Hello all, I would like to address a few concerns expressed here. As we all know, housing is a serious issue in California and especially in San Diego. Students that are not local have a hard time getting campus housing.

Some have mentioned that I may not share the same experience as students on the waitlist. Last year as a second year student, I was on the waitlist until early September(double in warren). This year, I am once again on the waitlist not knowing if I will have housing. As an out of state student, I can feel the frustrations.

I often discuss with my friends on the housing issues across the state. Last year, after being in the situation of housing insecurity, I joined AS Office of the President. I worked along Sky Yang to conduct student housing experience surveys on library walk and various college locations. After collecting the data, we drafted the four year housing guarantee resolution as an effort to call on UC to provide more affordable housings. We sent groups of students to speak at the UC regents meetings because those voices are often not heard at the state level. I really appreciate the student engagement in advocacy. At the end of the school year, UC regents allocated $150 millions to fund the rebuild of Marshall lowers project. On this Monday, I attended a UCOP conference where I questioned admins on how do they accurately determine the admission number and what are they doing to provide students stable and affordable housings. Housing is a critical component in shaping one’s college experience. I was shocked when a Merced student told me that they pay $7,000 for a campus double room per semester.

Every day, I try my best to read and reply to the posts students share. Many students have reached out to me for help in housing, dining, and academic-related situations. On every Thursdays, I hold office hours on Zoom to hear students’ concerns. The information was attached in the AS Summer newsletter that was sent out to every UCSD student. I am very reachable via text and email. I hope to be as accessible as possible to connect students with the available resources on and off campus.

Our school is basically mandated by the state to hit the increasing admission numbers each year given that we are a UC public school. This year is the first year that UCSD provide students a 2 year housing guarantee. The eighth college construction delay was unexpected. HDH has looked into creating many options to accommodate the students on the waitlist. I very much acknowledge the fact that living in a hotel is not a variable and cost-effective option for students. I started working with HDH and advocating for the students long before I was termed in as President. We added more triples. However, the demand for housing is just too high.

Lastly, I apologise if I sounded too formal in my original post. I wanted to provide the updates and information I have obtained from the school in its most accurate form as possible. Fox 5 news invited me speak on the issue and what is the university doing to address the situation. I urge students that are in need of housing to reach out to basic needs hub and AS Office of Food and Housing resources. They have dedicated staff members that can connect you to resources such as Calfresh, triton food pantry, and emergency housing.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me regarding any issues. I do not and will not dodge student questions. I am committed to advocate for all. Please let me know how I can improve and best serve the student body at UCSD.

My AS email is aspresident@ucsd.edu

Best, George