Campus life exactly like the movies: football games, dorm culture, a club for everything and Americans who genuinely want to show you around. Everything is big, loud and weirdly welcoming.
Monthly budget
€1,100–2,200
Language
English
Best time
Fall semester runs late August to December, spring mid-January to May — fall gets you football season and Thanksgiving.
San Diego is a laid-back Southern California beach city with near-perfect weather, home to UC San Diego and SDSU. Exchange life here is outdoorsy, sunny and lived largely on the coast.
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Partners & Perks
Verified housing partners and student perks in San Diego: no blind deposits, no ghost landlords. Grab one before someone in your group does.
We’re still lining up verified partners in San Diego. In the meantime, ask the San Diego group for the housing leads students are using right now.
San Diego offers the Southern California dream with a more relaxed, liveable feel than LA: world-class beaches, near-perfect weather year-round, and a laid-back surf culture. UC San Diego in La Jolla and SDSU anchor a big student population, and Mexico is just across the border. It is not cheap, but the lifestyle is hard to beat.
Home to UC San Diego, San Diego State and the University of San Diego.
Near-perfect weather and miles of beaches year-round.
Tijuana, Mexico is only about 30 minutes across the border.
Student life revolves around the beaches, with Pacific Beach and Mission Beach the classic gathering spots, backed by the bars of the Gaslamp Quarter and hip North Park. Surfing, hiking and beach volleyball are woven into daily life. The mild climate keeps everything outdoors all year.
Learn to surf at Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach; boards are easy to rent.
North Park has the best craft beer and independent bar scene.
The Gaslamp Quarter downtown is the main nightlife district.
San Diego is expensive, driven by coastal housing: budget around 1,700 to 2,600 dollars a month with shared rent. Beachfront rents are steep, so many students share inland or near campus. The outdoors lifestyle, at least, is largely free.
Shared rooms run about 900 to 1,400 dollars a month depending on area.
Save by sharing inland and using the MTS Trolley to reach the coast.
A U-Pass or Compass Card makes trolley and bus travel cheap.
UC San Diego students cluster in La Jolla, University City and along the Blue Line trolley extension, while SDSU students favour the College Area and North Park. Coastal living is dear, so sharing is essential and inland saves money. The trolley extension has opened up cheaper options near campus.
La Jolla and University City suit UCSD students, now on the Blue Line.
The College Area and North Park are popular with SDSU students.
Ask the Studcasa San Diego group about rooms and reliable landlords.
The MTS Trolley has expanded to reach UC San Diego and La Jolla, making car-free student life far easier, backed by buses and a Compass Card. The beaches and North Park are cyclable, and many students combine transit with the odd rideshare. Downtown and the coast are well linked.
The Blue Line trolley now runs from downtown to UCSD and La Jolla.
Get a Compass Card; students can buy a discounted U-Pass.
San Diego International (SAN) is close to downtown and cheap to reach.
UC San Diego is a major public research university on a quarter system, strong in the sciences, engineering and oceanography, while SDSU runs on semesters with a broader profile. The quarter pace at UCSD is fast, with continuous assessment and big lectures backed by smaller sections. Geisel Library, the iconic study hub, keeps long hours in term.
Check your calendar; UCSD runs fast-paced quarters, SDSU runs semesters.
Both universities have busy international offices with trips and support.
Almost every exchange student needs a visa, and which one depends on your programme and nationality. Most exchange students come on a J-1 exchange visitor visa (with a DS-2019 from your host university) or an F-1 student visa (with an I-20); your US university tells you which and issues the document. You then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 form, and attend an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate, so start the moment you're accepted, as interview waits can be long.
Budget for the SEVIS fee (around 220 dollars for J-1, 350 for F-1) plus the visa application fee, and note J-1 visas carry mandatory health insurance rules and sometimes a two-year home-residency requirement. Keep every document for border entry.
Most exchange students, J-1 (DS-2019) or F-1 (I-20) visa
Pay the SEVIS fee (~$220 J-1 / ~$350 F-1) before your interview
Complete DS-160 and attend an in-person consulate interview
J-1 requires compliant health insurance; check the two-year home-residency rule
San Diego is the home of the California burrito and some of the best Mexican food north of the border, alongside a huge craft-beer scene and Convoy Street's superb Asian restaurants. The culture is relaxed, outdoorsy and beach-focused. Fish tacos and a sunset are the essential local combination.
Try fish tacos and a California burrito from a local taqueria.
Explore Convoy Street for outstanding Asian food across the region.
Sample the craft-beer scene that helped launch the American movement.
San Diego's neighbourhoods stretch along the coast and inland, from upscale La Jolla by UCSD to the beach towns of Pacific and Ocean Beach, hip North Park and the downtown Gaslamp. Your campus and budget shape the choice, with inland sharing the money-saver. Trolley access is increasingly worth chasing.
La Jolla and University City: coastal and close to UCSD, but pricey.
Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach: classic, sociable surf neighbourhoods.
North Park and the College Area: hip, cheaper and near SDSU.
San Diego is superbly placed for the Southwest and Mexico. Tijuana is a walk across the border, LA and its own attractions sit a couple of hours north, and the deserts of Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego are close for stargazing. The Pacific Surfliner train makes coastal trips easy.
Cross into Tijuana on foot at San Ysidro; carry your passport and visa.
The Pacific Surfliner runs up the coast to LA and Santa Barbara.
Anza-Borrego and Joshua Tree deserts are close for hiking and stars.
San Diego rewards those who embrace the outdoors and plan around the cost of coastal living. Share inland to save, use the expanded trolley, and keep your passport handy for Mexico. The weather means you can be outside every single day.
Keep your passport and visa in order for spontaneous Tijuana trips.
Evenings and the ocean breeze get cool; carry a layer even in summer.
Ask the Studcasa San Diego group about the best-value inland shares.
Guide last updated July 2026
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Student Reviews
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Universities in San Diego
Exchange students rated their semester at each one. Open a university to read them.
Students who did their exchange in San Diego rate it 9.3 out of 10 on average, across 4 reviews. They graded the city itself, their housing, the cost of living and how easy it was to meet people.
Do I need a visa to study in San Diego?
Everyone needs a visa: get accepted, receive your I-20 or DS-2019, pay the SEVIS fee, file the DS-160 online, then interview at a US embassy. Start 3-4 months early.
Which universities do exchange students go to in San Diego?
The ones our students went to most are San Diego State University. Each has its own page with the reviews of the students who studied there.
How do I meet other exchange students in San Diego?
Join the San Diego WhatsApp group. It is free and there is nothing to sign up for. It is where students arriving the same semester find flatmates, organise the first nights out and warn each other about the paperwork.
Where should I live in San Diego?
That depends on your budget and how long a commute you will accept. Our San Diego housing guide goes through the areas students chose, what they paid and what they wish they had known before signing.
How many students have reviewed San Diego?
4 students who spent a semester in San Diego left a review. They are written by students, not by us, and they are not filtered for being flattering.
Get started
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The campus is cool and the weather is great. Although, have in mind that the homework load is very high. Every exchange student was surprised with the amount……
5 sections rated
🏠 Housing4/5
Rent paid$1,200
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
Where was it located?
North Park
Would you recommend it?
It was a nice place but not so close to university.
🍻 Social Life3/5
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
The social life is more uni relates (house parties and hangouts).
🎓 Uni life at San Diego State University4/5
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I strongly reccommend taking Project Management class cause it was super interesting.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is cool and the weather is great. Although, have in mind that the homework load is very high. Every exchange student was surprised with the amount of homework, since most of us were not used to it.
✈️ Travel4/5
Best trips to do?
I really liked going to LA, it is fun to do the studio tours, specially if you are into cinema.
🌆 San Diego vibe4/5
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in San Diego?
The weather is super nice and it is a great place to walk and go to the beach.
You should really live around the campus that’s where everyone live and for the parties it’s better. The weather is always sunny and hot, don’t bring too much……
6 sections rated
🏠 Housing4/5
Rent paid$1,350
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
Where was it located?
In San Diego, 10min from the school
Would you recommend it?
I do recommend it, the price is fair for San Diego, and they organize a few events for free for the resident.
🍻 Social Life5/5
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Go to Pacific Beach, you will find a lot of bars and clubs
🎓 Uni life at San Diego state University 4/5
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Selling technique and practice is very very interesting, Interpersonal communication too, Stress Management is very chill.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is very nice you have access to a lot of facilities! The registration wasn’t complicated you just have to follow their informations
✈️ Travel4/5
Best trips to do?
Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Mexico, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, San Francisco, Hawaï and more
🌆 San Diego vibe3/5
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in San Diego?
You should really live around the campus that’s where everyone live and for the parties it’s better. The weather is always sunny and hot, don’t bring too much warm clothes for the fall semester
💡 Other Tips
There is an Ambassador Program for international student, I recommend you to participate. If you have question, my IG: @Mvth1sss
I would highly recommend living on campus because it’s, first of all, the easiest and safest way to find accommodation in San Diego (there are a lot of scams).……
6 sections rated
🏠 Housing4/5
Rent paid1200
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
Where was it located?
Lindo Paseo, 5min from campus and public transports
Would you recommend it?
I would highly recommend living on campus because it’s, first of all, the easiest and safest way to find accommodation in San Diego (there are a lot of scams). As an international student, you’ll share a room or an apartment (depending on the residence) with other international students. In general, the residences are modern, with a front desk and all necessary appliances. Electricity, water and wifi is included in the rental price.
Since the university is located quite far from downtown, almost all students live near campus—and therefore near the residences. You’ll be close to your classes as well as to parties and activities, which is great, especially given that public transportation isn’t very reliable or well-developed. It’s comfortable to have everything within walking distance.
The only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to buy your own sheets, kitchen supplies, pillow, etc. So you have to be prepared to spend around a hundred dollars on these items when you arrive, since SDSU doesn’t have a rental or resale platform to buy what previous international students left behind.
Otherwise, if you want to live off-campus, I highly recommend finding a shared house between Montezuma Rd, College Ave, and El Cajon Blvd. This is where most students who live off campus stay and where most parties are held. For roughly the same price as an on-campus room, you can have a private bedroom and a more comfortable living space—with a garden, for instance.
🍻 Social Life5/5
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
I highly recommend participating in the events and activities held on campus by SDSU. Several take place every week and are free and open to both American and international students. To make sure you don’t miss any, you can follow Instagram pages (aztecnightssdsu; isa.sdsu; ...)and keep an eye out for posters around campus. Also, don’t hesitate to join clubs — just follow them on Instagram and attend their events.
Every Friday at noon, a free meal is offered to international students at the International Student Center. It’s a great way to save a few dollars and meet other internationals. Plus, some of the best parties were held at the “International House,” so keep an eye on the new internationals who’ve taken over! Otherwise, you can simply go to any house (often a frat house) where you hear music, and change if you don’t like the atmosphere. It’s that easy! Most of them are located in the Montezuma / El Cajon triangle.
Spring is also basketball season, so games are played every week at the arena. Again, don’t hesitate, just go!
On a more day-to-day basis, you can enjoy free access to the pool and sports center.
🎓 Uni life at San Diego State University5/5
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
If you’re into political science, I recommend taking POL S 101 and POL S 102 to deepen your understanding of American politics. If you can only take one, go for POL S 102, I haven’t had such an engaging and interesting professor in a very very long time!
Also, HTM 432 (Project Management Events) was super interesting: you’ll have meetings with professionals, visit the Snapdragon Stadium, and even design your own event.
However, I don’t recommend the marketing class BA 370, or the economics courses ECON 360 and 455 — they were quite boring. They’re fine, though, if you’re looking for classes that don’t require much homework, unlike the three others (HTM and POL), which are more demanding.
All in all, every class involves weekly assignments, but nothing too hard — and definitely nothing that would stop you from enjoying parties and weekends!
Do you have some tips?
I would definitely choose SDSU again, I had the best semester ever!
On a more practical note, everything — from registration to accommodation and integration — was very smooth and easy. Just be careful for the VISA, you need to plan your appointment as soon as you have your acceptance letter from the university.
✈️ Travel5/5
Best trips to do?
If you have the opportunity to go to SDSU, you definitely have to plan trips to Los Angeles, Vegas, San Francisco, and even Yosemite. You can get there either by plane or by car, both options are quite affordable, especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends.
We also went to New Orleans and Austin during Spring Break, and we all loved it!
Of course, without going that far, you can enjoy San Diego’s beaches and local activities, such as visiting the USS Midway. If you want to explore more of the city, I recommend joining Bridges SDSU: they organize free trips around San Diego.
🌆 San Diego vibe5/5
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in San Diego?
You should know that, overall, public transportation in San Diego isn’t very convenient (it can take quite a bit of time to go from a point A to B without a car). However, there is a bus terminal and a trolley station right next to the university, so whether you’re heading downtown or elsewhere, you don’t have to go far to catch a ride.
San Diego’s waterfront is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy a sunny afternoon, especially around Seaport Village. And of course, the beaches are amazing: you can tan, play volleyball, go for a run, or even hike, especially around Coronado and Mission Beach.
Also, you absolutely have to watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs and visit La Jolla!!!!
💡 Other Tips
You can choose your own classes and build your own schedule, so I highly recommend organizing all your classes over three days (often Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). That way, you’ll have a long weekend and plenty of time to travel.
Also, you can take up to 21 credits, so if you want to try surfing or practice any other sport, you can take a sport class and choose the level that suits you best.
