University of California-Riverside Top Questions

The best thing about UCR is how quickly it's growing, both physically and in terms of prestige. There's construction everywhere and most facilities are new/state-of-the-art. The prestige part is more difficult to quantify, but there's certainly been a lot of buzz about the forthcoming medical school, which is a boon for most of the biology students. In terms of size...it's a public school, so you expect it to be rather large. Most people react neutrally when I tell them I go to UCR; it depends on the person. I imagine they might not be as impressed as if I had told them I went to one of the flagship UCs (Berkeley or UCLA) but the reaction is nowhere near as bad as if I had told them I go to community college or a CSU. UCR, UCI, UCM, and UCSC all receive about the same reaction. I don't live on campus, but I spend most of my time in the wonderful science library or one of the many new lounges/cafes. School pride is growing steadily; you'll see a surprising number of people wearing UCR sweatshirts and hats and t-shirts. Most frequent student complaints have nothing to do with UCR. Most of the issues are more directed at the University of California Regents and the state for cutting funding.

Great small college for a great price

The one thing I want to warn people about Riverside if you are coming from out of state is that it is NOT near the beach. Unfortunately for many of my friends I had met there that came to Riverside from another state had the misconception that they were close to the beach. This is untrue. It will take you a good 1 1/2 or more on a good day of traffic to reach any beach. Second, this is not a college town. There is little to do in Riverside. Not very much around the school and it can be quite boring. The good thing is that if you don't mind driving a bit Los Angeles is about an hour or so away. All in all this is not a horrible school. I was in the history department and the faculty and staff were always nice and helpful. But, if you are looking for an interesting college experience I cannot say you will get one at Riverside.

UCR was the right size campus, not too big and not too small. It was just the right distance from home for me, but far enough where I had to move out from home. There is a good variety of clubs and organizations available, and I reccommend that you join extracurriculars, they are a great way to meet people and de-stress from coursework.

The school's size is just about perfect. The social opportunities are slim but are there. You must seek them out. Riverside (the city) is pretty much a dump, think "Reno 911!". Classes are pretty easy and standard.

The most Unique aspect about UCR is the racial diversity. And how everyone still seems to get along so well. And it's relatively affordable standard of living. Big Picture.. "UCR Icons" -the Belltower.. tell anyone to meet there, and they will all know. -the "C". I really wish I had taken advantage of this more.. One must hike to the C once during their UCR life.. but I wish I had made it a goal with a group of close friends to go once a month.. such a good work out!!! -Science Library and Rivera.. I personally liked Science more, it was cleaner, organized and newer. -Lot 30.. the infamous 'Disneyland parking lot'.. It's really not THAT far of a walk to campus.. but in comparison to how big the whole campus is.. I suppose I can see where that comes from. -Rite Aid on Big Springs.. That's where the sales for alcohol is.. every night you go there, even during the day, is a massive reunion of all the partiers in town.. socializing on what's 'happening tonight'.. getting their handle of Bacardi, Vodka, Captain Mo for the night.. along with some bags of Sunflower seeds.. and 40's (please lay low from that.. it's what got me massively fat) -Cask & Cleavers.. always happening on Thursday nights! Our most quaint memory is the whole bar singing to "Don't stop believing" by Journey played by the Piano man at Cask.. -Denny's on University... drunk food at 2 am -Del Taco. As tempting as it is to resort there in the middle of a study night.. that's how I gained my sophomore 30!!!!! -I loved running on the track outside the gym.. around the tennis courts..... 3 laps to a mile! -the Commons!! New restaurants have been built.. but it's the one stop shop for food! The best thing about UC Riverside is that most people that have newly arrived wonder how they'll survive their next 4 years of college in this boring, desert land.. Theres no ocean, there's no river (as implied in the name), no attraction in the city.. unlike the sister schools (UCLA, UCI, UCSD.. etc).. but the fact of the matter is.. ask any UCR Alum, they had more fun their 4 years of college there than anybody else in the other schools.. Ask most the UCSD alums, they will say that their years were incredibly boring.. yet they were given all the resources to make it the best.. the beach, the city, shopping, etc.. It's because when you're given not a lot.. it is human survival method to make the most of it.. as proven in the Neanderthals.. "Poverty stimulates one's wisdom" - of course an exaggeration but gets the point across. But the experience at UCR is one that could only be understood by an insider.. We'll call it 'California's best kept secret'.. Since I've been back to UCR, I know that they have built A LOT OF new buildings.. and i feel that the campus was just right in size.. one may get across the campus within 15 minutes tops! The College town around UCR is really what has made the city of Riverside boom in economics.. because past Chicago ave (which intersects University) is where the hookers and pimps start.. So word of advice: don't go roaming down there on your peds past 8 pm!!! but within the boundaries are beautifully built apts such as Sterling, Grand Marc.. at the University Village.. is AMC where classes are held during the day, a few restaurants.. a real real ghetto bar/club, not sure if it's still called BB, but definitely Cheap drinks..

Hands down, the best thing about UC Riverside is the diversity of the student population and the faculty. You can find people from all different ethnicities and races, which in my opinion, makes us all a little more well-rounded and understanding. The size of the campus is also very awesome. It is not too big, but not small either. It is just right. Also, Riverside is a very exciting upbeat urban city. However, as soon as you step onto the university campus, you feel like you are in a totally different place, everything is calm and quaint. You have the best of both worlds.

The school is huge. Meaning that the admittance rate is very high, and that the student body is growing significantly every year. The school is very open about the fact that it is trying to greatly increase the number of students attending. I feel that UCR offers some sort of respect for those of us in the engineering and biological sciences fields, UCR has some distinguished professors in these fields. The undergraduate research opportunities at UCR are also very available and although the student body is large, the professors are very available as well. Riverside is definitely not a college town whatsoever. Riverside does have a nightlife scene, and their are very active fraternities and sororities on campus. Overall though the city of Riverside and the surrounding area of the University does not have any appearance of what most would consider a college town. In fact the area surrounding the school is very crime ridden, and should be avoided late at night.

The school has changed much since I was there, but the commons (at least the old ones) were awesome to take a nap in. There were so many research opportunities..just ASK! There is an edge of antisemitism that exists on campus though.

The school seems rather small when compared to other UC campuses like Los Angeles, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I got to know many of the people I repeatedly took classes with, this may not have been possible with a larger student body and more people in my department. The familiarity allowed me to form long lasting and productive study groups. There isn't a very active student body on the campus itself, due party to the fact that its a commuter school.

The best thing about UC Riverside is that it isn't stuck up. It is a big campus that feels small, because the people are down to earth and friendly.

I really enjoyed my time at ucr. The school is medium sized, which means you have the benefits of a large school, while still being able to actually meet your profs. Every prof in my department new my name even if I had never had a class with them. Right around ucr riverside is a college town, but in the main part of riverside the college is not that much of a focus. I was lucky to be in a small department, which I love, but that also meant that I got to know the department secretary so the administration issues really don't apply to me. all in all I really enjoyed UCR.

The best thing about UC Riverside is the people. UCR has a very dynamic group of students, faculty, and staff which provide academic and social stimulation. If I could change anything about UCR I would build a bubble around the school and blast air conditioning, it is HOT! The campus population was the perfect size for me, it allows for the sense of family without everyone knowing your business. Even better than being the right size the campus population is very diverse. At the end of the day UC-Riverside is still a UC, one of the leading research universities in the nation. Which leads me to this statement, who cares what other people think! A degree is a degree is a degree, UC-Riverside has so much more to offer than so many other schools. Go Highlanders! the UCR campus has changed so much in the last several years, in particular the school developed and built a new commons. The new commons is pretty sweet, much better than what we had when I was going there. I spent a lot of time at the Starbucks in the University Village, which is part of campus "kinda." The city of Riverside is unique in that it has 3 universities within city limits, which you would think would make it a college town, but it is not yet. The city is making a number of improvements and slowly this is changing. The administration on campus is like the administration on every campus, a bunch of suits who are so worried about money nothing else matters. That is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the gist. School pride at UCR is climbing. Part of the reason students are so apathetic is that they have been told over and over UCR is the reject UC and this is just not true! UCR is far superior to any number of the universities in California and across the globe, it is just in the middle of the desert. All UC campuses offer the UCDC program, which is something I participated in and would recommend to any student interested in exploring the nation's capital. Also, UCR offers a number of study abroad opportunities, which are less competitive because of the smaller population.

Honestly, for those people with cars or friends with cars, UCR is located right in the middle of some nice spots. You've got Big Bear to the East, Los Angeles/Hollywood/Santa Monica/etc... to the West, Various theme parks... Disneyland/Knotts Berry Farm/Raging Waters (for when it's hot), Theatres (I mean plays, not movies. movies are everywhere, like starbucks is everywhere) like the Pantages in Hollywood, Amphitheatres (Staples Center downtown Los Angeles). The only down side right now is gas prices, so carpooling is a must and everyone has to chip in about ten bucks a tank no matter where you're heading to. I like the size of the school, it's one of the smallest UC campuses so while you still don't get all the classes you want because the honor students and upperclassmen stole them first, when you do hit junior year you pretty much can take whatever you want. So by the time you hit Senior year, if you haven't messed around your first three years, you suddenly have most of your requirements for you major done and all these extra class slots to take fun stuff. If you had asked me two years ago where I spent all my time, I would've replied "my room" because there wasn't really a hang out on campus. Then they built this huge Commons building with all sorts of shiny rooms and TV areas and food spots... so whenever I'm stuck on campus for a few hours between classes, you can usually find me up in one of the lounges watching TV. Unless it's finals week, then I'm in the Library with everyone else.

I cherish every moment as a Highlander. I received a top notch education, from faculty and adminstrators who truly care about their students. One of the greatest selling points about this campus is that the professors really take the time to provide one-on-one instructional time. They actually know your name, rather than just your student ID number. The biggest thing about UCR is it is a place that you go to learn and better yourself. It is not a "party school". The students at this this campus tend to be more mature and focused. The area surrounding the university is quiet and has a suburban quality to it; in fact, much of the faculty lives in the surrounding area.

If you want to go to UCR you have to get to know your professors. Try and fail or try and join a social group. Live in the dorms your freshman year. Smoke and or Drink. Drink and or smoke. Go to a party as soon as possible. Get drunk as shit and scam on as many guys or girls as possible to get the idea of the layout. Bear facts: fuck it. ignore everyone and bother only with registration. Then take a dump on everyone who wants to be your friend.

uc riverside has really dry crappy weather, there is a lot of construction so whoever is here i would say by 2012 is gonna be pretty lucky, there is not much pride here and there is not much of a "college town here" unlike Berkeley. Berkeley is like the best place for a college student to go because there is a lot of student involvement, school pride, a good football team, great people, and everywhere is walkable and there is so much different stores/eateries to visit also you can BART it to san fran anytime.

UC Riverside is nestled in the heart of the Inland Empire. On the outside it may not have the appeal of other UC schools but it is a true story of beauty within. Despite it's stereotype of being a commuter school and a last resort UC (refuted above) UC Riverside supports some of the most recognized Researchers in the world. The lecturers and professors were highly accessible and eager to help me throughout my education. For those more interested in student life UC Riverside offers a plethora of student clubs, fraternities, sororities, and organizations that will keep you plenty busy outside of classes. I spent most of my time on campus in classes and in the commons spending time with my friends. The one thing I would changed about UC Riverside is to bring back the football team! Yes, UC Riverside had a football team in the 60s. So I challenge anyone choosing a school in the UC system to seriously consider UC Riverside as a first choice instead of a last.

I have loved my experience at UCR because there are so many ways to get involved on campus, and there are so many genuine people here. The only reason people try to put Riverside down is just because it is not a college town, but other then that most people can't complain. Our campus is constantly growing with new buildings like our new commons and Interdisciplinary building. Also our ASPBoard continues to provide us with either free or low costing concerts like Chris Brown, Ludacris, E-40 and others. They also give oppurtunities to upcoming bands to show their stuff on Wednesdays, which is called Wednesday Nooners. Student life also funds programs on Thursday Night for Organizations on Campus who want to have events, but who don't have all the funds needed. There is usually so many events happening that it is hard to keep up, and I would say that that is one of the best things about my campus, There is always something to do.

Riverside has some really cool people and for the most part the campus life is pretty chill. The faculty and administration are too easy in their teaching of the curriculum.

The best thing about UCR is that it's a pretty campus and it's just the right size, not too big but not too small. Sure, Riverside is not a 'college town' because half of its students commute, but it is a good school that has a lot of intelligent students and professors who have something interesting to say. I like to spend time in the new Commons area, it is spacious and a nice environment to hang out or to study.

You want the Big Picture of UCR? Type "smog" into Google Images, and just envision some fires and gang shootings added into the picture.

The close proximity to San Diego, Los Angeles, local mountains, and the desert mean that you can escape to many different locales on breaks. Riverside is not the greatest city in Southern California, but it is constantly improving. There is plenty to do! Unfortunately, the athletic program does not receive much support and is always struggling. The campus is for students of all kinds (note that it is one of the most diverse campuses) and is an environment where you can succeed if you work hard. Go visit and see for yourself... the best thing to do is to speak with students that attend the school (not necessarily the kids that lead tours).

UCR needs a football team. That would bring a lot of students together and more activities for the University.

UC Riverside is a small, cozy University with beautiful greenery. In my opinion, it's the perfect size college for those who want the feel of college life without becomign overwhelmed of beign lost in the crowd. The name automatically assumes that people didn't work hard to get in when that's not the case at all. The classes, exams, etc. are the same as they would be in any other UC. A lot of the negative vibe surrounding UC Riverside is due to the location and the students not having enough pride in the campus.

I feel it is a good school for the Sciences. This is also a good place if you are interested in undergraduate research. I am a mechanical engineering student and have been able to do a couple different research projects because of the availability.

UCR is a school where you can experience a lot of opportunities as well as learn in the classroom in that UCR in comparison to UCLA or UCB has Latinos and African Americans beyond just lip service and because of the multi-culturalism there is a great feeling of community and unity in my opinion. The school is nice and Riverside a good place, but it is not a huge city like LA but it is very close to Irvine and LA if you want to do other things on the weekends. School Pride is very low-Number 1 reason is no football team, and the feeling that this is an ok school by many especially the upper tier students as many have scholarships-this leads many to seek transfers. Also our mascot the Highlander-is really a bear so ....not exactly a clear idea for everyone to take pride in, there are many buildings with Scottish names. I would say the worst thing about Riverside is the lack of social community in that many go home for the weekend and don't stay and have fun like during the week; they could really make a cool place I believe. Controversy came lately with the Chancellor leaving for another school, but she got the UCR medical school on track and that will raise or visibility quite a bit especially in the region. We have as of yet had not replacement. There are many groups on campus that you can get involved with Mecha, Student Govt(ASUCR), frats, sororities, professional societies, Honors(one of the best funded in the country), all kinds of groups even jugglers, Dems, Republicans, ASPB-they have 10 million budget and put concerts and other event on campus. We have a Wednesday concert every week called a nooner and this is the best day of the week for culture and students as there are many vendors that come on campus and it is a cool vibe.

The best thing about UCR is the fact that the campus is not so big compared to all the other UC's so it doesn't take forever to walk from one end of the campus to the other. Many professors and TA's at this school are also very friendly and caring and many students build lasting relationships with many people amongst the faculty. One thing I would change is definitely our diner area on campus. It's actually being renovated right now! My school is just right. When I tell people that I go to UCR they immediately know where it is and what the "R" stands for. Just hearing that it's a UC, people immediately think your a good student which is a benefit. I spend most of my time in the plazas around the school like University Village and Canyon Crest Plaza. One experience I'll always remember at this school is definitely the dorm days when everyone first experienced college life and made new friends.

UCR is intensely diverse and that makes it important. The cultures are represented by great student organizations, and if you want to experience something refreshing and different, the proud student bodies are there for you. The thing about the diversity is that it's very segregated. There is no animosity or lack of unity, it's just that all the ethnic groups get wrapped up in their own worlds and have little time to really come together and collaborate on something intensely multi-ethnic. But the potential is there, and when it comes down to it (such as during student government elections) the groups know how to come together on one platform. School size is just right. I never feel like I'm just one of the faceless masses, but it's exciting to see new people all over the place. UCR has some unique majors that it deserves credit for. Business Administration and Creative Writing are two great programs that are either non-existent or rare at other UCs, for example.

I think the best thing in UC Riverside are the faces that you see when you walk around campus. UC Riverside offers so many learning opportunities because of the broad cultures that make-up the campus. One thing i would like to highlight is the pride that UCR students are now showing. I have been at UCR for four years now and have seen small movements where students attempt to raise moral, but the new in coming class is composed of the most dynamic and spirited people I have ever meet.