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UCSD
College Guide

UC San Diego

📍 La Jolla, CA

✓ Verified against official UC San Diego housing information · August 2026 How we verify
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The residential college decides

UC San Diego is eight residential colleges with different buildings and rules. A general UCSD packing list will get bedding right and almost nothing else, so wait for the college and building assignment.

Bed and room basics

Most undergraduate rooms take Twin XL bedding, but confirm it against the assigned community rather than assuming. Room type, bathroom, kitchen, air conditioning and storage all vary, so hold off on rugs, large organizers, furniture and shared appliances until the assignment lands. University furniture stays in the room.

Pack these first

  • Bedding once the assignment confirms the size
  • Towels, toiletries and a shower caddy
  • Laundry supplies and hangers
  • A fan where the building has no air conditioning
  • Approved surge protection

Rules and smart skips

  • Personal appliances and refrigerators must follow Housing, Dining and Hospitality rules, which are published per community.
  • Skip large storage furniture and wall décor until you have seen the community details for the assigned building.
  • Do not remove or replace university furniture.

Before move-in

  • Community-specific move-in information arrives through the housing portal and college communications.
  • Follow the assigned date, time, parking, unloading route and key or access instructions.
  • Photograph the room and complete the required condition process before rearranging furniture.

Official sources

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Other California schools

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DormHQ is an independent planning resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by UC San Diego. School names are used only to identify the housing information being summarized. Housing details change, so always confirm specifics in the official university housing portal before purchasing size-specific items.