Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 12:49     Subject: Re:University of San Diego Vibe

Anonymous wrote:OP I am asking about the quiet one not UCSD.


OP. It seems UCSD is the quiet one not USD from the responses. We recently toured University of San Diego and it was very lively. Tons of students walking around in groups and the dining spaces were bursting at the seems with kids socializing with one another.

We also went down to the beach and saw kids in USD gear all over.

I would be interested in any first hand experiences about getting around without a car as it is a bit away from shops.
Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 08:49     Subject: Re:University of San Diego Vibe

OP I am asking about the quiet one not UCSD.
Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 07:16     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

It’s not a commuter school at all. There is an active Greek system and the beach is just a few minutes away.

Gorgeous campus on a hill, but it is a bit isolated.
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2026 14:46     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

And as someone pointed out already - uni of San Diego is not Jesuit.

Founded by Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill (Society of the Sacred Heart) and Bishop Charles Francis Buddy.

It was independently chartered. It is Catholic but not Jesuit.
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2026 14:07     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

If you mean UCSD (the UC public one not the jesuit private one):

UCSD informally stands for "UC of Social Death" according to the kids.

Social vibe: lots of commuter kids, introverts, kids on phones and headphones walking to class with their heads down or whizzing by one electric scooters. Vibes were nice-ish kids but seemed intense, serious and kind of closed off when we visited.



Anonymous
Post 04/11/2026 13:45     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

OP needs to clarify which school they mean, because posters are responding about both.
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2026 13:42     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

My niece wanted a coastal small Christian school environment and in the end was deciding between the Catholic USD and Pepperdine. After spending a week at each school visiting friends and sleeping at dorms, she picked Pepperdine. Lots of money being invested at both schools.
Anonymous
Post 04/11/2026 10:24     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

The student population is more than 40% out of state and 5% international. It seems unlikely they are all leaving on weekends. Also, an internet search seems to show the social scene is fine but lackluster at UC San Diego. Would also like to hear more on this.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2026 15:51     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

It’s an absolutely beautiful campus!
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2026 11:43     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

Anonymous wrote:The retention rate is 91% according to common data set. I know two students who transferred out.


Do you know why they transferred?
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2026 10:31     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

The retention rate is 91% according to common data set. I know two students who transferred out.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2026 10:19     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

Anonymous wrote:Jesuit school. Everyone I know who went there had a great experience.


It is not Jesuit.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2026 10:12     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

Jesuit school. Everyone I know who went there had a great experience.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2026 10:10     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

Anonymous wrote:My DC is interested but has been hearing that it is a bit of a commute school and can be really quiet on the weekend since a lot of students go home. They don't need huge amount of school spirit and tons of partying, but they are very social and want to feel connected to their school. Does anyone have a current student who can give me more details on the social side of things?


It’s a quiet Catholic school on a hill.

Do you mean UCSD?
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2026 10:05     Subject: University of San Diego Vibe

My DC is interested but has been hearing that it is a bit of a commute school and can be really quiet on the weekend since a lot of students go home. They don't need huge amount of school spirit and tons of partying, but they are very social and want to feel connected to their school. Does anyone have a current student who can give me more details on the social side of things?