Choosing The Right College Within A College

An often overlooked aspect of university applications is considering which college you would like to attend. Several renowned global universities like UCambridge, UCSD, and UToronto follow a college system, in which students receive a more community-oriented and close-knit university experience. Each college cultivates its own philosophy, traditions, and schedule, while still being affiliated to the larger university. While it is easy to pick a university based on its global ranking, curriculum offerings, and alumni network, picking a college is an equally weighty decision, as it forms a major part of the student support system that you will have during your time abroad. 

There are several key factors to consider when choosing the right college for you. These are primarily location, size and age, college-specific facilities, accommodation, and any particularly course requirements. Based on your priorities, level of study, and quality requirements, you may put in a preference for a college, but remember - a seat may not be available and the university would then transfer you to the next best option. 

To understand what college life is like, we reached out to one of our star students, Apoorvi Mittal, who completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and has just been admitted to Columbia SPS for Applied Analytics.

Apoorvi provided us with an insider view of UCSD colleges in line with her knowledge and experiences during university life. 

At UCSD, there are seven colleges with varying general education requirements (GEs), which are classes you can take in addition to your majors in order to obtain extra course credit.

Earl Warren is the college of choice for most engineering students, as it is closer to the engineering faculty, despite being a bit far from the University center. This is known to be a quiet space with an average dining hall. When it comes to location, the Sixth college fares poorly, as it is secluded and farthest from the university buildings, as well as the center. When students need to consider early morning lectures, this could be a point of concern, as is the quality of its dining facilities. The Seventh college, with a theme of “A Changing Planet” is the newest on the list, having been inaugurated only last year and still undergoing certain logistical changes. 

Students who value the quintessential “college experience” may like to opt for Eleanor Roosevelt College, known for its party culture and diverse student population. With Revelle College, Roosevelt has the hardest GEs. Revelle, although somewhat far from the center, is renowned for its residence and dining halls. Colleges that are best located and have the easiest GEs include Marshall and Muir, with most lecture halls being situated in this area. Marshall’s dining hall view is a coveted one, and students flock to it for the salads and pizza on offer. Muir, Apoorvi’s favourite, hosts a coffee shop and fully vegan restaurant in addition to its dining halls, and its residence halls have an enviable view. 

In many universities, there are colleges that cater to a specific student group - some Cambridge colleges, like Newnham and Lucy Cavendish, are only open to female students. Others like Wolfson and Hughes Hall are for over 21s, i.e mature students, only. At Oxford, the college system is similarly structured, with over 30 choices that all offer a friendly, communitarian experience under the aegis of the larger Oxford institution.

There are thus several considerations to account for when making your choice. Visit the university website for a virtual open day or tour of the campus, societies, and amenities, and read reviews by other students who have lived there previously. These sites also provide a comprehensive guide to their college systems for students previously unfamiliar with it, as well as information on what it is like to live in the city as an undergraduate student. Beginning university is an exciting, transformative, and enriching time, and the college you are in will have a significant impact on the tight community you will build as an international student - choose wisely!