UCSD Reviews (8)
San Diego
In San Diego itself I arrived about 3 weeks before the university officially started. So I had enough time to find my way around the new environment. I would also recommend arriving early to anyone doing a semester abroad in San Diego. This saves the risk of not being able to enjoy the relaxed life in California because of all the stress and gives you enough time to adapt to the time change, new culture, etc. My tip: arrive 2-3 weeks before the start of the university so that you have enough time to look for an apartment, buy / rent a car, etc.
Basically, I made the experience that there is a very lively and dynamic housing market in San Diego. Http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ is best for finding apartment advertisements. I looked there on the first day in San Diego and made some viewing appointments. It is very important in San Diego that you look at everything on site and, if necessary, meet roommates, etc. in person. I visited a total of 5 apartments and the first 4 were an absolute disaster, with the 5th being a stroke of luck. So my tip: You should look for an apartment locally to avoid possible disappointment!
Regarding the location of an apartment in San Diego, I particularly recommend La Jolla. You are very close to the university and thus save long journeys from other parts of the city in the morning chaos. Nevertheless, you have to know that in Pacific Beach (called PB), for example, there is a lot more going on in terms of bars, parties, etc. For me it was important to live very close to the university, as I didn’t feel like the clogged freeways on the way to the university. That’s why I lived in La Jolla, although I also knew some people who lived in Pacific Beach or Mission Beach and were totally happy with their location.
Automobile
Since I only went to UCSD for one trimester (quarter), I rented a car. Since some of my friends from home had already done a semester abroad in San Diego, I was very well informed about car rental companies. But first of all, the decision whether to buy or rent a car.
Buying a car vs. renting
My recommendation is to rent a car if you only want to go to UCSD for a quarter. This saves you a lot of stress when it comes to selling the car. Above all, you have taken out insurance directly and are completely covered. However, if you want to complete several trimesters at UCSD, I would recommend buying a car. Because in the end, if you catch a good catch, you can get rid of some of the car for the same amount or a few hundred dollars less. Nevertheless, there is always the risk that the car may be susceptible to repairs if it is not a new model. My tip: If someone wants to rent a car cheaply for the entire period, DirtCheapCarRental is. (Definitely negotiate the terms!
UCSD
At the introductory event / enrollment, exchange students were shown the very large campus. There is so much to discover, so just go out alone or with a few people and be surprised, e.g. discover floors in the library, singing trees;) etc.
Course selection
Since I am studying business administration in Germany, the courses at the Rady School of Management interested me the most. It’s a relatively young faculty, but since it’s privately funded, it’s just incredibly nice in terms of classrooms. However, some of the courses are very simple, as anyone in the USA can attend these courses, even if they have nothing to do with business administration / economics. Nevertheless, I was able to take some knowledge with me, even if it wasn’t as demanding as in Germany.
At other faculties, for example the Economics Department or International Relations Pacific Studies, the courses are much more difficult and also encourage foreign students to study, as far as I have heard from fellow students. Extension students can now also register for extension courses. These are courses that are also taken by “non-students”, i.e. people who are already in the job, are studying something else, etc. The level of these courses is, in my opinion, relatively low, but you can still learn a lot.
For me, it was irrelevant which courses I take, because I don’t get any credit at my home university anyway, so I decided to only go according to interest and chose 2 Rady and 1 Extension course, which is also very good in relation to grades to effort drove well. However, it always depends on the credit options and interests of the individual. Check jibin123 to see more reviews from current students.
I would like to expressly add that it is not as difficult to get into the courses of your choice as I read several times on the Internet before my stay. You have to be put on the waiting list at the Rady School of Management in good time (Americans have priority on places!), But you still have a very high chance of getting a place there. With Economics it is not impossible either, mainly you have to register there early. My tip: As soon as possible, take all courses that interest you and put yourself on waiting lists. Better to be on the waiting list for a few courses too many than for too few, because you can still cancel !!
