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STUDENT LIFE

Life at UC San Diego is about activating your passions. There are hundreds of ways to have fun, stay active, gain skills and make friends.

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COLLEGE IS MORE THAN STUDYING

It’s a time to challenge preconceived notions and pursue your passions. So jump in. Lead a student organization. Discover new lands through study abroad. Join an intercollegiate team. Volunteer in the community. Now is the time!

UC SAN DIEGO FUN FACTS

Student life at UC San Diego is far from ordinary—from our Pacific point of view to how we spend our free time.

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The watermelon drop, a summer physics experiment, is the campus’s oldest student tradition

Top surfing school in the nation

Surfer Magazine

One of the best public universities in the nation for LGBTQ+ students

Campus Pride/BestColleges

Students can grow organic vegetables and herbs at several campus and community gardens

60+ fraternities, sororities and cultural-based Greek Letter organizations

Sustainability is part of our DNA, from solar hot water heating to rooftop gardens and sea breeze ventilation

Students regularly participate in academic and experiential study abroad programs in over 40 countries

The campus features ten athletic venues, including a 5,000-seat arena and a state-of-the-art athletic training center

YOUR ROADMAP TO STUDENT LIFE

SUPERCHARGE YOUR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Success is a team effort. We are here to help you power up your academic ability, discover opportunities to excel and gain transferable skills. Let’s start now.

ORGANIZATIONS

What are you passionate about? Become a changemaker, get out of your comfort zone and establish connections with more than 570 student organizations.

STUDY ABROAD

Studying abroad is more than an adventure. It’s an opportunity to transform your worldview, your goals, and ultimately, yourself. Where will your journey begin?

Discover your home away from home.

HOUSING

Living on campus means you are always connected to new social opportunities, cultural experiences, and academic enrichment. And, the beach is just across the street.

DINING

Need fuel to boost your brainpower? We’ve got you covered with 37 restaurants, specialty eateries and markets across campus with selections to satisfy any palate.

SAFETY

A safe and welcoming space to learn is integral to student success. Our programs ensure students have peace of mind and access to safety resources.

Need a diversion? We've got a few ideas.

GREEK LIFE

In addition to friendship and fun, Greek life offers a unique way to engage in service and develop leadership skills. Explore more than 40 fraternities and sororities available.

VOLUNTEER

Giving back is a way of life at UC San Diego. Join a volunteer activity or launch your own initiative and make a difference in the lives of others.

SCENIC SAN DIEGO

From downtown nightlife to niche neighborhood eateries and unrivaled outdoor adventures in the surrounding ocean, mountains and desert, it is easy to fall in love with San Diego. Extending along 70 miles of coastline, California’s second largest city is a diverse blend of culture, nature and recreation.

GET OUT AND MOVE

ATHLETICS

Whether you are a shining star on the field or a zealous fan in the stands, athletic events are a great outlet and way to build Triton pride.

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RECREATION

Channel your inner acrobat, join an inner-tube water polo game, or venture out on a backpacking trip. Get fit with recreation classes and programs.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

From music and dance to theatre and film, there’s always a creative buzz on campus. Find your own way to create and exchange with emerging and well-known art makers.

Get an inside look at UC San Diego—from anywhere in the world.

Virtual Tour