University of California-San Diego Top Questions

partly unless you are involved in a sorority/fraternity

Not entirely. This is a very academic school, so students do spend a lot of time studying. I think that people are social within their own groups. And I don't think there is school spirit here, but I also think that the majority of students would like to see more of it.

To some extent the stereotypes are but I feel they are way too exaggerated. As far as there being a lack of social life students need to realize that opportunities are not going to come knocking on their door. Students need to be proactive and go out and get involved in things. Involving yourself in a club or organization is a great way to meet people and find your niche at this school. I personally feel that slowly but surely this school is becoming more social and more sought after as a student's first choice institution. UCSD is climbing in academic rankings and thus students are gradually becoming more proud to attend UCSD. Many departments are world renowned, especially the engineering school. As the school continues to grow and become more recognized nationally and internationally the school will gain more tradition and as a result more of a social atmosphere. We already have one strong tradition in our SunGod festival in the spring and I only see more traditions starting in the future.

to an extent, yes

Yes and no. But look at the people in your classes and even on the shuttles; everyone wants to sit by themselves and avoid any interaction with people that they do not know--we are antisocial.

Yes. I feel that the school can be more active. I don't know how to change that because old habits die hard, but it would make college life more fun. And yes there are many Asians here at UCSD, but they just work hard to get into good schools.

No, the college experience is really what you make of it. Sure, there aren't people who will drag you out of your room to a party, but there are definitely places to go if you put yourself out there. It's really easy as long as you're not lazy, because people are really friendly. Personally, I turned down UCLA to come here.

I guess it all depends on what you do in college such as hoe involved you are and what you are involved n that determines the validity of these suppositions.

Somewhat. I think we do have a strong science program and we are hefty on the research side, but the school has more qualities than that. As all other college students, we like to have fun and we offer a lot more than just science.

I think UCSD is viewed as socially dead by those who do not take the initiative to get involved in the social scene through the many extracurricular activities available on campus. Yes, there are a lot of asians but there are also people of other ethnicities. And if you know how to have a good time and how you like to have a good time, then you'll go out and find people who are the same way and all have a good time together.