Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Matilde
From: IE University
To: San Diego State University
2025 • Fall
100% - so fun, amazing weather, rlly nice people..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
1450
Where was it located?
Close to beach and bars and everything
How can someone find this place?
FurnishedFinder / Airbnb
Would you recommend it?
100% - so fun, amazing weather, rlly nice people
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Hideaway, moonshine , Zama
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Philosophy ones
Do you have some tips?
Really cool and big
Best trips to do?
West coast and natural parks such as Grand Canyon
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in San Diego?
Have fun- do a lot of sport and make friends
Mathis
From: Essec
To: San Diego state University
2025 • Fall
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…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
1350$
Where was it located?
In San Diego, 10min from the school
How can someone find this place?
Facebook Student Housing groups. The residency is called Monte
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.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Go to Pacific Beach, you will find a lot of bars and clubs
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
Best trips to do?
Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Mexico, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, San Francisco, Hawaï and more
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
There is an Ambassador Program for international student, I recommend you to participate. If you have question, my IG: @Mvth1sss
Thomas
From: KEDGE
To: San Diego State University
2025 • Spring
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).…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
1200
Where was it located?
Lindo Paseo, 5min from campus and public transports
How can someone find this place?
University's website
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!
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.
