beach, again playing on its distance from campus.
  • The UC: Hahn University Center
  • University of Spoiled Daughters: Hey, the school is two-thirds women . . .
  • The Valley: Mission Housing Complex
  • Virgin Vault: Camino/Founders halls
Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming To School
  • At least one trip to office hours before tests is basically mandatory.
  • Attendance is mandatory in many classes, and attending every class is harder than you think.
  • It is not a major party school.
  • No one remembers if you miss orientation week events.
  • Rush week is too fun to miss, even if you aren’t going to "go Greek."
  • School spirit is not that great.
  • Students are required to take three theology/religious studies classes.
  • Traffic is really terrible here.
  • USD is more strict than other universities.
  • USD is not a Jesuit school, but it does take its Catholic tradition seriously. Many students attend Mass regularly.
Tips to Succeed
  • Become an e-mail addict.
  • Bring graded papers and tests to office hours and dispute bad grades.
  • Don’t worry about your roommates' (or rival’s) income bracket.
  • Get in the habit of going to class. It’s hard to make up lost points.
  • Get involved in clubs that interest you. It's the best way to meet people that you will really get along with.
  • Go to each professor’s office hours at least once before midterms. It seems hard at first, but it is always worth it.
  • Make friends with the locals, as well as students from other universities.
  • Stay relaxed. USD and San Diego are more mellow than most places in the United States.
  • Take advantage of the beach. Learn to surf. Play intramural sports.
  • Try to be as immune as possible to gossip.
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San Diego Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Inside Scoop at University of San Diego

mpnowell

'15

Communications

3.8
B+

It's San Diego

USD is an amazing school, especially for its small class sizes, close-knit community, and scenery. The lack in school spirit and the lack of party scenes on campus make going out at night a bit challenging. Despite that, I love the people here and the community I am a part of.

Jan 27, 2012

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Inside Scoop at University of San Diego

nguyentb

'14

Psychology

4.2
A-

Beautiful

I have to give it to our campus. There are places that lack in spirit and enthusiasm, but man is it gorgeous! We definitely take pride in the beauty and attention it brings to our campus. Not only does the campus please the eyes, the atmosphere is just one that invites you to be part of the San Diego lifestyle by opening up opportunities for you to explore the city around us. We take our beauty in San Diego and even share it abroad through our ranked abroad programs that each student is greatly offered to take as well.

Jan 21, 2012

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Inside Scoop at University of San Diego

gsghiahughes

'15

Biology

4.6
A

Research

I really appreciate the prevalence of undergrad research. that kind of opportunity is a real positive. LOCATION is PERFECT.

Jan 20, 2012

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Page 1 of 6

Facts

Traditions
  • Catholic Tradition: USD is a Catholic school, but there is no religious recruiting strategy that many students envision when they consider applying or first arrive. As University literature states, “Because early academics believed that God is truth, they had no fear in consulting all sources including Islamic and Jewish scholars in their search for truth. They believed the learning experience was enriched through diversity. More than single-faith based policy; USD’s tradition is more one of free inquiry rooted in serving others and developing a faith community. Acting on Catholic teaching and philosophy is the major goal of University administration.”
  • The Colachis Plaza Echo: Colachis Plaza has a famous spot where you can stand and hear a powerful echo. Stand by the plaque on the west side of the plaza and face across the plaza. When you yell, you can carry on a great, although repetitive, conversation with yourself.
  • Father Serra Foot Massage for Luck: Didn’t study for that economics final? Totally clueless about the difference between Fitzgerald and Faulkner? Rub the toes of the statue in front of Serra Hall, and all will become clear.
  • Harbor Cruises: You will probably experience a harbor cruise on the San Diego ay. It's usually a formal or semi-formal event for a club, sorority, or frat.
  • Homecoming: Homecoming is an important event for all Toreros, past and present. USD hosts an impressive tailgate party before the football game, as well as a rather competitive alumni golf tournament that students often attempt to crash.
  • Midnight Scream: At the stroke of midnight during finals week, everyone takes a deep breath and screams.
  • Miracle on Marian Way: This Christmas festival involves cookies, teddy bears, and Santa.
  • Over the Line: While it isn’t a USD event, Over the Line is enormously popular with students on campus. Each spring, teams from all over San Diego compete to see who can hit softballs the farthest. Minimal running and maximum beer intake are usually involved.
  • O-Week: Orientation Week is a nice way for the University to welcome all of the tired, huddled freshman masses to school. O-Week is an enormously good time when students gather for a festive free-for-all.
  • Peaman Biathlon: Participants in this spring event complete 25 laps in the pool and a three-mile run. Students often form relay teams to make the workload more realistic, and there is often a raffle and a party afterwards.
  • Philanthropy Week: Sororities compete to raise money for local charities. Events include the entertaining Watermelon Bash March, involving melon carving and decorative watermelon car parades.
  • Voyage to the Top of the Immaculata: You’ll either have to be some sort of cat burglar or have a slick rap with the security guards, but a visit to the top of the chapel is a must for any USD student worth their salt. Not to be done while the bells are ringing.
Urban Legends
  • Some say that Founders Hall is secretly trying to brainwash and recruit new nuns.
  • There's a rumor that a nun hanged herself in Founders Hall.

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