San Diego is one of the USA’s top spots for sun, sea and surf. With its colourful architecture and iconic skyscrapers, it immediately stands out.
A welcoming and diverse city with a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere, San Diego is home to a number of great universities, making it a popular spot for international students wanting to live in the USA.
What is San Diego like?
Location and demographics
The second largest city in California, San Diego is positioned on the USA’s south-west coast, on the border with Mexico. With its warm dry summers and mild winters, beautiful bays and stark mountain views, this popular cosmopolitan hub is a hit with tourists all year round.
California is the USA’s most diverse state and with a population of 1.4 million, San Diego certainly showcases its diversity and multiculturalism with pride. With festivities, events and experiences as well as a host of global arts and cuisines, you’ll soon get a real feel for the rich culture of the city.
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Culture and history
San Diego has a deep and fascinating history. From its Native American roots through its years belonging to Spain and then Mexico, it wasn’t until 1850 that the city was declared part of the USA. As such, San Diego has a huge number of museums, monuments and historic sites celebrating its rich heritage. Head to Old Town State Historic Park and start exploring.
If you’re into the arts, then you won’t be disappointed by San Diego. With more than 150 stages in the city, including world-class theatres, here you can watch anything, from up-and-coming local plays to top Broadways performances. For discounted tickets, check out San Diego ARTSTIX.
Simply head to the Arts District to enjoy San Diego’s constantly evolving arts scene or hunt down some of the famously colourful public art and sculptures that are dotted around the city. If you prefer an indoor setting, simply visit one of San Diego’s fantastic art galleries.
Visit Balboa Park (known as the ‘Smithsonian of the West’) to immerse yourself in culture, art and history. With 17 museums and performing arts venues as well as plenty of other things to explore, you can’t go wrong here.
With the likes of Cameron Diaz, Adam Driver and Ru Paul being born and raised in San Diego, this is a city you won’t want to miss.
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What universities are in San Diego?
If you’re hoping to study in San Diego, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several universities located in and around the city. Here, we list the most popular with international students but if you don’t feel like any of these are the perfect fit, it’s definitely worth researching others.
The University of California, San Diego (known as UCSD) is ranked at number 32 by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. It is one of the world’s leading public research universities and its alumni include 27 Nobel laureates and three Pulitzer Prize winners, amongst others.
Other universities of note in the city include:
- University of San Diego – a private university ranked at 97 in the US News & World Report 2022
- San Diego State University – a public university ranked at 151 in the USNWR 2022
If you are hoping to apply to a community college to obtain an associate degree, consider San Diego City College.
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What does San Diego offer students?
What is transport like?
As such a beautiful city, we wouldn’t be surprised if you prefer to walk or cycle as often as you can. But be warned, San Diego is hilly, so there may be times when public transport is preferable, especially over longer distances.
The best way to get around central San Diego is to use bus or trolley. For travel into the suburbs and neighbouring towns, you may find it easier to use the light rail service.
You can buy tickets for public transport at a ticket machine or by using the PRONTO app or card. PRONTO allows you to pre-load money to your account and then simply tap into public transport when you travel. Monthly passes offer discounts if you travel regularly. Students attending participating universities may also be entitled to further fare reductions with a College Pass.
San Diego is well-connected to California’s west coast by rail. For national and international travel, it has its own airport and of course is only a short drive from the border with Mexico.
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What about entertainment and food?
Frequently referred to as one of the USA’s best foodie cities, San Diego is a treat for all food-lovers. With so many high quality ingredients available locally, you won’t forget the exquisite flavours here in a hurry. Whether you’re looking for simple light bites to enjoy on the beach or a classy fine-dining experience, San Diego has it all.
Make the most of some of the incredible Mexican flavours on show here or try a unique fusion meal. Don’t forget to sample some of the famous Californian wines (there are 100 wineries in the county alone) or visit one of San Diego’s +140 breweries that have earned it the title of one of the top beer cities in the world.
When it comes to nightlife, San Diego is an impressive party city. Begin your explorations in the Gaslamp Quarter to experience its unforgettable bars, nightclubs and dancefloors. Whether you want drinks on a rooftop or in an intimate jazz club, a flamenco night or simply a great live show, you’ll find it all here.
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Are there public services for students?
There are plenty of resources available at government, state and university level to help you navigate the higher education system while you study in the USA.
The US government provides free information to assist international students. Access student resources via the US Department of State website. Or explore financial aid options across California with Education USA’s helpful tool.
Your university’s international office will be able to assist you with any queries or concerns you have, from visa issues to settling into life in Denver.
Get more information on how to apply for a student visa in the USA.
How much does it cost to live in San Diego?
The general cost of San Diego
The cost of living in San Diego is relatively high. Although it is not as costly as some other US metropolises, you’ll certainly need to budget with care to make the most of your student experience in this city.
Student budget
International students in the USA must pay certain costs upfront upon arrival, things like health insurance and visa fees, so you’ll need to account for these. Once those are settled though, UCSD suggests an annual budget of around USD 18,500 – USD 20,000.
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What is accommodation like in San Diego?
Studying in the USA, living on-campus is definitely a popular choice so you can have the classic American student experience. You’ll find that costs vary between institutions but the benefit of campus living is that your bills are included in your rent, making it far easier to budget.
For an approximation of accommodation costs in San Diego, UCSD suggests your annual budget for food and rent should be between USD 14,400 (living off-campus) and USD 16,700 (living on-campus), not inclusive of fees.
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What are San Diego’s main attractions?
Living in San Diego, there are plenty of things for students to do, the most obvious of course being exploring its beaches. Whether you like running at sunrise, a morning surf, sunbathing in the afternoon or an evening walk on the sand, with over 70 miles of coastline to explore, every day will offer you a new experience with the ocean.
Head inland and you’ll soon discover even more of San Diego’s natural beauty, with deserts, mountains and canyons right on your doorstep. Or stay in the city and wander through its stunning parks and gardens. Wherever you go, prepare to be impressed: San Diego county has more biodiversity than any other in the whole of the USA.
If you’re a fan of spectator sport, San Diego has a Major League baseball team as well as professional teams in soccer, ice hockey, rugby and more. If you prefer getting active yourself, try your hand at water-sports in this amazing beach city or hike, bike or run around the picturesque local trails.
With its incredible arts scene, live music venues and festivals throughout the year, San Diego is certainly a top place to get your daily fix of culture. From its International Food Festival to the San Diego Symphony’s Bayside Summer Nights alfresco performances, there’s never a dull moment in this city.
Whatever your vibe, we know you’ll fit right into San Diego in an instant.
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