Deciding where to live at UCSD is key to shaping your Triton experience—whether you're a first-year friend toward your bachelor cap and gown, a master’s student balancing labs and projects, or a PhD scholar prepping for doctoral regalia. UCSD offers themed college dorms and graduate apartments that blend convenience, community, and support.
This CAPGOWN guide covers top options—5 undergraduate halls and 4 graduate/family complexes—with Reddit quotes, location highlights, fun facts, and why CAPGOWN students love them.
Revelle College – Argo & Fleet Halls (Revelle)
Argo Hall Address: 9257 S Scholars Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
First-year students live in halls like Argo, Blake, Challenger and others—each suite housing about 5–10 students.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Spacious suites with shared kitchens and lounges.
- One of the oldest colleges with active events like Watermelon Drop.
- Centrally located near Geisel Library and Price Center.
Fun Fact: Revelle's Fleet halls are named after exploration ships and host the famous Watermelon Drop tradition every June.
r/UCSD Says:
“The residence halls usually have ~10 people... I don’t really like the rooms, the carpets… but as an ERC student that will not be your biggest problem.”
“Most freshmen choose to live on‑campus in res halls… most suites have single rooms and double rooms.”
Sixth College – Pepper Canyon East & West
Newest dorms with modern design and optional Living Learning Communities.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Suite-style living with optional kitchen access.
- Central location near Commons and Sixth College Dining.
- Great for themed minors and inclusive housing options.
Fun Fact: Pepper Canyon West includes West Tower that’s among the tallest residential buildings on campus.
r/UCSD Says:
“Pepper Canyon East… I liked how quiet it was… it’s much easier finding parking, and it’s never busy.”
“Then lastly there’s the new place Pepper Canyon West… all of the rooms are singles.”
John Muir College – Muir Towers & Apartments
Offers both halls (Tenaya, Tioga etc.) and continuing student apartments like apartments named Black, Brennan, etc.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Variety between suite halls and mid-rise apartments.
- Muir apartments give more privacy & kitchen access.
- Great for majors in humanities, computing, and pre‑law.
Fun Fact: Muir Apartments known as the "campus apartments" have more relaxed structure and lower noise.
r/UCSD Says:
“The vibe of these apartments is a lot more chill and quiet compared to the res halls”
“Sixth has hands down the most stunning dorms on campus… since they’re brand spanking new… Also no bugs”
Eleanor Roosevelt College – ERC Residence Halls + I‑House
Freshmen reside in themed halls; continuing students may live in I‑House apartments.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Strong Living Learning Communities (e.g., Raza, I-House).
- Central for global-minded, language-focused students.
- Post-freshman access to I‑House apartments.
Fun Fact: I‑House is half international and half domestic students, with its own activity center and events programming.
r/UCSD Says:
“The residence halls usually have ~10 people… I don’t really like the rooms… but as an ERC student… look forward to the MMW series!!”
“General sentiment: strong community energy.”
Warren College – Stewart, Frankfurter, Harlan & Apartments
Offers halls plus apartments (Black/Brennan etc.) near canyon trails and engineering buildings.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Apartments available for upperclass and freshmen.
- Canyon Vista Marketplace dining right inside.'
- Strong college events and engineering focus.
Fun Fact: Canyon Vista dining hall is the only halal-certified dining hall on campus.
Mesa Nueva Apartments
LEED Gold complex with studio, 1‑ and 2‑bed units, pool and social areas.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Furnished apartments with kitchens and private bathrooms.
- Social pool, lounge areas & occasional community events.
Fun Fact: Mesa Nueva is LEED Gold certified and includes a brewpub and splash zone.
r/UCSD Says:
"Mesa Nueva is nice, but the studios are quite small and will definitely not fit two people…”
"Summary: great amenities but tight in studios."
Pepper Canyon Apartments (East/West)
Graduate and upperclass student apartments in towers with single rooms.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Single‑room apartments in tall towers.
- Quiet, secure, and on-shuttle route.
Fun Fact: Pepper Canyon West towers are tied for the tallest buildings in the area (22–23 stories).
r/UCSD Says:
"Community is good… older apartments but honest experience has been great.”
"Quiet, easy parking, not busy."
Marshall/I-House Grad Apartments
Available inside I‑House in Eleanor Roosevelt College for graduate students and visiting scholars.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Cultural programming, global forums, shared kitchens.
- Close to ERC dining and campus resources.
Fun Fact: I‑House hosts International Women’s Day, Language Conversation Tables, and quarterly ‘Slice of America’ events.
Off-Campus Affiliated Graduate Communities (example: Rose Canyon apartments)
Quiet living a short commute from campus with kitchens and independent lifestyle.
Why CAPGOWN Grads Love It:
- More space, flexibility, and off-campus independence.
- Dependable for student families and reduced waitlists.
Fun Fact: Many grads choose these for affordability and proximity without the freshman scene.
Final Thoughts
UC San Diego offers a wide range of housing for every stage—from social themed dorms and inclusive colleges to tranquil graduate apartments. Whether you're living in an ERC LLC, studying in Muir apartments, or researching at Mesa Nueva, your accommodation supports your goals.
When it’s time to cross the stage, CAPGOWN is ready. Our UCSD bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral regalia are crafted for comfort, tradition, and Triton pride. No matter where you lived, celebrate with style and authenticity.
