SAN DIEGO -- An estimated 28,500 students will start classes this week at the University of California San Diego, according to university officials.

The La Jolla-area university accepted about 550 fewer freshmen for its fall 2009 quarter due to the state's budget cuts, said Christine Hurley, director of Institutional Research.

"But an increased continuing student population should keep us at the same undergraduate level," she said.

The student body at UCSD breaks down to 3,740 freshmen, 1,860 new transfer students, 1,175 new graduate students and 6,775 returning students.

The freshmen bring with them an average high school grade point average of 3.96, while the new transfer student have an average college grade point average of 3.41, Hurley said.

All new students are being greeted on campus this week by "Welcome Week," consisting of more than 115 activities designed to help new students adjust to campus life.

Returning students will notice several new buildings will be used for the first time this fall.

Campus construction projects that were recently completed include a $126 million north campus housing project, the $55 million Conrad Prebys Music Building and a $50 million expansion and renovation of Mayer Hall.