Students in class at USD

Moving to San Diego

A family moving into the residential halls at USD

Getting to San Diego and moving into your residence hall can be a stressful experience if you don't plan ahead. Below are some helpful hints and suggestions which we hope will facilitate a smooth and pain-free moving experience for our students from beyond California!

Orientation

We are hard at work crafting a move-in and orientation program that prioritizes your well being. Our goal is to help you prepare for classes, meet your community, and connect with resources. For more information, make sure to visit the Torero Hub.

Campus Housing Move-In

For more information about the move-in process or housing, please visit the Residential Life website.

What to Pack

Essentials

Here are some of the essential items recommended by our Out-of-State Ambassadors!

  • Something to remind you from home
  • A fan
  • Beachwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks or foods from home
  • Sports gear for your favorite team
  • Re-usable shopping bags

Important Documents

When packing for your move to San Diego, don't forget to bring the things that you might not use as often, but are still essential such as driver's license, passport, social security card, medical insurance information, financial aid forms, or other important documents. As an out-of-state student, it could take longer to get these documents depending on how far away your parent or guardian lives, so we encourage you to consider bringing them.

Many students from beyond California choose to apply for a California driver's license or ID card. This is especially important for students who either wish to establish residency or who do not possess a REAL ID compliant form of identification. More information about what documentation will be needed to apply for a California ID or driver's license can be found on the California DMV website.

Other Things to Pack

For more ideas of what to pack, check out the Residential Life packing checklist!