Rating UCSD College Dorms Based on the Location and Convenience

UC San Diego is a public research university located in San Diego, California.

Revelle College houses first-year students in eight multistory buildings offering double and triple rooms, with limited single room availability. Muir College is located on the west side of campus and has high-rise residence halls with double and triple rooms, and some singles. Thurgood Marshall College offers suite-style residence halls for first-year students, with single and double rooms. Eleanor Roosevelt College has primarily double and triple rooms for first-year students, with some singles available in apartments. Sixth College's new North Torrey Pines Living Learning Neighborhood has double and triple rooms for first-year students, with some singles. Earl Warren College features suites with double and single rooms overlooking the UCSD Ecological Reserve, and some first-year students are housed in apartments. Seventh College is a new community that offers modern apartments with triple and double rooms, and some singles. The Village is a community of apartments and residence halls for transfer students, with double and triple rooms and limited singles.

Located in the quieter corners of UCSD, Pepper Canyon offers a mix of experiences for its residents. The dorms vary in age and layout, with Pepper Canyon East exuding a homey atmosphere and spacious balconies, while Pepper Canyon 1600 provides a tranquil environment with easy access to transportation. The rooms are described as average, with some having tiny floor spaces but adequate amenities like balconies, desks, and storage. The kitchens are functional but small, and the living areas are comfortable yet slightly dated. The dorm's distance from the main campus is a common concern among students, as it requires a lengthy walk or commute. Despite its drawbacks, some students find charm in Pepper Canyon, especially with the cozy decor and unique wildlife encounters like friendly raccoons. Overall, Pepper Canyon offers a mix of positives like spacious layouts, quiet surroundings, and convenient transportation options, along with drawbacks such as aging infrastructure and distant location from campus facilities.

West Buildings 2-8 offer a distinctive living experience for college students, characterized by both attractive features and some challenges. One of the standout aspects is the breathtaking ocean view, providing a daily visual treat, especially from rooms facing the seaside. Proximity to Black Beach and convenient amenities such as the Village Market and the Bistro, known for its dining options like sushi, add to the allure. These dorms come equipped with full kitchens, which although slightly cramped, are functional for those who enjoy cooking. Study and game rooms are available but often crowded during peak times. However, the remote location poses a disadvantage for students whose classes are not nearby, leading to extended commutes across campus. Room sizes can be a point of contention, especially for those in triples, with limited storage space and cramped conditions. Facilities, including laundry, can suffer from maintenance issues, but regular housekeeping maintains the cleanliness of shared spaces. Overall, while offering a strong community vibe and great views, West Buildings 2-8 demand a trade-off with regard to space and walking distance to class.

The Marshall Residence Halls offer a mix of convenience, comfort, and a few challenges for students. While the communal bathrooms can be problematic, often experiencing fluctuations in water temperature and occasional clogs, they are cleaned regularly from Monday to Friday. The rooms, whether doubles, singles, or triples, generally offer adequate space, but triples are notably cramped. Unfortunately, only some rooms get decent natural sunlight due to window placement. A definite perk is the proximity to campus hotspots like Geisel library, dining halls, RIMAC, and Sixth Market, ensuring students have easy access to essentials and recreational activities. The suites, with their shared common areas and balconies, provide a comfortable and social environment. Laundry facilities, dining, and other amenities are a short walk away. Despite limited kitchen access, the Oceanview Terrace dining, beach proximity, and vibrant outdoor spaces for sports and relaxation make living at Marshall a well-rounded experience.

East Ecoflats 2-5 is a mixed bag of pros and cons according to student reviews. Situated conveniently close to the Rimac gym and several food options like the market, Bistro, and Cafe Ventana, this dorm boasts a great location for fitness enthusiasts and those in the Rady School of Management. However, for those with classes farther away, the dorm’s remoteness from the main campus can feel isolating and challenging without a convenient transit solution like a skateboard or bicycle. The dorm's settings are compact but functional, offering a small kitchen with adequate shelving and communal bathrooms that have separate shower and toilet facilities. Rooms can be cramped, particularly the triples, and lack of A/C makes them uncomfortably hot. Some residents appreciate maintenance's quick response and the consistently clean communal areas, while issues like broken elevators, limited parking, and poor lighting are notable concerns. Despite the downsides, students cherish the vibrant community, opportunity for lasting friendships, and proximity to the beach.

Rita Atkinson Residences is a modern dormitory primarily designed for transfer students, offering a mix of convenience and challenges. The building is relatively new and well-maintained, with weekly cleaning services that help keep the environment tidy. Each apartment features two mini double rooms, a shared bathroom, and modest living and kitchen spaces. Despite the neatness, the rooms are small and can feel cramped, especially with the presence of bunk beds. Its location on the southern end of the campus makes it a 15-20 minute walk to the main library, necessitating an electric scooter for quicker commutes.

Additionally, the concrete walls, while sturdy, give the rooms a dungeon-like aesthetic that some may find unappealing. Noise can be an issue due to thin walls, and the laundry facilities are often crowded and inefficient. However, residents benefit from a personal router, access to a gym, a game room, and proximity to shopping areas and dining options. Overall, Rita Atkinson Residences provides a comfortable living option with a communal yet semi-isolated atmosphere, suitable for those who appreciate their own space amidst a college setting.

Matthews Apartments is a well-located dorm known for its proximity to the trolley station, making travel and grocery shopping convenient for students without a car. The area has a cozy, homey feel due to its older design, featuring white walls and popcorn ceilings. Despite the spacious rooms, accommodating either doubles or triples, the dorm faces criticism for its small bathroom shared by six residents, which often leads to discomfort. The kitchen is compact with limited storage, posing challenges for multiple roommates who like to cook. While the common areas include a living room, carpet floors, and some dated furnishings, such as sofas and couches, there are concerns about cleanliness and maintenance, particularly in the bathroom. Despite these issues, students appreciate the overall space, accessibility to nearby facilities like Foodworx dining hall, and the apartment-like feel of the building. However, it might be inconvenient for students who need to attend classes in other parts of the campus, as it is far from several key academic areas.

UCSD Housing Forum

Best freshmen dorms at UCSD?

Best dorms at UCSD?

Worst dorms at UCSD?

Browse dorms on campus

Pepper Canyon

West Buildings 2-8

Marshall Residence Halls

East Ecoflats 2-5

Rita Atkinson Residences