Athletics

Varsity sports are not too huge, other than basketball—that's the sport we're known for. We have no football team, but basketball is really fun to watch here, but not too many people get into it. It's not like UCLA, where they're really known for their sports. You'll really only hear about intramurals if you go to the gym. If I didn't go to the gym, I wouldn't even know we had them.

Campus Dining

The Commons has recently been rebuilt, and the food quality has gone down significantly. The cafeteria is overcrowded, and the food choices are underwhelming. The Barn on west campus is the best-kept secret on campus. For a slightly higher price, you can actually get good-quality food in a relaxing atmosphere.

Campus Housing

I live in A-I. There is also Lothian (East and West) and Pentland Hills. A-I is the traditional dorm, the oldest one on campus. Pentland Hills is the newest one. I really like A-I because of its 10-foot ceilings, and that the doors can be kept open, unlike the others.

Campus Strictness

In the dorms, we are not allowed to drink, and if caught, it is strictly enforced. However, it is very easy to not get caught,therefor causing students to take the rules less seriously.

Computers

Bring your own computer. We have a T3 Internet connection, so you can download hundreds of megs of data in a few minutes. I never needed to use the computer labs much, but they usually aren’t full.

Diversity

UCR is known as the most diverse UC school and ranks among the most diverse public universities in the nation. Whites are actually not even the second-most prevalent ethnic group here, but the third. There is, however, a majority female bias. Economically, we range from impoverished first-generation college students to children of privilege who couldn't manage to get in to UCLA. UCR is an interesting campus politically. Students are probably more conservative on average than most other UC campuses, but most who live nearby tend to lean further left.

Drug Scene

I only know of the drug scene because of a few hallmates I have that are into that. They go far away from campus, and they don’t come back until the effects have worn off, because the cops and security on and around campus can easily see you acting differently. I have yet to see anyone using on campus, so I know I’m safe.

Facilities

We have an awesome recreation center, which has lots of exercise machines, a track, badminton courts, and a climbing wall. They also have field trips and classes you can take.

Greek Life

Greek life is actually pretty big. They always set up their tents in the very center of campus, so you can't miss them. It's hard to have a social life if you're not in a frat or sorority. They throw pretty much all the parties and fundraisers, which can actually be kind of boring. A lot of people can be seen wearing their letters around campus, so it's good to be in a sorority if you really want to make friends fast and have a good social life, though it's possible to have a social life without them—it just makes it easier if you're a Greek.

Guys & Girls

The guys here are usually sociable, although some have a large ego and machismo issues. The girls are sociable as well, although the diversity in the types of girls is much greater. Some are very sweet and caring, while others seem like it’s their time of the month every day. There is a range from very feminine girls to the very masculine types. I must say, it’s quite interesting. As far as looks are concerned, there are definitely some cute, pretty girls around. Some are gorgeous, and a few are pretty hot. There is almost always an attractive girl in any class I take, which makes it hard to concentrate sometimes. The female athletes are usually the best eye-candy.

Local Atmosphere

Southern California is the best place to live. The weather is great all the time, and there are a lot of parties and social stuff to do. If you don’t mind driving, it’s a really wonderful place.

Nightlife

Parties on campus are for all ages, and they are mostly organized through either the Greek community or athletic teams. Bars and clubs are easier to get in when you're 21 and over. Students 18 and under have to wait in line for over an hour at times. The good spots vary day to day.

Off-Campus Dining

Restaurants are excellent! A Japanese restaurant called Miyako’s has wonderful sushi. There are great fast food places like Gus Jr and Baker’s that have burgers and entrees. You get discounts, too, especially at the Coco’s bakery and restaurant. If you have friends or family visiting, take them there.

Off-Campus Housing

Let me tell you about off-campus housing. There is so much off-campus housing that you won’t believe it! Some are apartments, some are condos, and some are ‘private student housing’ facilities. I live off campus at a place called the Grand Marc, and it is amazing! So far, it has made my freshman year an awesome experience! It’s private student housing, right off campus.

Overall Experience

Generally, the people here are nice, but they are also a bit dumb and/or unmotivated. That trend really started to bug me after a while. I have definitely met people who don't fit this trend (being an honors student and all), but over the past two years, I have really seen more of the nice, yet dumb and unmotivated students in the general population of UCR. Clubs here are weak because most people don't care enough to get involved. The town is also boring. Classes aren't bad (they're pretty easy overall). Generally, I have seen two types of professors: the type that cares about the students, so they work really hard at making the material understandable and grading fair, and the professors who think the students here are stupid and create a miserable class. Overall, it is okay here. I made some great friends but was overall unsatisfied and am transferring next year.

Parking

I hate parking on campus. There is only one parking lot for students, which is in the middle of nowhere and it always full—it takes me an hour to find parking. It's so bad that I don't even park on campus anymore—it's not worth purchasing an over-priced parking permit when there is no space to park in, and the lot is so far that I am usually late to my classes.

Safety & Security

Campus security is good, but downtown Riverside is a very bad neighborhood. It’s very dangerous; almost like LA. The area immediately around the school is okay, but if you go about five miles in any direction, it’s really bad (as in lots of poverty and crime). Most people only go here for the school. Everyone says they’ll be moving as soon as they’re finished.

Transportation

UCR has a tram system that comes every hour! It's really helpful when trying to get around campus because it stops everywhere. It even goes locally around town, so getting to grocery stores and other places is pretty easy.

Weather

The weather is pleasant all year round. In the winter, you can get by with jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and a light jacket. It usually rains in the winter and early spring. In the summer, it is typically very hot, and all you need are shorts and a T-shirt.

Academics

At UC Riverside, the teachers are amazing. It is so refreshing and reassuring that my professors are well known on a national and global scale for all of the work they have done or are currently involved with. Despite their own hectic schedules, they make themselves available for questions and discussions. I feel like my teachers want the students to gain necessary knowledge but still understand that we are in college and have work from other classes, as well. Being on a quarter system with 10-week courses can be extremely stressful at times, but I think that the teachers do the best they can in allotting work for the students. UC Riverside has a pretty good science department and a pre-med program.