Student Profile
Bonnie
- Class: Freshman
- Major: Pre-Medical
- Gender: F
- High School: Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
My favorite thing about UCSD is the academic and social atmosphere -- while I feel the drive to excel in my studies, the student body has a relaxed demeanor, which keeps me from feeling what could be high levels of pressure and competition. I'm not a particular fan of all the construction work that goes on all year round on campus. I understand that the school is renovating and settling, considering its recent opening, but at times, the noise and blockades of some of the construction sites can be disruptive during class, if the room is near enough. I like the size of this school -- I'm always meeting new people, but at the same time, the student body hasn't grown to a size that is too large for the faculty to adequately teach. If I tell people I go to school at UC San Diego, they usually miss the UC portion and assume I mean I go to San Diego State. I spend the majority of my time on campus somewhere in Muir -- the quad, the lawns, my room/lounge, etc. I love it everywhere in Muir because it is so communal. La Jolla is a college town, but everything is beyond walking distance from the university so it's hard to get off campus sometimes. Skipping a couple questions ahead, I think there is a lot of school pride within each of the six colleges, but as a whole, I feel like UCSD's school spirit is a lacking. I think the intracollegiate competitions, like the unolympics or the spirit night activities are unusual, mainly because they divide the school's spirit into six groups. That, and the never-ending construction projects. I don't think I can choose a particular experience I will remember best. Everything about my first year at UCSD has been memorable in an amazing way -- but as a group, I think I will remember the nights my friends and I stayed up until 4am, talking or playing board/card/random games in our residence halls' lounges.
Academic Life
Thus far, all of my professors know me from office hours conversations. I absolutely adore my Italian class because the atmosphere is so friendly and lively and the people and teachers are great company to learn from/with. The exact opposite of that class, Biology, is my least favorite (I love the subject of biology, but not my fellow classmates). In biology, yes. I am undeclared in biology sciences (I know, ironic), and I am working to be qualified to apply for medical my senior year. I have been to office hours to chat briefly, but I have had lunch and more extensive conversations with a couple of my professors. The academic requirements vary from college to college; in all, I think they facilitate learning for the sake of learning, in part because each of the professors speak passionately about their subjects and students feed off that love.
Student Body
All of my experiences with the different racial, religious, LGBT, etc. groups on campus have been positive and enlightening. Interacting with such a diverse student body has been an amazing opportunity to learn of each person's different backgrounds and personal beliefs. Based on my experiences thus far, I don't think any student would feel out of place at UCSD. Most of the students who I've seen at class wear jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweater (usually hooded) to class. Yes, different types of students interact, and for the most part, never acknowledge any differences. Most UCSD students are from northern, central or southern California -- if I had to pick a particular region, I'd say southern.
The Best Things
There are way too many things about this school that I really like!
The Worst Things
There aren't designated smoking areas so a lof of people puff and walk.
