Let me define UCR in one word- diverse.
The students that attend UC Riverside come from different racial backgrounds, socio-economic backgrounds, religious backgrounds and family backgrounds. On the first day of class, I have heard stories from my classmates about how they're the first in their families to attend college, and everyone in the classroom smiles (and some even applaud) because that's the interesting fact that the student chose to share when we were all getting to know each other. Different students representing different religions have joined my team during practice and have asked if they could lead a prayer with my team so that we can do well this season. It seems like every week, we as a school are celebrating or remembering an event that is sponsored by different student groups like the LGBT group, the African-American students group, the Chicano Students group or any group on campus that wants to share something with the campus. Not only do I see these groups sharing but I also see the students participating by partaking in these groups' activities or wearing a shirt or accessory that the group is selling in honor of the event they're hosting.
Everyone is open with everyone else. The Greeks set up couches and tents in the quad near the Belltower and they talk with normal students who pass by. I see people of different races mingling in the Highlander Union Building as they eat their lunches. There is no exclusivity- everyone mixes with everyone else.
Let's picture this- there are four tables of students in the dining hall. One table has an entire hall of freshmen that haven't gone off in their own separate group of friends. This table is usually loud with students who are excited about their freedom away from home as well as a little jittery being around others that they don't know too well. Eventually, the students at this table will break into smaller groups, but for now they're all just loud and enjoying freedom.
The second table is the study table. Now this is a rare sight, but it isn't impossible to find. These are the ones that are cramming for that big exam. They didn't want to lose a minute of studying so they brought their books with them to dinner. These are the ones that have acknowledged their freedom from home but still realize why they're in college. See, not all college students are party goers because you definitely have the smart kids who prioritize and know what's important.
The third table consists of the athletes. They probably only have the roasted chicken and salads on their plates because they're afraid to gain weight and bring shame to their teams. This table is probably the sweatiest and smelliest table, so even though they welcome others to join their table, other students can't stand their stench. From personal experience, the athletes are UCR arefriendly and grasp onto other non-athletes for friends because let's face it, being around people who are obsessed with sports and practices and workouts 24/7 can be tiring to the mind and body. Plus, we need someone to anchor us to reality that we are STUDENT-athletes, and not just athletes. We tend to forget that school is why we're really here, so please, talk to us.
The fourth table is the mix. Let's face it- everyone goes in groups to the dining table and there's only so many table to choose from. Some groups co-mingle with other groups and that's how friends are made (in fact, that's how I made a lot of my friends at UCR). No one really cares what race you are, how much money your parents make, or what major you're in. What it all boils down to is that in a college dining hall, people are there to eat and relax (minus table two). This isn't high school where there are strict boundaries of where you can and can't eat. The people you eat with in the dining hall are the people you'll be eating with for the next year or so, so whether you have had a good day or bad day, they'll still be there when those dining room doors open.