Six Ways To Make Friends on Campus and Counter the “UC Socially Dead” Narrative

UC San Diego has long held the title, “UC Socially Dead,” deemed by students attending the accredited university to mock the almost non-existent social and Greek life on campus. This nickname casts an intimidating shadow on first-years and current scholars trying to make friends among the 30,000 undergraduates currently attending the school. There are, however, some easy and affordable activities students can do on campus to meet people that don’t require transportation. They are mostly clubs or student co-ops that do not get enough acclaim from the University despite them being completely fun, free, hubs of social activity for the school. I will also hyperlink all of the socials available for co-ops, bands, and any other hidden gems mentioned below.

1. Tritons Roll Out

Tritons Roll Out is UCSD’s very own roller-skating club run by students who are passionate about skating. The roller skate club offers its doors to anyone interested in participating. They meet every Thursday on the Muir basketball courts for skate night, where they have both of the courts reserved. There are also free skates available for anyone with a student ID at the Main Gym. The club offers a refreshing dose of community to the campus, with wonderful energy and great music. The club also organizes group outings to the roller rink from time to time, carpooling to cut the cost of travel. Tritons Roll Out is a great way to get into roller skating for free every Thursday. It’s also a great place for students to take a date or new friends. You can find them on Instagram or join their Discord server.

2. Groundwork Books

Groundwork Books is one of the many amazing collectives located in the Student Center next to Muir College and operates from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every weekday. They are a self-proclaimed independent, leftist bookshop open to UCSD students and the general public. They are a completely student-run and volunteer-based co-op and hold events open to the public making it the perfect place to meet new people and get involved on campus. Historically, they have hosted teachings from students, weekly game nights, as well as reading groups where students can discuss leftist theory and literature. Groundwork Books functions as a welcoming resource for leftist study-goers alongside great volunteering opportunities on campus. It is free to enter and be involved in and is just a short walk away from Muir so there is no need for outside transportation. Check them out on Instagram to learn more about their events and volunteering opportunities.

3. Company 157

Company 157 is a completely student-run undergraduate theater company working out of UCSD. Anyone interested in the company can join as they are always happy to welcome fellow students who have a love for theater. The company works with a wide range of student photographers, playwrights, graphic designers, and volunteers, so if you’re looking for opportunities to get involved with theater, Company 157 is a great local resource to utilize. The company also hosts theater workshops, drag performances, student-written plays, one-acts, and staged readings for the San Diego community to enjoy, and overall is a great way to get your work out there if you are passionate about theater. They are at the heart of campus community theater and are a great place to support and meet others who share a love for the stage. You can get involved by visiting their Instagram page or their Linktree. And a very special thank you to board member, Bluma Lezack for helping share information about the company.

4. The Che Café

The Che Café is a UCSD student-founded cooperative located next to the La Jolla Playhouse, south of Revelle College and the developing Eighth College. This historic music venue right on the University campus has had many bands such as Green Day, Alex G, and The Frights perform in the past. The space offers a variety of services for students such as a study space from 12:00-4:00 p.m., two community fridges, and a café. “The Che,” as students have colloquially nicknamed it, puts on shows almost every night–common genres include punk, hardcore, and surf-rock. They allow local student bands to play at the venue including Coven and Rose Tinted Glasses in the past. The collective also supports local zine artists and vendors, selling student art and projects at a display table in the space. If you’re an independent vendor, or in a band, The Che Café is a great place to check out!

Note: Volunteers also get to see shows for free if they come thirty minutes before the show. Students can check The Che’s Instagram for shows they want to see or if they want to show up to volunteer. Volunteering at The Che is a way to meet local bands and the wonderful members of the co-op as well as fellow students interested in the music scene. You can follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on shows and check out their Linktree for information about volunteering.

5. MOM’s Café

Middle of Muir Café, or MOM’s, is a coffee house and study spot located in Muir College. The cafe employs tons of students and is filled with student art donated to the cafe for display or put up for sale. Students can donate their art to be displayed at MOM’s for many campus goers to see during their coffee breaks. Not only is this cozy getaway in Muir the home of some of UCSD’s most beloved coffee, but they also hold social events for students. Historically, MOM’s is the host of “Muir Unplugged,” an open mic night for the community. Anyone can come perform and it’s a great way to discover new student artists and meet new people. Because of MOM’s comforting environment (and even comfier chairs), MOM’s also acts as the meeting place for many clubs around campus. Located right next to Sixth College, MOM’s is a great place to get some studying done between classes and its bustling social atmosphere makes it a great place to meet other UCSD students. Follow @momscafeucsd and @momcomm on Instagram to learn more about what’s happening at MOM’s in the future.

6. The Loft at UCSD

The Loft at UCSD is another venue that offers students a chance to socialize and meet new people without ever having to leave campus. Located on the second floor of Price Center, The Loft is a self-proclaimed, “student-centered” performance lounge. Checking their socials and their website allows students to see upcoming events they have to offer to the UCSD community. Events they have held in the past include free drag shows, movie screenings, fashion shows, album listening parties, and even music events where students were able to sign up and perform. Any event hosted by The Loft through ArtPower is free for UCSD students to attend through the website. Historically, they have also held a space for the Blacktronica “club experience,” complete with a stocked bar and wonderful music by DJ and UCSD Professor, King Britt. The Loft offers students a hip space with a plethora of current and popular events for students to attend and meet some like-minded people.

Alessandra Breall is a contributing writer for The Triton.