u/FitCurrency3432

Hi, I'm an incoming CS transfer student from SoCal and need advice on choosing between SJSU and UCSD. I would have to dorm for both, and the cost of attendance is in the same range (10k to 13k per year). I'm also not aiming for a master's degree.

I have two main questions before making this decision:

1. How strong is the advantage of being in Silicon Valley vs being at UCSD? Are there active companies recruiting from SJSU and opportunities to network/gain experience through clubs and such, or is the location advantage overhyped for entry-level SWE?
2. How is the on-campus life in the dorms & apartments? I applied for the CVB and CVA apartments. I've also never been to NorCal, so I am wondering how the social life is there and how easy it is to actually get out and enjoy the surrounding Bay Area.

I would appreciate any advice on making this decision, thank you.

Hi everyone, I would like your advice on choosing between my CS transfer options as an upcoming third year.

My main goal is to gain experience to best set myself up for a SWE internship, as I currently do not have any projects/experiences. I am also not aiming for a master's degree. Money is not a huge issue, but I'd like to save where I can

Option 1 - SJSU

• Costs ~ 13k out of pocket per year
• Strong Bay Area location, but I'm unsure if physical proximity to Silicon Valley actually offsets the UC prestige and opportunities
• Program seems fairly solid, but I don't know how active/strong the clubs and project opportunities are for gaining experience and networking
• About 6-8 hours away from my home, but not a major issue

Option 2 - UCSD

• Costs ~ 13k out of pocket per year
• Strong academic resources, prestige, and research opportunities. I'm not too interested in research, but I'll take any experience/opportunity I can get
• Got into ERC and need to take MMW classes, but hopefully not a major deterrent since my IGETC is done
• Heard finding parking is terrible, and I want to bring my car if possible to visit home and for family emergencies (~1hr to 1hr30m on a good day)

Option 3 - CSULB/CPP

• Financial aid covers everything and pays me back a refund
• Allows me to stay home and be there for any family issues (15-20min drive to LB, 1hr-1hr30min to CPP)
• Fewer opportunities / weaker program

Outside of career stuff, I'd still like to have an overall good college experience. I would appreciate any insight or advice/personal experience in making this decision, as I believe it would make a large difference in how the next two years pan out. Thank you 🙏🙏