UCSD operates with eight residential colleges. Every admitted student is assigned to one, and you can rank up to four colleges. Many students leave this section of the UC application to the last minute or skip ranking colleges altogether. This is a missed opportunity: your college assignment has real consequences for your housing situation and GE workload over four years! 

Some students end up with significantly heavier course requirements than necessary simply because they didn't think strategically about their ranking. Here is a detailed breakdown of each college to help you make an informed decision.

Best suited for students who appreciate structured curricula and comprehensive GE requirements.
Revelle maintains the most traditional liberal arts approach at UCSD. All students complete the HUM (Humanities) sequence, five quarters of writing and humanities coursework, alongside additional science and math requirements, regardless of major. This structure works well for students who value a classical academic foundation. They need strong study discipline. However, students in demanding majors like engineering or pre-med should consider that Revelle's GEs will add significantly to their course load.

Housing and location
Revelle's housing is older and positioned on the campus periphery, resulting in longer walks to many academic buildings. Students typically choose Revelle for its academic program rather than residential convenience.

Best suited for students seeking maximum academic flexibility.
Muir is known for having the most flexible GE requirements at UCSD. Rather than a mandatory core sequence, students select courses across disciplines that align with their interests and academic goals. This flexibility appeals to students who want autonomy in their academic planning. It is ideal for those still exploring their direction. Students in demanding majors who want to minimize additional coursework outside their field also benefit from Muir's structure.

Housing and location
Muir offers a central campus location, providing excellent access to classes. The residential buildings are older, but the location compensates for this.

Best suited for students interested in social justice and discussion-centered learning.
Marshall's signature requirement is DOC (Dimensions of Culture), a three-quarter writing and analysis sequence focusing on U.S. history, social justice, race, and inequality. The coursework emphasizes discussion and analytical writing. Students with strong interests in the humanities and social sciences often thrive in Marshall's environment. Those looking to minimize writing requirements may find it less appealing.

Housing and location
Marshall benefits from a central location, reducing daily walking distances. While the housing is older, the convenient location is a significant advantage.

Best suited for Engineering, Computer Science, and STEM majors.
Warren is widely regarded as the most efficient choice for engineering and CS students. Its GE requirements are streamlined to intentionally overlap with major coursework, meaning many required math and science courses satisfy both categories. This makes Warren an excellent option for students with heavy technical course loads who want to avoid additional GE requirements that don't contribute to their degree path.

Housing and location
Warren's housing is older but strategically located near engineering facilities, significantly reducing daily commute times to major-related buildings.

Best suited for students interested in global studies and world history.
Eleanor Roosevelt College's academic program centers on MMW (Making of the Modern World), a five-quarter global history and writing sequence. Students also fulfill language requirements and complete a regional specialization. This structure appeals to globally minded students, though it is important to note that the GE workload is substantial and writing-intensive.

Housing and location
ERC housing sits on the campus periphery, resulting in longer walks to many areas. The residential buildings are also older.

Best suited for interdisciplinary students who value modern facilities and a central location.
Sixth's GE program is CAT (Culture, Art, and Technology), an interdisciplinary sequence that integrates humanities, technology, and design thinking. The coursework is structured yet contemporary in approach. Sixth particularly attracts students interested in fields like CS and design, data science, media studies, or other interdisciplinary areas.

Housing and location
Sixth College offers newer residential facilities and one of the most central campus locations, making it exceptionally convenient for daily activities.

Best suited for students focused on global challenges and applied learning.
Seventh College students complete SYN 1 and SYN 2 (Synthesis): two interdisciplinary courses examining global challenges, including climate change, inequality, and sustainability.The GE approach is conceptually focused and application-oriented rather than primarily writing-based.

Housing and location
Seventh College provides newer housing, though it is located farther from the central campus, which increases walking time to most academic buildings.

Best suited for community-oriented students who prioritize modern facilities.
Eighth College emphasizes CCE (Critical Community Engagement), a project-based GE sequence centered on community involvement and applied learning beyond traditional classroom settings.

This program suits students interested in service, public policy, and hands-on community engagement.

Housing and location
Eighth features the newest housing on campus, situated on the campus edge, which can increase walking distances to academic areas.

There is no universally "best" UCSD college. Only the best fit for your individual circumstances and priorities.

When developing your ranking, consider how much writing you want in your GE courses and whether you prefer structured sequences or flexible options. Think about your major's demands. If you are pursuing engineering or pre-med, additional GE requirements can significantly increase your workload. Consider whether housing location and daily walking distances matter to you. Ask yourself if the college's academic themes genuinely interest you.

You can rank up to four colleges on the UC application, though placement is not guaranteed. All majors are accessible from every college. For help developing your ranking, try our UCSD College Fit Quiz below, or reach out for personalized guidance.