One class at a time, San Diego college students have gradually taken over many neighborhoods. From SDSU students living in University Heights to USD students in Linda Vista and Mission Bay, businesses in these areas have flourished as a result of the social lifestyles of their number one consumers: students.

As a UCSD student residing in the University City area of La Jolla popularly known as “UTC,” I myself have developed a “UCSD Lifestyle” that revolves around the UTC neighborhood that we students depend on to save us from the dreadful library life. From the savory flavors of Regents Pizzeria to an on-campus break from studying at Porter’s Pub and an affordable and rejuvenating groom at Uni.K.Wax Center, discover a few of my favorite UCSD restaurants, spas and attractions.

Discover the top ten UCSD lifestyle businesses.

On-Campus

UCSD Graffiti Tunnels: Hidden on the UCSD Muir College Campus in Mandeville Hall stands an unassuming door overlooked by many. Opened, this door reveals an astounding amount of creativity; generations of UCSD students have artistically expressed themselves by spray-painting colors and images onto the walls of the Graffiti Tunnels.

There is no other attraction in UTC or on the UCSD campus that prominently displays such an immense amount of artistic creativity. UCSD Graffiti Tunnels are ideal for any photographer, and anyone looking for an outlet of expression. (pictured)

Porter’s Pub: What better way to take a break from studying than at Porter’s Pub—an on-campus all-age restaurant/pub that has been saving UCSD students from textbook insanity since 1993. Offering happy hour specials, a patio barbeque with outdoor seating, a satisfying draft selection, as well as live bands and DJs, Porter’s unexpectedly keeps students and professors on campus beyond their intended work hours. Warning to students: you may see your professor here, but at Porter’s, it’s never that awkward.

The Loft: UCSD brings students relaxation from their busy lifestyles at its on-campus lounge and music venue, The Loft. In an intimate setting with mod-inspired interiors, students have crowded in The Loft to see performances from popular artists such as The Shys, Ben Lee, Mae, and Lenka. Although still fairly new, The Loft continues to improve its venue, and rumor has it that it’s trying to acquire an Alcohol Beverage Control license to install a bar! artpwr.com

Off-Campus

Birch Aquarium: The Birch Aquarium brings the discoveries of nearby Scripps Institute of Oceanography to life for all to see, including the UCSD student on a budget. UCSD staff and students with ID are admitted for only $7.50, and at that price can interact with tide-pool displays as well as view the numerous exhibits of coral, shark reefs, and fish. aquarium.ucsd.edu

Miami Grill: The UCSD/UTC neighborhood isn’t exactly comparable to the Gaslamp or nearby Pacific Beach for dining options, but there are some great hidden spots. Miami Grille fuses a variety of Caribbean, Mexican, Cuban, and even Korean cuisines that result in delicious creations such as the Miami Grille Katsu Chicken, Seoul Grille Chicken, Shrimp Curry, and Chimichurri Chicken Chopp. Food aside, Miami Grille provides an energetic atmosphere with Thursday night Salsa dance lessons, Friday night Latin dance music, and live music from Cuba on Saturdays that always gets guests on their feet and out of their textbooks. (pictured)

Regents Pizzeria: Considered by many UCSD students as one of the best pizza places in town, Regents Pizzeria offers hand-crafted thin-crust New York style as well as thick, double-layered stuffed crust Chicago-style pizzas. Sizes vary, but for those looking for a quick bite and a chill place to study outside of campus, Regents serves pizza by the slice and offers Wi-Fi. For those looking for more than pizza, Regents also offers a large selection of Italian pastas, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beer. (pictured)

Chicago on a Bun: Known as a “solid” place amongst UCSD students, Chicago on a Bun is the ultimate cure for the munchies, offering satisfying Chicago cuisine. Their Chicago-style hot dogs are genuinely made with Vienna beef, and their sandwiches are generously filled with the zesty flavors of Italian beef that leave UCSD kids wanting more. Don’t forget to order the sides as well; potato chips are crisped to perfection, French fries are homemade, and a pitcher of beer always tops off any meal.

Einstein’s Bagels: There is never a morning when Einstein’s Bagels does not have a line halfway out the door. Einstein’s Bagels is the ultimate fix for UCSD students – whether you’ve woken up after a long-night of partying and are in dire need of some hangover food or just in need of a small pick-me-up from an all-nighter of studying. From Pastrami and Swiss sandwiches to Chipotle Salads and of course, an endless variety of bagels and spreads that are paired with freshly brewed coffee, Einstein’s Bagels has it all. einsteinbros.com

Uni.K.Wax: Residing near La Jolla leads to a lot of beach days for those living the UCSD lifestyle, which means a lot of grooming is necessary. What can be a painful and wallet-burning process is simplified at Uni.K.Wax. Under the experience of highly skilled facial and body waxing specialists, Uni.K.Wax provides affordable services with specially blended wax that is warm and elastic, making the process less painful. And not to mention, $25 for a full Brazilian wax definitely makes life a lot easier.

Westfield UTC: There’s no more convenient place to shop near UCSD than Westfield UTC. Its location provides accessibility to all students and residents of the area; shoppers have a variety of stores to stop at such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, The Gap, Sun Diego, Abercrombie & Fitch, and more. Have a big date and don’t know where to go? Check out the indoor-ice skating rink right in the heart of the mall’s food court for you and your date to have an enjoyable and anything but awkward time together.

Insider Tip: Although the UTC neighborhood is the hometown to UCSD lifestyle, many students find themselves venturing out a little further to nearby locations such as Downtown La Jolla to visit hookah lounge, The Living Room and The Shack. Kearny Mesa is also a favorite neighborhood for late-night eats, such as Tajima’s famous Ramen noodles. 

From Sigma Pi burritos to Saturdays afloat at Aquaplex and Freshman 15 subs at 4.0, discover DSD Intern Choice: SDSU Lifestyle Favs.