University: San Diego State University
City: San Diego
Country: United States
Continent: North America
Field of study: business administration
Study type: semester abroad
Arrival:
I arrived in San Diego about five days before the start of the semester, but unfortunately had to stay one more night in Chicago because my flight from Frankfurt was 3 hours late. It is advisable to be in San Diego 1 to 2 weeks before the start of the semester, as you can then look for accommodation in peace and get to know the city a little. I stayed at the OBI (Ocean Beach International Hostel) for the first three nights.
It’s not comparable to a great hotel, but it’s definitely recommended because you meet a lot of people there who are in the same situation as you. Also, the hostel is right on the beach and you get a nice first impression of San Diego. Visit mcat-test-centers.com to get information about Reykjavik University.
You can easily book the hostel in advance via the Internet. On the first day I rented a car to look for an apartment (dirt cheap car is very cheap), which you really need, because you’ve been traveling by bus or trolley for years.
At the hostel I checked Craigslist for apartments every day and texted and called all sorts of people. You can easily find something suitable somewhere on this page. Don’t panic if you don’t find anything in the first few days, because everyone can find something.
In the end, after three days, I found a house where I lived with 6 other people. We lived closer to the university, which I found to be an advantage. You can also live very nicely on the beach (e.g. Mission Beach or Pacific Beach) but then you have to put up with a 20-minute drive to the university, but you are in the middle of the nightlife;-)
University/Courses:
The course selection is actually as chaotic as it is always described. Still, somehow everyone gets something they can use. However, you should also leave enough alternatives open when choosing a course, because it can happen that you don’t get into a course at all.
The courses themselves cannot be compared to those at a German university. It’s like school lessons in small groups. However, the professors are all very nice and helpful.
In terms of level, most courses shouldn’t be a problem if you’re used to a German university.
In general, the university is simply fantastic. A huge campus with palm trees and greenery. The campus is actually almost like its own little town.
In addition, the university is really something for sports fans. Gym membership was free for us last year, which means you can go to the gym, play tennis, bowl, swim, etc. as often and whenever you want.
What is also great is that there is the possibility to take courses in water sports. For example, I had surfing and sailing courses and then at the latest you know that you are studying at the right university.
Automobile:
I would recommend everyone to buy or rent a car. For example, I shared a car with two other friends and bought it on Craigslist. In the end we sold it again for the same price. You need a car because San Diego is incredibly spacious. It takes 20 minutes to get to the coast from the university.
With public transport it would take 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Travel:
Many people stay longer after the semester to travel a bit. You don’t really need that, because you actually have enough time during the semester to go on small trips. For example, I was in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles with my roommates during the semester.
Life/Nightlife:
Life in San Diego isn’t cheap, but it’s not overly expensive either. It all depends on what you want and what you do.
Clothes, for example, are pretty cheap and you can also get cheap food in the right shops. Housing, on the other hand, tends to be a bit more expensive, but it also depends on where you live. Living on the beach is often more expensive than living close to the university.
As far as nightlife goes, I haven’t experienced anything better anywhere else.
You can either go to really cool and classy clubs downtown or you can go to any bar in PB. There really is everything there.
I would recommend everyone to go to San Diego as it is just a beautiful and amazing city.
