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Dove333
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

What do other families usually do after their first year in terms of housing? Off-campus apartments? reason im asking is that we dont really want to pay for another dining plan after hearing not great things about it this year

Many families at UC San Diego (UCSD) choose to move off-campus after their first year, primarily to gain more space, privacy, and flexibility regarding their dining options.

Off-Campus Housing Options

Students often seek apartments in neighborhoods that are well-connected to the university, such as:

  • La Jolla: Close to campus and the beach, though often at a higher price point.
  • Pacific Beach: Popular for those wanting a more active coastal lifestyle, but also typically more expensive.
  • University City: A suburban, family-friendly neighborhood that is generally more affordable and a short drive or bus ride from campus.
Dining Plan Considerations

If you decide to remain on campus, it's important to note that:

  • Mandatory dining plans are required for students living in residence halls.
  • Students in apartments like Pepper Canyon East/West or Matthews can opt out of a dining plan entirely, which may be beneficial given your concerns about the dining experience this year.
For more information on off-campus housing and resources, you can visit the UCSD Off-Campus Housing website.

Recent questions at UCSD

MichelleH 💙
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

When will returning students know what type of dorm they got for next year?

Returning students at UC San Diego (UCSD) will receive their official room assignments, including specific bed spaces and roommate contact information, through the Housing Portal in late August 2026.

Key Dates

  • February 18 – February 26, 2026: Eligible students submit their Continuing Student Housing Application and contract.
  • April 9 – April 10, 2026: Students will receive a lottery date and time for Room Selection Sign-Up via email.
  • April 16 – April 30, 2026: During this period, students will participate in the self-selection process to choose their specific space and building.
  • Late August 2026: Official room assignments will be released on the Housing Portal.
Additional Information

For more details on the housing process, students can visit the HDH Undergrad Housing Room Selection page or check the Deadlines & Details page.

SDMOM2
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

How do we find information for the General Room Selection Webinar scheduled for February 11?

To find information regarding the General Room Selection Webinar scheduled for February 11, 2026, you can refer to the official channels provided by UCSD.

Webinar Details

  • Event Name: Home Away From Home, Again: Navigating Student Housing for Next Year.
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM PST (Note: A session from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM may also be available).
  • Topics Covered: Applying for campus housing, off-campus apartment hunting, housing contracts, and commuter resources.
Where to Register
  • Official Registration: Register directly through the Triton Family Web Series page by clicking the "Register Now" button under the February 11 event.
  • HDH Housing Portal: Additional information and updates can be found within the UCSD Housing Portal.
Important Notifications

Eligible students should check their @ucsd.edu email for notifications sent during the first week of February, which will include specific links for participation. The application window for those with a housing guarantee opens on February 18, 2026, and closes on February 26, 2026. For further assistance, you can contact the housing team at roomselection@ucsd.edu or housingcontracts@ucsd.edu.

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
International

Is study abroad tuition through uceap more expensive than just the normal academic year? Trying to figure out if they should be doing uceap or a third party program

When considering UCEAP for study abroad, it's important to evaluate how tuition compares to a typical academic year at UC San Diego.

Tuition Rates

As a UCEAP participant, you will pay UC tuition and fees, which means your residency status will affect your costs. Non-residents will incur supplemental tuition, similar to what they would pay during a regular academic year.

Cost Variability

  • Fall Semester: Generally more expensive than a single UCSD Fall quarter due to extended academic time and credits.
  • Spring Semester: Often less costly than attending both Winter and Spring quarters at UCSD.
  • Additional Fees: UCEAP programs may include extra costs such as insurance and administrative fees that are not part of the standard tuition.
  • Location Impact: The overall cost can vary significantly based on the destination, with some locations offering a lower cost of living than San Diego, potentially making UCEAP more affordable overall.
Comparing UCEAP and Third-Party Programs

When deciding between UCEAP and third-party programs, consider:

  • Financial Aid: UCEAP offers full aid, including UC-specific support, while third-party programs may have limited aid options.
  • Academic Credit: UCEAP provides UC credit that impacts your GPA, whereas third-party credits may require petitioning for major/minor use and do not affect your UC GPA.
For more detailed cost estimates, visit the UCEAP Program Search to explore specific programs and their associated costs.

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