Your first year at UCSD is sure to be one of excitement and great experiences, and A LOT of learning in all aspects. Here are a few tips to start off your year:
*I’m a native San Diegan, and I can testify that San Diego weather, as advertised, is pretty great. The consistent weather makes this place like paradise. When the heat comes though, be sure you are r
eady with your shades and summer attire. Sunscreen is a very good idea :) UCSD’s location is quite identical to the beach, so it’s a good idea to protect your skin from the same rays that burn you at the shore (even when it is overcast...the marine layer will not stop the burn if you burn easily)!(<---See how close?! It’s really easy to get there, so definitely take advantage of UCSD’s proximity to La Jolla Shores)
*Transportation is definitely something to explore when at UCSD. Between parking and bus routes there are plenty of ways to get on and off campus.
PARKING: Parking on campus can be a little crazy, but completely do-able. One of the main parking lots, Hopkins, has about 3-4 floors of parking, but they go fast! Give up your parking spot and try to come back past 10 a.m. and it’s likely most of the spots will be snatched up. BUT, there are plenty of spaces around campus to park, so there’s no need to stress. Half of them you can find from just going to class. The lot behind the Warren dorms, the Pangea parking structure, and the far corner of Revelle are just a few of the on-campus sites. You can view all the spots on campus through the Maplink tool here.
I have found that a great place to park (especially if you commute every day) is lots 702 through 705. They are farther from campus, but if you take the campus shuttle, it drops you right by the Price Center (at the heart of campus). It is very convenient.
Look at your different options for parking passes. You can get Lot Specific passes that allows you to only park in one certain lot and it can save you some money! P.S. When you put the pass on your mirror or window, MAKE 100% sure it is visible (be sure it cannot fall off or behind anything in your car) or you will get fined!
BUS: There are several bus routes if you are coming in from off campus. Many students use the bus and love its convenience and the money it saves! You can look at bus routes here. The Blink website has great resources for all kinds of transportation, and can give you many options to get on campus.
ZIPCARS: Another way to get around town is through the Zipcars. You can join the Zipcar program and take the cars off campus to run errands or to simply tool around town. You can rent them hourly or daily and their rates include gas and insurance. You can reserve them online or over the phone, then you hold your “Zipcard” to the window of the car you reserved. Then it unlocks the car and it’s yours until the end of your reservation! It’s so easy! This program is definitely an option to look into when looking at your transportation options.
*With all these ways to get around, don’t forget to explore La Jolla and San Diego. The bus can take you not only to school, but to endless places in San Diego County. Explore downtown La Jolla with its amazing restaurants (the Burger Lounge has supplied me with many meals, and there are some GREAT sushi places as well). Continue your exploration into downtown, Balboa Park (the Zoo is a must see), and east county. Your time will be filled with school, but when you have time free from responsibility, treat yourself to a good dinner and see the sights. I’ve lived in San Diego my entire life and I still play the tourist on weekends!
Happy travels and see you in the fall!
Lauren Smyle :)
Transfer Orientation Group #20
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