Student Life Resources

2–5 km radius city life information around the university: housing, supermarkets, dining, transit, safety, healthcare, weekend travel, and job market insights.

University of California, San Diego

La Jolla, California · United States

Coastal campus · sunshine & research hub

UC San Diego (University of California, San Diego) is a coastal research university in La Jolla. Within a 2–5 km radius, students have access to campus housing, La Jolla beaches, the UTC shopping area, supermarkets, cafés, and bus routes to San Diego. Many students combine walking, biking, campus shuttles and buses for daily life.

Car-free living is possible with shuttles & buses Living cost: est. $1,000–$1,800 / month Biotech, healthcare & tech jobs in La Jolla–San Diego

Scan city card QR code

Students and partners can open this UC San Diego city card directly on mobile by scanning the QR code.

Housing & Food

Shared housing: $900–$1,400 / month (shared room in apartments or houses)
1B apartment: $2,000–$2,600 / month (1B apartment, higher near beaches)
Student areas: On-campus colleges, La Jolla, UTC / University City & nearby neighborhoods

More housing & food details

Many first-year students live in on-campus housing within the college system. Upper-division and graduate students often rent apartments around UTC / University City or share houses in nearby neighborhoods. Dining options range from campus dining halls and cafés to restaurants in La Jolla and UTC.

Transportation

Car-free living: Possible but campus/housing are spread out; many students use Triton Transit (UCSD shuttles) and San Diego MTS.
Campus shuttles: Triton Transit connects campus areas, housing, parking and nearby stops.
Airport access: About 20–25 minutes by car to SAN; MTS connects to downtown via bus/trolley. (See Trolley )

More transit info

UCSD has shuttle routes linking main campus, residential areas and nearby shopping. MTS buses and trolley lines connect La Jolla / UTC with downtown and other districts. You can also check UCSD Transportation info here: Get Around Campus.

Safety & Emergency Support

Emergency: Call 911 for immediate danger or serious injury
Official support: UCSD Police Department · Student Health Services · CAPS (Counseling)

Emergency checklist (save to your phone)

UCSD Police (non-emergency): Department Contacts
Student Health Services: SHS Home · Contact · After-hours nurse advice
CAPS (24/7 crisis info): CAPS Contact & After-hours
Nearest hospital / ER: UC San Diego Health locations (ER / urgent care) · Scripps ER (La Jolla)
Safety habits: use well-lit routes at night, keep valuables secure, and save emergency contacts.

Note: This section provides general guidance and official contact links only. It does not provide emergency services.

Cost of Living & Budget Planning

Budget reality: Housing is usually the biggest cost driver in La Jolla / UTC
Planning rule: Fix essentials first; keep an emergency buffer for healthcare / unexpected needs

Cost breakdown & planning tips

Main cost drivers: rent + utilities + food + transport
Hidden costs: deposits, move-in setup, occasional rideshare, medical copays (if applicable)
Emergency buffer: plan 1–2 months of essential expenses
Important note: this is planning guidance only and does not imply financial aid or monetary support

Work / Internship & Local Economy

Main industries: Biotech, healthcare, wireless/tech, defense and tourism in San Diego
Career support: UCSD Career Center · Handshake

More job & internship notes

UC San Diego students find internships/jobs through the Career Center, professors, labs and local companies. Many opportunities are concentrated around La Jolla, Sorrento Valley and downtown. Start here: Find Jobs & Experience.

Weekend Life & City Experience

Nearby beaches: La Jolla Shores & La Jolla Cove; Pacific Beach (short ride away)
Nature highlight: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is nearby for trails & ocean views

More weekend ideas

Many students spend weekends at the beach, exploring Balboa Park and downtown, or joining club outings. Public transit helps for city trips (see MTS maps & schedules), and shuttles help around campus.

Official Links

University homepage Global / International Office International & Extended Studies On-campus housing Off-campus housing Student Health & Counseling Campus Police City Police Local transit Student Career Development Office

City Life Photos

Popular cafés and dining areas near UC San Diego and La Jolla Village.

La Jolla beaches — a favorite spot for UCSD students.

Weekend trips to the San Diego waterfront and coastal attractions.

Evening views around UC San Diego — a calm, safe, and study-friendly campus atmosphere at night.