ANYONE FROM UCR?..or knows anything 'bout the university?

Question

I was accepted into the university of california, riverside..but I dont know much about it. Can anyone tell me what the people, campus and academic life are like??

thanks!

Answer 1

Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome.

Although UCR sometimes gets bad press, in reality it is one of the best universities in the United States!
I went to UCLA and now am at UCR and it is much better at UCR.

This is because it is quite diverse and reflective of the actual population in California. There are over a hundred studies that show that in "diverse" classes, people actually "critically think" more. They also help out their communities more and are more "democratic." Isn't that what college is about?
Also students in diverse colleges, generally make diverse friendships, which makes them more competitive in the workforce. If the employer asks: "can you work with different people?" You can say,"yes, UCR has almost every diversity imagineable and I got along and learned a lot." You have the job!

Location:
1) in a desert area next to Palm Springs so good for spas (Glen Ivy is glorious)
2) 1 hour to Beach in Irvine
3) 1 1/2 to LA to club
4) you can drive up to Big Bear to snow/water ski
5) quiet place but great to study and have no distraction
6) there is a starbucks every 300 feet

Students:
1) diverse and friendly
2) great support for women in sciences

Teaching:
1) great, the professor focus on UNDERGRADUATES (unlike other UC's such as UCLA, you get a lot of professor time)
2) There are good and bad teachers but many go out of their way to help you.
3) graduate students have a lot of chances for support but they must be proactive

Dating:
1) you can date a lot of different types of people and learn a lot
2) it is like a buffet

Classes:
1) the dance, women studies, and ethnic studies classes are great
2) there are "issues" in the sociology department so I don't reccomend you take any of those classes unless you have to

Weather
1) hot
2) buy a hat and suntan lotion

Parking
1) you can get a permit or daily pass
2) not too bad all compared to UCLA.(I have never seen a "LOT FULL" sign unless there is an event.)

Alumni
1) they have go on to be big movers and shakers

Future:
UCR is up and coming because we are also building
1) Medical school 2) Law School (in process) 3) Public Policy and 4) more graduate programs such as Anthro & Education and Women studies"

I am a big proponent of you "get what you make out of it." UCR has all the ingredients it is up to you to get the most out of your experience here.

Answer 2

It's in Riverside, meaning it's really hot and smoggy. Pretty boring like a lot of the other UCs that don't have a big time sports program so people don't care that much about their school. Academics are easy. It's long been known as the worst/easiest UC (until we figure out where Merced goes) and it's classes reflect that for the most part.