San Diego State University
San Diego, CA, USA

Reviews

San Diego State University

Lizette from Planada, CA

a current student here
53 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have definitely learned new information and facts I did not know prior to attending SDSU. All professors are unique with their own way of helping students learn the material. Professor's office hours are so helpful and fitting to your schedule, and if they are not professors go out of their way to make a personal appointment to meet with you at your best time. The Lovely Library is amazing, it offers so many resources for your project needs and something very special that not many libraries have are it offers a 24 Hour Study Area! This study area is open to all SDSU students needing that extra time to finish up their studies or school work.
Am enjoying being here
You will never have a dull moment at SDSU! Events are constantly being held for all students year round. The gym is a fantastic place to go exercise and release stress and energy! The ARC offers a relaxing environment to take a swim and be with friends. There’s even a bowling arena which includes a pool table and arcade games for all of you gamers out there!
Bang for the buck
Recently tuition went up along with many other CSU's in California, so make sure you have some money saved because SDSU is fantastic but it’s also expensive. It's definitely worth the money though.
Tips for prospective students
For all incoming freshmen i strongly recommend that you live on campus at a dorm, it’s a fantastic way to make new friends and to find people who you can live with your sophomore year. Plus you’re much more involved in campus activities when you live at the dorms. Campus activities are so much fun and a great way to be social. Activities include carnivals, concerts, casino nights, dances, games, BBQ's, outdoor movie nights and much more. Also by living in a dorm you receive access to an AM (Academic Mentor), this person can help you plan your upcoming semester classes, give you advice on school work, look over your schoolwork and much more, they are a great resource for freshmen.
Great for these types of students
Students that love nature scenery will love SDSU. The college is full of beautiful nature which includes hundreds of different types of plants, flowers, and trees. In the middle of the school is a coy pond full of fish and turtles, this pond is so relaxing to visit during a break or just to lie down on the grass and take a nap. If you want to go outside the college area there are beaches and parks in very close distance. Students that want or are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, our Greek system is fantastic and has a huge range from the Pan-Hellenic to cultural fraternities and sororities. I’m sure you’ll find one that is perfect for you; it’s a great way to be social and make new friends! Active students will enjoy the many different sports SDSU has to offer from division to intramural sports, or for those who love attending sporting events our men’s basketball team is a sight to see.

francisco from Chula Vista, CA

a current student here
39 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I feel like I am learning a lot not only because of the professors but because of my own effort. All the professors I have had are very intelligent, each with their own knowledge in certain fields. They provide you with all the information and help that you need to successfully and fully understand the material.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being here because of the location in San Diego. Its not to far of a commute from my house and it close to many places in that San Diego Area. I also like the weather and I have met many nice and helpful students.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you visit the campus first to see if you like the environment. Meet new people and surround yourself with good group of friends that you can work with throughout the semester.

Pharon from San Diego, CA

a current student here
34 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
From my experience the professors are entertaining and informational so class isn't completely boring.
Am enjoying being here
There's always something to do here, its a very relaxed environment. You can always find someone sleeping on a bench or in the grass, or playing music. We have a bowling alley, our own gym, intramural sports.There is a farmers market every Thursday, great food, produce, and even clothes. There's lots of ways to meet new people.
Tips for prospective students
Once you get to college, any college, study study study. Don't put off studying until the last minute, it doesn't work trust me. I never had to study in high school because I learned all I needed to know in class but, in college you only get half the lesson, the rest you have to teach yourself by reading your text book. Practice good study habits! I can't stress that enough because no matter how smart you are if you don't study, when the test comes you won't understand anything. Tests are basically your whole grade so do good on those and you will be fine. If your planning on working during school, find a job on campus, it pays well and they work around your class schedule. Don't overwhelm yourself by taking too many classes at once. I recommend taking 12 units (approx. 4 classes) so you can get a feel for the college experience and still qualify for financial aid. By taking less classes it also allows you room for extracurricular activities.

Stephanie from Palmdale, CA

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are very helpful. You definitely learn a great deal in each of your classes.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being there very much. The campus is beautiful and mostly all restored to make it more of beautiful campus. There are many clubs and activities around for you to do and join. It is guaranteed that you will never be bored and that you will learn a lot.
Bang for the buck
Not only are you getting an amazing education for the price, but you will be getting a campus that is filled with school spirit and activities. It is similar to getting an Ivy-League school education for half the price.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to fill out the FAFSA ecause SDSU is very gracious with financial aid. Also, be sure to get involved in something fun when on campus. It makes school a lot easier.
Great for these types of students
This is an AMAZING school for Pre-Nursing students. SDSU is one of the top nursing schools in America. They also have an amazing Pre-Med advisor.

Sheyenne from Fallbrook, CA

a current student here
17 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
With such a large university, there are so many interesting classes and majors.
Am enjoying being here
There is so much to do at SDSU and in San Diego. With so many diverse people, you will love your four years here! Definitely get involved your freshman year, with clubs, student government, and sports.
Bang for the buck
Being a Cal State School, tuition is extremely low for the great professors you will meet, the many services you get for free, and the gorgeous campus.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to apply early! Rumor has it they stop viewing applications after they receive a certain amount. Make sure to research the new admission requirements, they just changed them.
Great for these types of students
Social, outgoing, and active.

Andrea from Palmdale, CA

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are great! The campus staff offers tons of help to pick out your classes to make sure you are utilizing your time and expediting your stay here on campus. I am currently taking Sociology, Political Science, Spanish, Communication, Rhetoric Writing Studies...these class are great and have GREAT professors that are there for you. Everyday I love going to class because there is so much knowledge to be had. I believe that I have had an extraordinary academic experience at SDSU and am hopeful that my experience will continue throughout my four years here. If you want to learn with the best of the best then come to SDSU.
Am enjoying being here
I feel like I am having the time of my life. My roommates are my best friends and I am excelling in all my classes. I feel myself getting closer and closer to my life long goal of finding a great career. I can give my college full credit for the reason why I am heading in the good direction that I am. SDSU, I feel is my main supporters of my success. I have worked my entire academic career on getting into a great campus and I know that I have made the right choice by going here.
Bang for the buck
Though college in general tends to be a pretty pricey experience. The Cal State System tries to limit the fees and make it a more affordable experience. The FAFSA help me but I did still have to take out some loans, but with the experience that I am having it is all worth it. I love every minute I am here on campus. I believe every penny is worth it. If I chose to go to a local community college because of the costs I believe I would not be as successful as I am today, because I believe I am paying for the experience and in hand with that boosts my education. So when someone asks me, Is it worth it? I would reply yes every time.
Tips for prospective students
Live on Campus. The housing on campus is amazing. THe rooms are clean, big and it is the best way to meet new people. Along with the housing you are given a meal plan as well, which makes it easy and convenient to get any groceries you need. This campus is safe. Another peice of advice I have for you is to get involved and utilize what our campus offers. We have a state-of-the-art gym with sauna and rock wall. This makes it easy to get fit. If you are not the type to get on a treadmill and run, SDSU also has a huge aquaplex and bowling alley that offers fun and easy ways to get in shape.
Great for these types of students
SDSU is great for any type of student. If you are more of a bookworm, our campus offers a wonderful library with abundant quiet areas to get your work done. If you are more of the social type then our school offers many on-campus events that are free of charge and are lots of fun.

Juliette from San Diego, CA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Every class at this university can be applied to the real world. The professors and teaching assistants have a genuine interest in their field of study and enjoy informing others about their passion. Also, the student tend to be very adamant about learning and helping their peers learn.
Am enjoying being here
San Diego itself is a wonderful place to live. San Diego State University is just as great, except the beach isn't in our backyard. However, the atmosphere of this university and the people make the experience at SDSU one of the best I have had in my life.
Bang for the buck
I'm sure this is a fairly typical statement for most college students nowadays... Stop raising the registration fees! Just this past month we had a student panel about raising the fee for the Student Health Services Center. Associated Students wanted to more than double the fee! Well, thanks to the input of the students and staff, that initiative did not go through. So make sure to be involved in your university's decision-making process!
Tips for prospective students
If you're going into any field of study here, prepare to be challenged. Though the material itself isn't so hard to understand, and the workload is not unfair, the atmosphere of San Diego can suck you in and take hold. Make sure to prioritize your life. The cost of the institution should say it all; College is important!
Great for these types of students
Social and fun, San Diego State University is perfect for those who would like to break out if their shell, make new friends, and get a good tan ;) It does take a bit of work, but in the end, it's totally worth it!

Denisse from Imperial Beach, CA

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
San Diego State University is a pretty diverse school in this school students will find people pretty much from all over the world. Its environment makes you study outside the library, of course not in cold days. Everything about SDSU is great its classes, bookstore, dorms, library, dinner services, and student services.
Tips for prospective students
Advices for SDSU prospective students.
Try to balance your classes do not rush trying to finish your GE in the first semester.
Bring lunch if you do not live on campus at least 3 times per week.
Study for finals two-three weeks before the exams.
Go to office hours/do extra credit if possible.
Library will be open 24 hrs during finals go there and actually study, don't try to order pizza and study with a friend at 2:00am. Trust me it will not work better to study for yourself or STUDY with a group of people.
If you like to party well try to balance school and social life.
Do not let professors scare you, you can raise your grade even if you fail or did not do so well on the first test.
Try to focus on classes that are for your major since those will count towards your GPA.
Finally try to relax, you have four or five yrs to finish with college you may as well try enjoy college while you can.
Academic Rigor
I would say SDSU professor are strict about grades, they love participation, questions and all that. Classes are hard I am not going to lie but this is college and yes you will find classes that are ridiculously easy, but what is the advantage of having an easy class if you are not going to learn as you should. Overall professors at SDSU are willing to help most of the time if you do what they say (syllabus) you will be golden, and you will actually learn a lot of material that will help you during your entire life.
Dorm Life
Dorm life... If you like to party well in the dorms you will always find someone that knows where to go. Students like to party who doesn't but considering we are in San Diego try to go to parties that are either close to SDSU or inside the dorms. Now if you want to know what happen to students who do not like to party, well other students will respect your decisions and they will not treat you different, they will talk to you as usual, but of course they will not invite you to parties. Dorms are nice, maybe some crazy drama since we still teenagers, but overall you will find a roommate that will get along. Why? Because they do this survey that matches you up with the perfect roommate... most of the time and if not you can either tell the RAs and they will find you a room for yourself, or you can also choose your roommate if you know anyone that will live on campus.
Food and Dining
FOOD everyone needs to eat that's why SDSU decided to sell food at prices that most of the time are insane. Especially if you live on campus and your meal plan is 15-20 dlls per day. Bring food from home and your wallet will be safe. Dining well even though the prices are high the quality of the food is good SDSU have the popular fast food places on campus and outside of campus. Students cannot complain about food just about prices but not food.
What to do for fun
San Diego State University is located in well San Diego and there will always be something fun to do. You can take the trolley and go to the different malls. Go to mission beach 20 min away from SDSU, clubs, basketball games at SDSU, concerts, and all the parks that are close to SDSU. Balboa Park, Sea World, Petco, Qualcoom etc,.
Bang for the buck
SDSU is a school with great academic programs, internships, work study and activities that will always be there you just have to active.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
WELCOME WEEK!! you need to come to SDSU to know the events during the welcome week. P.S There are plenty of event all year around and you will not regret if you go, concerts and festivals are just part of the traditions. There are different locations and unusual traditions every week.
Great for these types of students
If you are a foreign student or not then the free food on Friday event will be perfect for you. They give a small portion of food for every different ethnicity that goes to SDSU so practically you will taste food from every part of the world.
Clubs and Activities
A lot of clubs and activities that I cannot mention because there are hundreds and if you still need to find the perfect club you can create your own.
Greek Life
Greek life= rush week, drama, fun, parties, sisters, brothers, relationships, friendships. Greek life is fun if you choose the sorority or fraternity that is right for you.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is alright you can call them and they will be with you right away. If it late at night and you want to get to your dorm and you are from one side of the campus you can always call and ask for someone that will take you in their little car to the other side of campus. So I will say a pretty safety campus.

Shaghayegh from San Diego, CA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Despite what most people say about the difficulty of learning in large classrooms, the amount of learning that goes on within is tremendous. Yes maybe you wont have time to ask 10 questions in class, but every professor has set aside office hours for students who need help, guidance, pretty much anything they can help you with. SDSU is filled with some of the most amazing professors who really care about their students success and learning and are passionate about their subject.
Am enjoying being here
The campus of SDSU is very beautiful. There are many places on campus that you can go to relax and de-stress. The people that go here are nice and laid back. The location of the campus is prime; just 10 minutes away from pretty much ANY beach, the best malls in SD, food, downtown, etc.
Bang for the buck
I know tuition it is pretty expensive, even for instate. But the way I think about it: I'm paying for my future. Don't be afraid to use your resources, there are so many! I talk to my professors about any questions I may have about the class or even about my future plans. They are there to help, so why not use them?
Tips for prospective students
Don't let freshman year GPA bring you down! It may be hard to adjust to the college style of learning but come in expecting that and it will be easier for you to adapt to it. The classes you take freshman year will be some of the easiest you will ever take and it will be a shame to miss out on a GPA boost.
Talk to your professors! I can't even say how important it is. I know some may be intimidating, but that's their job so don't be afraid. Trust me, if you talk to your professors when you have questions (about anything!) you will be very thankful you did.
Great for these types of students
Ambitious, studious, outgoing, laid back, social, antisocial....Honestly, this school is good for any student who wants to go to college and get a great education and an unforgettable, unregrettable, experience!

Khyati from Santa Clara, CA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes here are definitely challenging especially if you start slacking off. There is a lot of reading (mainly because I'm an English major) but it's always really interesting. Although there are certain sets of required classes we need to take, there's a wide variety of other courses you can take as well so there's always something that you can take of interest to you.
Am enjoying being here
Even though I was freaked out the first week I was at this school, I soon adapted to everything really well as did everyone else that I know. It's been really fun living in the dorms with a bunch of friends who you can always visit. Also, there is always something to do here whether it's something put on by the school, going to a party, or just hanging around with a bunch of friends from your dorm. As long as you try to get involved with everything that is almost handed to you, you'll never be bored.
Tips for prospective students
Whether you're ready to get into the college life or are scared out of your mind to be away from home, everything will work out fine. Yes, that sounds cliche but everyone I know has adapted incredibly well to college life. It feels just like home and no one really feels homesick either. Sure there are times when people miss their families and beds but that's about it. Also, just a heads up, if you're one of those people that take really long showers, that won't work here too will because I can guarantee and that, since these are communal showers, you will want to get out of the shower as quickly as possible.
Also, just remember that you're going to have less space in the dorms that you did at home probably and therefore you shouldn't bring every single thing in your room but then again, don't just bring the bare minimum either because then you'll feel like you under packed; bring the necessities as well as some things you really like and just want to have to do in your spare time but the more stuff you have, the messier your room will look.
The meal plans are kind of crazy and there's so much food on campus that you will not go hungry. However, it is definitely nice to have some snacks stored away in your room for those late nights or weekends (depending on your meal plan). The freshman 15 is definitely not a myth either so take advantage of your gym membership as much as you can.