Experience in San Diego, United States by Aubrey

What is it like to live in San Diego? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

San Diego is a young and lively city, I have lived here three years and don't plan on moving anytime soon! San Diego has the perfect balance between beach days and nights downtown, and there is a little something for everyone with miles of trails and watersports to keep you entertained.

What is the student lifestyle like in San Diego?

The student lifestyle is lively and fun! There is always something to do with friends on the weekend, and the work week usually winds down on thursday and everyone is ready to head to the beach for happy hour and sunsets or out to North Park for a night at the arcade bars!

How much does it cost to live in San Diego?

San Diego is more expensive compared to other areas with the average rent for a single bedroom being around $800, and without a car travel costs with Uber and Trolley may become more expensive. Food and drinks can be more expensive as well, but the corner street taco stands are always cheap and delicious at the right time of night!

Is it difficult to find accommodation in San Diego? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not too difficult to find housing in San Diego! Joining Facebook messaging boards can find you a room for your budget within weeks and also allows for you to meet some great new roommates!

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food in San Diego is amazing! The fresh mexican cuisine is always an experience, especially at El Prez in Pacific Beach, it is a bar that is common among all university students for drinks and snacks!

What places would you recommend visiting in San Diego?

I would recommend visiting Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, Cowles Mountain, Potato Chip Rock, Three Sisters Falls, and the Sand Dunes and Salvation Mountain!

Is it good to eat out in San Diego? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, it is good to eat out in San Diego! El Prez, Shore Club, and Waterbar are great bars and snack food spots, Omnia in Downtown is a fun club for dancing and drinks, Baja Betty's in Hillcrest is a fun and affordable brunch spot with bottomless mimosas, and The Great Maple is a delicious upscale brunch spot with handcrafted drinks and fresh farm to table eats!

Is the nightlife good in San Diego? Where is good to go?

Yes the night life is good! The above bars and clubs are all great for dancing and going out! A walk down the main strip in downtown will offer a variety of clubs and late night dining. The club scene is San Diego does end early though with most places closing down around 2-3 a.m. which is when everyone leaves to grab mexican food from the closest spot because all are authentic and delicious!

What advice would you give future students heading to San Diego?

I would advise students to move in with students from the US or San Diego to really explore and get the local experience, and with many having cars, there is more opportunity to explore the city for a little cheaper (Just be sure to offer to chip in for gas money!). San Diego students are always doing things on the weekend and having fun in local areas, not many people stay home all weekend and do nothing, so finding a fun group will have you seeing more than you can imagine in no time! Just don't forget to study too!