On-Campus Housing
As an incoming USD student, your housing area is determined by your class level. Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on-campus, but may choose to live either on or off-campus beginning junior year. The convenience of living on-campus allows students to get more involved with school and student organizations without worrying too much about transportation and parking. Learn about On-Campus Living Options, including undergraduate, graduate and living learning communities.
Typically, there are fewer graduate housing placements than applications so it is important to apply early.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-Campus Housing in San Diego is tough. It is expensive and involves research. Please give yourself ample time — about four to six weeks — to search for off-campus housing. Start your search and learn about other off-campus housing information sources. Remember, persistence and patience are both key when seeking off-campus housing.
Resources for Off-Campus Housing
- View the Commuter Commons Off-Campus Living Guide
- View the Graduate & Law Student Off-Campus Living Guide
- HUGS is a company started by an USD international student to help international students in San Diego find affordable housing.
- OISS highly recommends renters insurance.
Housing Scams
Housing scams are frequent on websites such as Craigslist. Before you begin your search we recommend reading through How to Protect Yourself from Scams Targeting Renters.
Transportation
The USD Campus Trams are small buses that run throughout campus and do not charge a fee. Students often utilize tram services when traveling to and from their on-campus housing accommodation and to and from class. The USD tram also offers free transportation to all students to Old Town, where there is also a MTS trolley station.
For more information on the Old Town Route, as well as on-campus routes, please visit USD Tram Services Routes.
The University of San Diego is located a short walk from the Morena/Linda Vista trolley station on the Green Line and #44 bus line. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates buses and trolleys throughout San Diego. Visit sdmts.com for timetables, maps and more.
USD students can purchase a MTS pass at the University Center Ticket Office for a discounted price. For more information, visit USD Ticket Transportation.
If you are staying in San Diego for at least one year, it may be wise to purchase your own car. Budget-conscious students are better off purchasing a used vehicle in great condition. There are two ways of purchasing a used car.
If buying a car from a dealership:
- You have the right to see a copy of the dealer's warranty before you buy.
- Warranties are included in the price of the product; service contracts cost extra and are sold separately.
If buying a car through a private owner:
- Know that buying a car from a private individual is different from buying from a dealer.
- A private sale probably will be "as is”, meaning no warranty will be included
- Other items to budget for include: insurance, registration, gas, maintenance and repairs.
- There are additional fees paid to the DMV to change ownership of the purchased vehicle. The amount of fees that may be due depends on a variety of factors; an exact amount can only be calculated when you submit your application to the DMV.
- The transfer fees are due within 10 days of the sale.
- Always test drive the car on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
- Have the car inspected by a mechanic. It is normal practice in the U.S. when buying a used car to hire a mechanic at your own cost to examine the vehicle before purchase.
- Check out the following resources:
Owning a car can be very convenient but also very expensive. If you decide not to purchase a car, renting is another good option to consider. A car can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Be careful, as often the cost of rental with big name companies does not include insurance. Make sure to inquire about the maximum liability (the most you would have to pay if you have an accident).
Campus Parking Permit
Students and scholars must display a valid USD parking permit at all times while parking on campus. Please ensure that the permit is properly displayed with the entire permit number visible at all times. Commuter Students (students living off-campus) must park in non-reserved, non-residential, white-lined spaces on campus from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. After 4 p.m. students are allowed to park in white or yellow lines spaces and RESERVED spaces.
Resident Students must park in white lined spaces in your assigned parking area from 7AM-7PM. After 7PM students are allowed to park on the main campus in white or yellow lined spaces as well as in RESERVED spaces. You must move your vehicle by 7AM the next morning back to your assigned area.
Banking
Having a local bank account is especially helpful for students or visitors that will be in the country for an extended period of time. Lucky, there is a bank on campus. There are two different types of bank accounts that people typically have – a checking account and a savings account. While both types of bank accounts have different purposes, they both help manage your money.
How To Open A Bank Account
- Take your passport, another form of identification (your USD student I.D. card) and, if applicable, your Form I-20/DS-2019 to the "New Accounts"Section of the bank.
- Please be aware that you may be asked for a Social Security Number (SSN). Unless you already have a SSN, remember to explain to the Account Representative that you are an international student at USD and therefore would not be eligible for an SSN at that point.
- You must have money (at least $25.00 to $100.00 depending on the bank) to open an account. Depending on the bank and the type of account you choose to open, you may be given an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card, and/or a checkbook.
- If you deposit cash or traveler’s checks, the bank will allow you to use your checking account funds immediately. If you deposit a check, the bank will not allow you to spend the money for 2-4 weeks
If you are thinking about paying your tuition through an overseas bank account, you may begin the process with flywire. Flywire by peerTransfers is a reliable and effective way to pay your tuition in the currency that your bank account is opened with excellent foreign exchange rates.
For more information, visit USD Torero Hub Payment Methods.