San Diego Day the Westcliff Way: Exploring the City, One Stop at a Time

San Diego regularly earns its place as one of the best cities in the U.S. This past weekend, Westcliff students experienced why firsthand, as the university’s Student Life team led 21 students on a full-day trip focused on connection and time outside the classroom.

The day began before sunrise at Westcliff’s Irvine campus, where students gathered with anticipation in the air, making introductions and meeting new faces ahead of the trip. As the group hit the road, those early introductions gave way to longer exchanges, setting the tone for a day that would quickly turn strangers into familiar faces.

For Student Life, that intention is by design.

“Building a sense of community among students is our top priority,” said Mahum Zaidi, Student Life coordinator and Westcliff MBA program alumni. “We aim to create opportunities outside the classroom where students can connect with their peers and the Student Life team through shared experiences.”

By the time the group reached San Diego, students had already begun to settle in, with early introductions giving way to a more connected group.

What Did Westcliff Students Do on the San Diego Student Life Trip?

The first stop brought students into the center of downtown, where the Gaslamp Quarter opened into the waterfront energy of Seaport Village. Coffee gave way to exploration as students moved through the area, taking in the harbor and surrounding views.

As students made their way along the waterfront, they stopped at one of San Diego’s most recognizable landmarks, the “Unconditional Surrender” sculpture, often referred to as the “kissing sailor.” The 25-foot statue recreates the iconic World War II-era image of a sailor embracing a nurse and has become a well-known symbol along the harbor. The scale and detail of the sculpture made it a natural stop for photos and a closer look.

Nearby, the waterfront framed views of the historic USS Midway and the surrounding marina, offering a glimpse of San Diego’s coastal identity. The setting allowed time for both sightseeing and unstructured moments throughout the morning.

“San Diego is a beautiful city. It feels lively, with people out enjoying themselves,” said Hamad Yasin, a Bachelor of Science Information Technology (BSIT) student. “It was nice just walking around and taking everything in, especially along the waterfront. There’s a lot happening, and it made the day more enjoyable,” he said.

It was here that the day found its direction, with students settling in and the pace of the trip becoming more natural.

What Can Students Experience in Old Town San Diego?

By early afternoon, the group made its way to Old Town San Diego, one of the city’s most well-known historic districts. With its preserved architecture and strong cultural influence, the area offered a shift in pace centered on tradition and local identity.

Students explored local shops, historic landmarks and open-air spaces before gathering for lunch at Casa de Reyes, a popular Mexican restaurant known for its traditional cuisine and lively setting. With live music in the background, the group paused to take in the atmosphere.

The stop quickly became one of the most memorable parts of the day.

“Many students shared that they especially enjoyed the time spent together in Old Town, where they were able to have lunch and connect with one another,” Zaidi said.

Balboa Park: Art and Culture

The final stop of the day brought students to Balboa Park, a cultural hub known for its museums, gardens and international exhibits. With multiple areas to explore, students moved through the park based on their own interests, with smaller groups branching off in different directions, reflecting the variety San Diego has to offer.

Some students explored the park’s International Cottages, a collection of cultural houses representing countries from around the world and designed to promote cultural understanding. Others visited the San Diego Museum of Art and surrounding exhibits, where they engaged with paintings, sculptures and interactive displays.

This stop stood out as a highlight for many in the group.

“This was my first time coming out with Westcliff, and it was really fun,” said Yasin. “I especially enjoyed Balboa Park. The museum had different artifacts, sculptures and paintings, and I liked how everything was explained.”

He also pointed to the connections that developed throughout the day.

“It was really nice meeting new people. I’m already hoping to stay in touch and hang out again,” he said.

Beyond the exhibits, the stop reflected the relationships that had begun to form across the group.

Why Are Student Life Events Important for College Students?

While the itinerary offered a full day of exploration, the impact of the trip extended beyond any single stop. Moments throughout the day gave students time outside their usual routines and created opportunities to engage in a different setting.

“Participating in Student Life events is extremely important because it helps students build connections, develop communication skills and feel a sense of belonging,” said Tasfiqur Rahman, Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) student, peer mentor and social media manager for Westcliff Student Life. “These experiences reduce stress, boost confidence and enhance the overall university experience beyond academics.”https://www.westcliff.edu/academics/college-of-technology-engineering/master-of-science-engineering-management-msem/

Throughout the trip, those outcomes were visible in real time. Students who began the day as unfamiliar faces grew more comfortable with one another, forming connections that extended beyond the structured parts of the itinerary. The setting also allowed students to engage more naturally, whether through shared activities, group exploration or time between stops.

How Can Students Join Future Westcliff Student Life Events?

As the group made its way back to Irvine, the energy from earlier in the day carried through. Students continued to engage with one another, with many already exchanging contact information and making plans to stay in touch.

“If you’re thinking about joining a Student Life event, you should definitely go for it,” said Yasin. “It’s a great way to step out of your comfort zone, meet people and build connections.”

Students can stay updated on upcoming Student Life events through various communication channels.

“Students can connect with us through our WhatsApp group chat, follow us on social media and stay updated by checking their email, as we regularly share Student Life activities and interest forms,” Zaidi said. 

The day offered a clear example of how time outside the classroom can support connection, engagement and a stronger sense of community across the university.