|
I'm currently a UCSD comp sci undergrad, and overall my experience here has been great. Academically, our curriculum is one of the best (although, IMHO it is getting a bit dumbed down, focusing more on Java than C/C++ as it did when I was a freshmen). We're in fact one of the few schools that requires you to take the compiler construction class, which is perhaps one of most grueling (yet intellectually stimulating) classes in the CSE curriculum. We've also got Dasgupta, the guy who practically wrote the book on algorithms, teaching algorithms here (http://www-cse.ucsd.edu/~dasgupta/book/index.html). For research we've got Calit2 (http://www.calit2.net/about/buildings/ucsd/index.php) which has a bunch of cool projects going on at all times (just pop on in and ask around, people there are always happy to show you what they're doing) Socially, I'd have to admit that if you're the "bustling" city sort of guy, La Jolla doesn't really cut the cake. But if you like the laid back "chill" attitude that comes with being practically right next to the beach, then we're pretty much the place to be. Picking the right college is also an essential part of the equation. For comp sci (and engineers in general) Warren seems to be the best choice, and basically surrounds you with students in similar majors, which really helps when you're on those late night study/hacking sessions because they'll be people across the hallway doing the exact same thing. As for students with interest in YC, I think there's plenty. In fact I'm one of them. The trick is getting into the right circles, talking to the right people. Joining orgs on campus that have especially dedicated/passionate students is the best way by far. I recommend orgs like TESC (http://tesc.ucsd.edu) for engineers in general or CSES (http://cses.ucsd.edu) for comp sci. Both these orgs are filled with people who like doing what they're doing, and usually have fun projects/events that enables you to meet the right kind of people. Now, I don't really know what life is like at UCLA, but hopefully my post gives you an idea of what its like to be a current comp sci undergrad here at UCSD. |
I think at the time, my friend and I were probably the only two at that school to know about YC, but it's great to know a little community over there is sprouting. SoCal YC'ers need to get together.
Email is in my profile if you guys wanna chat!