Residential FAQ
When is move-in and move-out?
Move-in day will be Saturday, June 26, 2027 and move-out day will be Sunday, August 1, 2027. Students and parents will be sent instructions regarding move-in and move-out closer to the start and end of the program.
Can I arrive early or stay later?
No. Students will only have access to the residence halls during the designated program dates. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate early arrivals or extended stays before or after the program dates. Students and families should plan their travel arrangements accordingly.
Is airport transportation provided?
No. Discover UC San Diego does not provide airport transportation. Students and their parents or guardians are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the airport if the student is flying to the program. We encourage families to make transportation arrangements in advance of the student's arrival and departure.
What should students do if their travel plans change?
If you are an out-of-state student and your flight is delayed or canceled, please notify Discover UC San Diego staff as soon as possible by emailing discover4hs@ucsd.edu. Our team will work with you to address any concerns related to your arrival and program check-in.
Can I pick my roommate?
No, roommates are assigned based on the responses provided in the roommate questionnaire during the application process. This approach encourages students to meet new people, build meaningful connections, and foster a sense of community throughout their five-week experience with Discover UC San Diego.
Are the roommate assignments or living spaces co-ed??
No. Students will be assigned to residence hall floors or wings based on gender. There will be no co-ed floors or shared living spaces during the Discover UC San Diego program.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
No, bedding sheets, blankets, and pillows will be provided for all residential students. However, if you would like to bring your own you are welcome to do so.
Are the residence halls air-conditioned?
No.The residence halls at UC San Diego do not have air conditioning. We encourage students to bring a small fan. Here are some examples of fans that students can bring:
- Desk fans
- 20" Box Fan
- 12-14" Standing Fan
- Small Clip-on fans
- Personal hand-held fans
How many meals do I get a day?
Students will receive 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at one of UC San Diego's dining hall locations. The dining hall is buffet style, and accomodates a variety of dietary needs. Please ensure when filling out your application that you indicate any dietary restrictions you may have, as we share this information with the dining hall.
Students are welcome to bring and purchase their own snacks and outside food options during the program if they would like, but it is not required.
Will I have access to laundry?
Yes! Students will have access to a designated laundry room equipped with washers and dryers. A laundry card will be required to use the machines, which students can purchase once the program has started. The pricing is as follows:
- Wash: $1.50 per cycle
- Dry: $1.25 per cycle
- Additional drying time: $0.25 per 15 minutes
Are students supervised throughout the program?
Yes. Students are supervised throughout the program by Residential Life staff, Discover UC San Diego staff, and UC San Diego faculty and staff. For their safety, all students are required to follow the buddy system at all times. This means students may not travel from one location to another alone and must always be accompanied by another student participating in the program.
Are students allowed to leave campus independently?
No. Students are not permitted to leave campus independently. The UC San Diego campus offers convenient options, including Target and various food and snack locations, where students can purchase essentials.
Discover UC San Diego will also organize field trips and excursions that provide students with opportunities to explore the San Diego area and experience life beyond campus. Students may only leave campus as part of these designated, program-organized activities and are not permitted to go off campus independently.
Can I miss class? - Absence Protocol
No. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and may only miss class due to illness or a family or medical emergency. Students may not miss more than two sessions of any course. In the event of an excused absence, students are responsible for communicating directly with their instructor to arrange to make up any missed coursework, assignments, or activities.
What if I get sick? - Medical Protocol
Discover UC San Diego has an established protocol for students who become ill during the program. Students are required to report any illness to Discover UC San Diego staff. Staff will work closely with the student and their parents or guardians to address health concerns and determine how the illness may affect the student's participation in the program.
In the event of a medical emergency, Discover UC San Diego staff will immediately contact emergency medical professionals and notify the student's parents or guardians.
Can I go to the gym? - Recreational Opportunities
Discover UC San Diego participants will not have access to UC San Diego's gym or fitness facilities. However, the program will offer scheduled recreational activities, such as tennis, volleyball, and soccer, that students are welcome to join and participate in at designated times.
Students are also encouraged to stay active and exercise independently outside of scheduled program activities. While access to the UC San Diego gym is not included, students can take advantage of the outdoor spaces on campus. In past programs, students have enjoyed running in pairs, organizing walking groups, and participating in group workouts together on the lawn.
We encourage students to stay active, connect with their peers, and make the most of the recreational opportunities available throughout the program!
Can students participate in activities outside of the scheduled program?
No. To ensure student safety and encourage community building, Discover UC San Diego does not permit students to be checked out of the program for activities or commitments outside of the scheduled program. Exceptions may be considered only in the case of a family or medical emergency, with appropriate supporting documentation required.
We encourage students to take full advantage of their time in the program by participating in scheduled activities and building connections with their peers. Students are welcome to participate in additional online programs; however, we ask parents and students to carefully consider their overall workload and commitments. Our goal is to ensure students have a rewarding and enjoyable experience while maintaining a healthy balance and avoiding academic overload or burnout.