ISTA
Iranian STudent Association (ISTA) at UCSD is focused on Iranian culture and dedicated to uniting Iranian graduate students, and embodies a multifaceted mission. Central to its ethos is the nurturing of a sense of community and camaraderie among Iranian graduate students who, amidst their demanding academic endeavors, often yearn for a space of social interaction and cultural connection. ISTA offers these students an opportunity to share, celebrate, and enlighten others about the rich tapestry of Persian culture, traditions, and viewpoints. Through curated events, workshops, and dialogues, ISTA amplifies understanding and appreciation of Iranian heritage within the academic sphere. Beyond this, ISTA provides Iranian graduate students avenues to hone their leadership, collaboration, and networking skills, assets that will prove pivotal in their forthcoming professional journeys. At its heart, ISTA stands as a beacon, uniting Iranian graduate students, fostering mutual respect, and elevating the collective university journey.
Welcome!
On behalf of the Iranian Students Association at UCSD, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to University of California, San Diego. We look forward to meeting you and supporting you in your journey!
Welcome aboard!
NewComers’ Telegram Group
Link to the Telegram group for newcomers (click here). After sending the request, you will be asked to provide us with your UCSD email address and your access will be granted.
Transportation from the Airport
These are merely suggestions based on personal experiences. ISTA holds no liability for the recommendations provided.
recommendations provided.
From LAX to SD:
Chinese Airport Pickup Program: Sep 16-24
The Chinese Global Community (CGC) at UCSD is offering free airport pickups between September 16th to 24th from both LAX and San Diego airports. Although the buses are booked to accommodate flights coming from China, there is room for flexibility for other students coming from other countries. The service requires that you sign up in this form. If you have any questions, reach out to pijiang@ucsd.edu.
The other option to travel from LAX Airport to La Jolla in San Diego, you can start by taking the LAX FlyAway® buses (connect to LAX wifi and find them on google map) to Union Station. From there, you can use the FlixBus service by visiting their website at https://shop.flixbus.com or download the application of flixbus on your phone (you do not need to pay for luggages because they do not check your luggages when you dropped them off) land selecting La Jolla as your destination. This convenient combination of transportation options will take you to La Jolla, which is close to UCSD and Graduate Housing. If you do not have a payment account to purchase your bus ticket, you can ask the ISTA board to provide this payment.
Book a one way flight from LAX to San Diego airport: This option serves as an alternative. Sometimes you can find a reasonable one way ticket and it is priced lower than bus or train fare. Typically, you have to pay for an additional checked bag depending on the airline.
reLAXsan Scheduled shuttle: $69 FROM LAX to SanDiego (old town), you can book your ticket from here: www.SanDiegoToLAX.com.
Another option is available if the traveler's airline is Turkish. In this case, the airline itself might offer a service for traveling to San Diego. To gather more information about this option, it is recommended to contact the airline directly and inquire about the details.
This option involves reaching Union Station via FlyAway as explained in “b,” followed by boarding an Amtrk train from there, destined for San Diego Old Town or Solana Beach. Notably, Amtrak trains are equipped with luggage racks at the end of each salon. It is also recommended to check your email before boarding since train schedules may experience delays and make you think you have missed the train.
From San Diego Airport to your place/housing:
Ask in the ISTA telegram group, there will be board members or other peers who are happy to give you a ride or get you an UBER or Lyft (rental apps). It should be mentioned you cannot take an Uber yourself since you don’t have a credit card. Therefore, pre-arranging your friend’s online availability at the required time is advised. You can communicate with them via commonly accessible free Wi-Fi.
You can utilize the Trolly blue line from the old town to a nearby station to your housing. Fortunately UCSD offers free access to all Trolley and Bus routes within San Diego. You can check Triton U-Pass to set up your pass.
