University of California, San Diego

The mattress in my Revelle dorm is surprisingly good quality. I don't use a topper because it's already comfortable – about a foot thick and firm without any springs poking through. My friend added a topper, and her bed ended up way too squishy and super tall. Overall, I'm happy with what's provided.

I studied Cognitive Science with a clinical focus and initially planned on premed before switching to a PhD track. The cog sci classes were much easier than premed, with most core requirements being easy A's. I recommend knocking out basic sciences early, especially chem. Chem labs were time-consuming, but physics labs were less intense. Use professor ratings and friend recommendations to choose wisely—some classes had curves. Cog sci and premed don't overlap much, but it's doable. Joining clubs and making friends helps a lot. Research opportunities vary, but getting to know professors through office hours improves your chances. Overall, a good experience.

Start CHEM6 as soon as possible—it's the longest slog. If you can, take 7L/40A&B in less hectic quarters like sophomore year. I regret not starting CHEM until my sophomore year. For your first fall, either BILD or PHYS1A with CHEM6A is doable if you're strong in chem and physics. BILD is easier. COGS17 early helps with later neuroscience and physiology courses. The calc series has low averages, so bypass with AP credits if possible. Fall quarter is your litmus for balancing classes, social life, and dorm living—leave room to adjust to the quarter system and explore campus.

I chose UCSD mainly for the environment and housing, and it's worked out well. My bestie at UCLA got stuck with a triple dorm as a senior, while I've had a single since starting and am guaranteed one next year. Housing here is better for my needs. Only downside is parking—bringing a car is tough. Overall, I'm happy with my decision.

I'd say UCSD has a pretty quiet social life, and the business department is just okay. The business clubs are competitive and tough to get into. On the plus side, it's easy to explore downtown San Diego, Irvine, or LA on weekends. That's a nice perk if you want to get off campus.

Pangea Apartments are super close to the CogSci building, which is great. But they're pretty old—multiple friends have had issues because of that. The kitchen is tiny compared to Rita's, so as someone who loves to cook, I definitely prefer Rita. However, the doubles in Pangea are way more spacious, like twice the size of Rita's mini doubles. The location is fantastic with the new Marshall field and Sixth nearby. Overall, it's a trade-off based on what you prioritize.

Off-campus housing in San Diego is really pricey. A studio or one-bedroom can easily cost over $2,300, and even a single room in a shared apartment runs $1,200–$1,500. My advice? Just get on-campus housing and find a roommate you can tolerate. Almost everyone has bad roommate stories, so suck it up. It's less stressful and you'll probably need to move off campus by your fourth year anyway.

UCSD treats student workers like cheap, nonunion labor. Most of us are legally illiterate and lack the means to fight back when they pull shady stuff. They've been doing this forever, even with full-time staff, but student workers are easy prey. The pay barely covers anything, and there's no real support if you have a problem.

The staff at student health services were inclusive and kind, but they really lack serious preventative care. I had an ingrown toenail removed but it wasn't cauterized, so it grew back. I later got MRSA from it and nearly needed a foot amputation. They never referred me to a podiatrist or told me to follow up. I know I should've checked in myself, but still, the whole experience was terrifying.