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What to do in San Diego as a College Student? (All budget friendly)

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSD chapter.

For the incoming Freshmen at the University of San Diego, especially those who are coming out of state like me, being in the 8th largest city in the United States is a little scary but at the same time very exciting. From the warm water beaches to the cultural heart of San Deigo, this place many of us call home is full of adventures for all with differing interests.

 

For the beach gals at heart, you could not live in San Diego and not go to …

 

  • Black Beach: Although quite a hike down, and also known as the nation’s second-largest nude beach, it is always a magical place during sunset.

  • Sunset Cliffs: If you are ever looking for a Game of Throne moment standing at the end of the cliff looking at the sunset and hearing the waves crash this is the place for you.

  • The Cave Store: A cute secret cave hidden in the depths of the La Jolla cliffs. 

  • Windansea Beach

  • Pinpoint Cafe (next to Revelle Lab): A study place with a view you will never forget

 

For the nature girls who can live a day without having to wash out all the sand in their hair, you must visit…

 

  • Kate Session Park

  • Balboa Park

  • Potato Chip Hike

  • Bayshore Bikeway

 

A girl in a city like this will always want to spice up her fashion game with some beauties she might find at a thrift store and San Diego is just the place to do that…

 

  • Pacific Beach: Do not be tricked by the name, all though near the beach this place if full of small thrift stores that are bound to have your lucky find ( From personal experience there are at least three Goodwills in the area)

  • Delmar: A little north of campus. This beautiful oasis is full of cute antique stores.

  • Koby’s Swap Meet

  • Aunt Helen’s Thrift Store

 

And of course, the thing that makes the earth turn round and round… food…

 

  • Little Italy: As the name says itself, if you are looking for a good place to get a taste of Italy that is the place to go

  • UTC Mall: Although famous for its clothing outlets the UTC Mall is known for having some of the best BOBA tea in all of San Diego. The mall is also blessed with restaurants like Shake Shack, Noodles and Company, and much more.

  • Pacific Beach: For all, you fish taco lovers you will find the perfect fish taco for you here don’t you worry. And a personalized ice cream sandwich for dessert.

 

With so many incredible things to do in San Deigo, it is sometimes hard to figure out where to even start, but I hope this helps a little as it helped me. If you are a homebody like me try pushing yourself out there once in a while and you might discover even more than what is in this article. When else would you get the opportunity to live in such an incredible place? Just remember to stay safe and happy. 

Hi, my name is Sofya Svyatskaya and I am a freshman at the University of California San Deigo as a human bio major in hopes of pursuing a medical career. However, on the side a have an immense passion for fashion, leading a healthy lifestyle, and simply enjoying the beauty of my new home, San Diego.
Her Campus at UCSD aims to create a more open platform for women to share their ideas and passions with the rest of the college community. Our writers are students of all different majors who share the same passion for writing and media and are excited to bring more fun articles for the UCSD community and others to indulge in and enjoy.