USD looks like a castle situated at the top of a mountain, which leads to a different university experience than you may find at a bigger school that boasts its college-town feel. All freshmen are required to live on campus their first year, but after that, most students move down to Mission Beach where the nightlife rages all year long. I mean, if you can live on the beach, why not? As a result of this living situation, most students spend their time off of campus and this leads to a pretty quiet campus. This even includes our school spirit, or really, lack thereof. Furthermore, student activism could use some work. We have extremely passionate students, but they're not the outgoing or in-your-face types you would find at a UC Berkeley, etc.
A word to the wise, however, is that this school is on the small side. With about 5,000 undergraduate students, it's difficult to not know the hot gossip - especially if you're involved in the Greek life system. Although it only makes up about 27{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body, it seems like Greeks are everywhere! There about a billion other things to get involved in at USD though, especially newer clubs like Be Green, Go Blue!, our sustainability club. USD, as a Catholic university, is very socially-minded and works to create a better local community and world through its service and outreach. If you're interested in making the world a better place, I'd highly recommend this school. I think it's our highest selling point (besides the hot girls and wonderful location).
The administration has been loosening up in my four years here. Because we are so reliant upon our donors, it's hard to become a serious liberal arts school that hosts controversial discussions or allows some types of expression. For example, you have to fill out a liability form and ask permission before hosting a riot, parade, or demonstration and you must explain how your event falls in line with the university's mission. So much for last-minute activism.... Luckily the administration seems to listening to its students and we were FINALLY allowed to have a LGBT club a few years ago.
Overall, this school is a blast. It's filled with hard-working students whose interests and passions are all over the place and you'll be sure to find your own place as soon as you get involved.