When it comes time to finding UC San Diego off-campus housing, many students decide to rent in the La Jolla neighborhood just south of UC San Diego's campus. La Jolla is full of apartment and condo complexes as well as privately owned residences that students can rent.

Some of the most popular complexes are La Jolla Palms, La Jolla International Gardens, and Regents La Jolla. Don't be surprised when you find luxurious amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and gyms in these complexes. There are plenty of options for off-campus housing near UC San Diego in La Jolla.

Since this neighborhood can be pricey, it's a good idea to find some UC San Diego roommates to split the rent with. This way you can enjoy all that UC San Diego apartments have to offer without the worry of overpaying for your off-campus housing.

Along with finding roommates, there may be some situations where you have to find sublets near UC San Diego, especially if you decide to study abroad one semester, transfer schools, or are an incoming transfer student.

While the La Jolla neighborhood has easy access to campus and many students do decide to live here, it does have a high price point. There are some more affordable neighborhoods to the north of UCSD, such as Del Mar. However, students can count on sitting in at least 40 minutes of traffic each day commuting to class in the mornings.

Dining

Students do not have to travel very far for great restaurants and bars while attending UCSD. Close to campus, students can find a bustling Starbucks ensuring that every college student has their daily caffeine fill. For lunch, The Melt is a wonderful place to grab a quick Panini between classes. For some of the best pizza in town, Regents Pizza does not disappoint.

For the trendiest and hippest restaurants in town, students can go to The Gaslamp Quarter. This lively neighborhood is in the heart of San Diego and is home to stylish restaurants like Ra Sushi and Fred's Mexican Café, which has nightly specials that college students definitely would not want to pass up.

For a chill and relaxed evening, many UC San Diego students will head over to Garnet Avenue and enjoy a hookah at either Sinbad's Café or Fumari's.

Students aged 21+ can enjoy a crowded Garnet Avenue lined with full bars during the weekends. Some of the trendiest bars in the area are the PB Shore Club and Baja Beach Café, which is located right along the beach. For a great dive bar, patrons can head over to Bub's Dive Bar.

Transportation

UC San Diego offers a campus shuttle that will transport students around campus, to health facilities, and some off-campus locations. These shuttles are free to use with your student ID. The shuttle runs normal hours on weekdays and has limited service during the weekends, winter break, spring break, and summer break.

The city of San Diego does have public buses and trolleys that run throughout the city, making it easy for students to travel from campus into the metropolitan area. These routes have a little more availability than the campus shuttle and have more routes that go further throughout the area.

Students who wish to take public transportation in San Diego can purchase a Triton U-Pass through UC San Diego at the beginning of the semester for unlimited rides. This makes it extremely convenient and a little more affordable to take public transportation, especially for students who work or have an internship downtown.

Parking

Parking permits are available for commuting students that allows them to park on campus. These permits can be purchased at the beginning of the semester. There are multiple lots and garages where students can purchase permits for as well as street parking. However, students should be aware that just because they have a parking permit, it does not entitle them to a parking spot on campus.

Throughout La Jolla, street parking is mostly free. However, drivers should know of time-limited parking. Violation of these time limits can result in parking tickets or towing.

Most residences, especially apartments near UC San Diego do have parking spaces available. However, reserving a parking space at an apartment or condo complex may be an additional monthly fee.

Safety

UC San Diego and the surrounding area is relatively safe.

Around campus and in some off-campus locations, students will notice blue call boxes. These boxes are available for anyone who is in trouble and needs to contact the authorities quickly. With just a press of a button, help is dispatched within seconds.

Students can also take advantage of calling for a walking escort during the evening hours. This is ideal for students who study at the library until the early hours of the morning and do not feel comfortable walking back to their dormitory or apartment.

As with any area, students should be cautious and always lock their house and car doors, be aware of their surroundings, and never walk alone during the late evening.

Shopping

There are various shopping centers around UCSD. The most notable mall closest to campus is the Westfield UTC. This outdoor shopping center is home to some of the most recognizable brands and stores such as Nordstrom, Michael Kors, Athleta, and more. Students can also find various restaurants ranging from quick bites to fine dining.

There are plenty of grocery stores in the area. The most popular one is Whole Foods, which offers unique vegan, vegetarian, and organic groceries to customers.

In the same shopping center as Whole Foods, students can also find Trader Joe's another grocery store known for its organic and healthy-choice products, and Ralph's.

In the neighborhood of La Jolla, residents will often buy groceries at Vons, a well-known local supermarket in California.

Stepping away from UC San Diego and heading downtown, students can find even more variety of department stores, boutiques, and small specialty shops. Just a bus ride away, students have the entire city at their fingertips for all of their shopping needs.