Cat’s Declassified Grad School Survival Guide
Table of contents
UCSD-Specific
Academic Resources
- Setting up your UCSD VPN
- Kanopy (video streaming service; requires VPN to log in)
- Download the Microsoft Office Suite
- Writing Retreats and Writing Room at the Writing Hub
Financial Resources
Basic Needs
Food
- Food Pantry
- Food Recovery Network
- CalFresh
- Free food notifications on the UCSD App: Open UCSD App > Profile > Notifications > Free Food
Health
- MyChart (website/app):
- Book doctors appointments at Student Health Center
- Message nurse/doctor for medical advice
- Perscription notifications
- COVID test results
- Covid Test Vending Machines
- Get a copy of your insurance card
- Discounted acupuncture appointments
- Understand your health insurance plan
- Glossary of terms related to health insurance
- Download SHIP App (SHIP is the name of the insurance plan)
- Use insurance provider website to find in-network care providers
- Mental Health Services on Campus
- Crisis Counseling (24 hours/day): (858) 534-3755, select Option 2
- Book an appointment: (858) 534-3755
- Let’s Talk Program: drop in mental health consultations, great resource if you don’t know where to get started but are interested in seeking mental health help
- Sexual Assault Resource Center
Household Items
- HDH Donation Programs: exchange household items with Grad Housing Residents
- Personal Hygiene Products through the Basic Needs Center
Transportation
- Free SD Transportation during the academic year via Pronto App
- Track campus shuttles on TransLoc App (including Grad Housing-Campus shuttle)
- Safe Rides
Campus
- Restaurants on campus I recommend: Blue Pepper (Thai), Taco Villa (Mexican), Plant Power (vegan fast food), Fan Fan (Chinese), Tapioca Express (boba)
- Coffee: Art of Espresso (best), Sixth College Market coffeeshop (very cheap)
- Mailing Center
- Fun things:
- Fallen Star and other art in the Stuart Collection
- Walk to the Gliderport - views of the ocean, watch paragliders
- Hammocks near Price Center
Housing
Fun Things Off-Campus
General
Living on a Budget
- Get a Libby account to borrow ebooks and audiobooks