Explore More @UC San Diego

Spend the day on campus

The campus tour is a great introduction to UC San Diego. Get even more of a sense of life as a Triton by going beyond the heart of campus. You can attend an early-morning class before the tour, or one afterwards, or stay on campus for an evening of music or theatre. Download the planning PDF for suggestions for fun, food, and entertainment.

More recommendations for our visting families and school groups.

Attend a class

At the beginning of each Fall, Winter, and Spring quarter, we post a list of UC San Diego classes open for visits. Choose by days of the week, time, or the field of study you're interested in. Classes are not open during tests or exams, or during summer sessions. For more information, download the most recent class list PDF so you can plan ahead and find out what college classes are all about!

Can't make it to campus in person? Listen to class lectures – choose from our podcast list – audio, RSS fee, iTunes and some classes in video, too.

Specialized tours

If you're interested in another kind of tour, for example an in-depth look at the Geisel Library, just ask. For summer visitors, on-campus housing for prospective students and their families is available from mid-June until Labor Day. Single or double rooms, as well as apartments, are available. Request additional information from Housing's guest reservations. We are unable to provide overnight accommodations or meals for school groups.

On this page:

• Academics and classes
• The Price Center
• Dining
• Birch Aquarium
• The Stuart Collection
• Geisel Library
• On stage

News you can use:

• Driving directions and parking
• Have you reserved your tour yet?

• Experience the academic side of UC San Diego

  

  Planning to spend the day on campus? Plan ahead and see what classroom life is like. During the regular academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, or September through June), you can visit selected classes in session. Download the list of available classes for the current quarter.

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• The Price Center

  

  Located at the heart of campus, the Price Center is UC San Diego's main student union, described as "the living room of campus." Here you'll find information services and computer lounges, along with a game room and theatre. Check out the UCSD Bookstore, offering a variety of apparel, souvenirs, gifts, supplies, and books beyond texts.  There's a computer store and Perk's Coffee Shop here, too.

  The Price Center is also a food court, so whether you're looking for sandwiches or pizza or coffee... yogurt or salad or smoothies or sushi... or ethnic options including Mexican, Greek, Indian, or Chinese food... you'll find it here. There's a convenience store, too — the Price Center is a great place to shop, eat, explore, and relax.

  For more information, visit the University Centers home page and find out about the other part of University — food options, community centers, and more space to connect or unwind.

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• UC San Diego dining services

  

  Want to experience student dining at UC San Diego? Check out one of the ten different residential dining options located all around campus. Visit Housing and Dining for information about each of the unique dining halls. Or ask your College Ambassador to direct you to a favorite. Larger groups can arrange ahead of time to have their group dine at one of these locations; individuals can drop in any time to purchase a meal or snack.

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• Birch Aquarium at Scripps

  

  The Birch Aquarium, part of the world-renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography on the UC San Diego campus, offers fun for the whole family. More than 370,000 visitors each year can learn about 5,000+ fishes and invertebrates in exhibits ranging from climate change to environmental stewardship, plus a Hall of Fishes with 60 tanks of sea life... the 70,000-gallon kelp forest... a Shark Reef... and the interactive Tide Pool Plaza.

  The Aquarium is just minutes from the heart of campus by bus or free campus shuttle! Visit the Birch Aquarium website for more details, including an events calendar and group/family admission rates.

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• Stuart Collection

  

  Seventeen site-specific art installations make up this unique outdoor collection. You'll see some of them on your campus tour. If you're interested in the rest, get the map and you'll get to see much more of the campus than we can cover on our tour. This is a beautiful, relaxing walk, so have a great time exploring on your own.

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• Geisel Library

  

  You'll see Geisel Library and learn a bit about it on your campus tour, but there's much more. UC San Diego's main library is one of the standout resources of the campus as well as its most distinct architectural landmark. The building houses five of the ten libraries and special collections in UCSD's 3.2 million-volume library system.

  Named for Theodor S. Geisel (more commonly known as Dr. Seuss), drawings and rough drafts from the largest collection of Dr. Seuss's original works are displayed each year to celebrate his birthday in early March. More great information about resources, history, and exhibits and events is on the library website.

  Want an in-depth visit? Find out about group tours or self-guided tours at Geisel.

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• Performing and visual arts

  

  Take a look at UC San Diego's Event Calendar for dates, times, and descriptions of lectures, exhibits, community events, and performances.

  Or visit the websites of the Theatre & Dance department, Music department, The Loft, and the University Art Gallery for more. There is always something to see and do, in every corner of campus!

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Questions? Contact Campus Tours Office, (858) 822-4750.