SAN DIEGO — UCSD is hoping to build a new on-campus housing facility that will provide 6000 additional beds. They are taking the proposal to the UC Board of Regents July 17.
"Our goal is to provide a 4-year housing guarantee and we are barely able to provide two right now. We continually have had a waitlist," said Campus Planner Robert Clossin.
Xandria Romei is just one of the students who have been on that waitlist.
"I was like past number 1000," said Romei
She commutes from Downtown San Diego to UCSD by trolley, but says she would rather live on campus.
"I can be downtown or I can be on campus but I can't really get to a third place, so living on campus would make it easier would give me more time back in my day when I have to spend all that time commuting," said Romei
"The idea is that it's kind of this village, not just one big housing project but a village of different projects that would have different architectures and different styles," said Clossin
The project is in its beginning stages and will be phased in over 10 years, they are hoping to break ground in the summer of 2026.
The university wants to focus on bringing amenities like retail and entertainment to the village.
"We're looking at this as 12 month housing, so students can live on campus the whole year without having to leave, so amenities are really important," said Clossin.
UCSD is hoping the plan is approved on Wednesday. If approved, the 20 acre project will be built where warren field and the Matthews apartments are currently.
"We're looking at possibly relocating the field within the complex, but that will be the first step with the master planner we are going to hire," said Clossin.
The potential project site is steps away from the central campus trolley site.
"This is really a transit oriented development, this is really the next logical step in terms of areas we can redevelop."
Student input will be taken throughout the process.
"We want the students to feel like this is their home," said Clossin.
Clossin said the $2 billion project will be externally financed, and over time the rent students pay will support the construction.
Although it is unknown if this new housing will completely get rid of the waitlist, students like Romei think a project like this is a step in the right direction.
"Thousands of students need housing so if we're able open up more beds, that's a good thing, especially if they are going to open up resources and entertainment nearby," said Romei.
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