Getting Organized
Housing
Student Identification Cards
Computer Orientation and Network Access
Getting Around
Maps and Parking
Housing
You have several options when deciding where to live during your time at IR/PS. One thing to consider is whether you want to live on or off campus. On-campus housing is available for single graduate students, couples, and families. There can be a long wait for on-campus housing, and it is easier to be placed in on-campus housing if you are married and have children. Visit the graduate and professional student housing website for information about on-campus housing communities and the application process.
Most IR/PS students who live in graduate student housing find an apartment through ads placed by current graduate students looking to rent out a second or third bedroom. Look for posts on FirstClass in the Housing folder, and posts on the University Housing Service's ARCH Housing Roommate Form.
There are many options available if you choose to live off campus. IR/PS students live in neighborhoods all around the San Diego area. UC San Diego shuttle services are available in some but not all San Diego neighborhoods. Check the Commuter Student Services website for off-campus housing search advice. If you are coming to IR/PS for PREP, remember that UC San Diego does not provide graduate housing during the summer. Many students, both graduate and undergraduate, sublease their apartments during the summer months. Use the Commuter Student Services and FirstClass resources to find these kinds of opportunities as well.
Finally, here is a helpful website for International students when considering both short-term and long-term housing options.
Student Identification Cards
Students may obtain UC San Diego student identification cards from the campus Student Business Services office, Suite 355 in the Student Services Center, beginning in July. You will need photo identification (e.g., passport or driver’s license).
Laptop Computer Orientation and Network Access
You must complete the online computer orientation prior to your arrival at IR/PS. You will need your PID to complete the online orientation. Upon completion, you will receive passwords for all IR/PS computer accounts, including email.
In addition to the IR/PS online computer orientation, you must have your laptop certified in the IR/PS computer lab to gain network access:
During your visit to the computer lab, your personal laptop will be certified, or confirmed, for minimum requirements, then connected to the IR/PS network. Each laptop must receive certification before it can be connected to the IR/PS network.
Student identification cards will be activated for access to the IR/PS computer lab and student lounge while at the lab for laptop certification.
More information regarding the laptop orientation will be emailed incoming students during the summer. All sessions will be held at the IR/PS computer lab in building three of the Robinson Building Complex.
Getting Around
Except for the campus loop shuttle and city bus 101, most shuttle and bus stops are approximately a 10-15 minute walk from IR/PS. Some shuttles have limited summer service during the time of the PREP program. For more information on transportation see the Transportation and Parking Office website.
Maps and Parking
Parking is available with a parking permit in the Pangea parking structure, just west of IR/PS. Click here for maps and directions to IR/PS and the Pangea parking structure.
Purchase parking permits in person at one of the locations listed on the Campus Parking pages, or online at TritonLink. Please note that you will need your PID number and Personal Access Code (PAC), which us received at completion of the IR/PS online computer orientation in order to purchase permits online. Annual and quarterly parking permits purchased online must still be picked up at the Campus Parking Office on the south side of campus in the Gilman parking structure. Free visitor parking is offered on the second floor of the Gilman parking structure while picking up parking permits. One-day and ten-day passes can be mailed, but you will have to pay shipping fees.
One-day parking permits are also available for purchase through vending machines at the top level of the Pangea parking structure near the IR/PS Robinson Building Complex. The machines accept cash or credit card payments. There are considerable savings over this daily permit rate with permits pre-purchased online and at the Campus Parking office.
The UC San Diego campus is quite large, so please allow enough time to arrive on campus, purchase your permit, drive to IR/PS, and find parking.
