The University of California - Riverside

Going through the first two years of undergrad at UCR, I really felt like there was not a sense of community (it didn't help that I commuted). Because of the large class sizes in general education courses, it's difficult to meet friends. I had actually applied to transfer and was accepted into top UC schools but ended up staying at UCR. I am SO glad I did! The Religious Studies department is superb. It is filled with top-notch professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their field and they presented the material is such an engaging way. Most professors didn't reveal their personal beliefs/religion which made the courses that much more interesting. The department was small so we were close knit - students and professors. Though my career now 5 years out is unrelated to the field, I gained invaluable critical thinking, open-mindedness, researching abilities, and philosophical processing from these amazing professors and classmates. This may not have been the case had I transferred to the other UCs that had the Religious Studies field on the back burner.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

DIVERSITY
University of California, Riverside is one of the most diverse Universities in the nation. We have every race you can think of socializing in one melting pot. This is a school where white people are actually the minority. Unbelievable right? Best of all, there are support groups; clubs and organizations for them to celebrate their culture and unite. For instance, African Student Programs, Chicano Student Programs, LGBT Resource Center, Asian Pacific Student Programs, and much more. These support groups provide locations on campus for students to hang out and bond with people like them as a safe house. In addition, their are cultural dorm rooms for heritages to bond and create a family. For example the dorm rooms provide a living community for African Americans known as the PAN African Theme Hall, for Hispanic students known as Mundo Hall, and Stonewall Hall for students of the LGBT community.

WHAT TO DO FOR FUN
First and foremost, I recommend that students find their passion and embrace it. Our campus has hundreds of clubs and organizations that provide events for students for their personal hobbies For the entire campus, University of California, Riverside has amazing events each quarter that students look forward to. Fall quarter we have Block Party, Winter quarter we have Heat and Spring quarter we have Spring Splash, which are all events that celebrities come and perform, carnival rides are rented, and local food trucks come to serve their tasty treats. In addition, the Barn is a food joint on campus provides many events.We have cool events that vary from local artists performing showing their talent, to poetry nights, rock and roll fests, or even comedy nights for everyone's taste.Or you can check out the monthly free movie tickets for students to view at the University Village Movie Theater down the street from campus. Another awesome benefit of attending University of California, Riverside is the fact that we are ten minutes from downtown Riverside with consistent community events and a live night life.

FOOD AND DINING
Students who live on campus have meal plans. Each meal plan includes a specific amount of cafeteria swipes, and a specific amount of cash students get to use at fast food places on campus. Our cafeteria is AMAZING! The menu is available every day online from each cafeteria. We have two choices A&I cafeteria or Lothian cafeteria. Both have all you can eat buffet's that serve for breakfast, lunch and dinner. University of California, Riverside offers such a variety of options to satisfy students from different backgrounds and preferences. There are so many options to choose from that embrace different cultures such as Greek food, Indian food, all you can eat burgers and fries, a sushi bar, carne asada tacos, or even turkey with gravy macaroni and cheese and biscuits. We even have a vegetarian section and an all you can eat salad bar embracing healthy eating. On top of that we have a Mexican food truck open until 1am daily, Panda Express, Subway, Coffee Bean, 2 food markets, an Italian food/pizza place, an amazing burger joint called Latitude and more. Best of all we have a place called the Barn that offers great food with performances from local bands and entertainment. Basically, you'll never go hungry! Your meal plan covers everything!

DORM LIFE
There are three places students can live on campus (A&I, Lothian, and Pentland Hills). Each place offers excellent service for students such as daily cleaning of bathrooms ect. Social wise, A&I and Lothian students socialize more and meet more people. Pentland Hills is a more private living option with suite style dorm rooms and living communities. Pentland Hills provides cultural dorm rooms for heritages to bond and create a family. For example the dorm rooms provide a living community for African Americans known as the PAN African Theme Hall, for Hispanic students known as Mundo Hall, and Stonewall Hall for students of the LGBT community. For each dorm room there are monthly fun events with free food such as parties thrown, wet water days, and more. As for security and strictness, nothing flies by at UCRiverside. Parties are shut down within minutes, and drugs and alcohol will be found and you will be kicked out. Zero tolerance. Its not a party school.

ACADEMICS
School will be a breeze if you take advantage of resources. Adjusting to college work will be easy if you stay on top of your work. On campus there is tutoring literally for everything. Their are tutoring centers for students spread through out campus offering guidance and assistance. Best of all the tutoring is free. They provide everything from proof reading of essays, to group sessions of tutoring in physics. In addition, professors have office hours to help students and offer extra guidance. Failing here is not an option. You may be in a classroom full of 300 people, but you have the power to be the one student the professor remembers desired to succeed.

TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Stay strong. Explore. Reach out. STAY STRONG. College is full of peer pressure and the freedom to do as you please. You are making your own decisions now without the supervision of anyone, let alone rules from your parents. Remember the morals and values your parents gave you and stand strong. Your true friends will accept you how you are and never pressure you to do something that will not benefit your future. EXPLORE.Expand your mind to different opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles. You will become a stronger person by learning about others and exploring the world. You will have more faith in yourself and your own beliefs if you understand the world around you. Life is full of tests and obstacles, thus the transition from high school to college is a time for you to learn and grow as a person and as a student. REACH OUT. Never be afraid to ask for help. In college you are surrounded by opportunities and resources to succeed, people who are paid to help you. When struggling seek guidance so knowledge can be passed from one person to another and you can help an incoming freshman someday as well.

1st Year Female -- Class 2016

Collaboration/Competitive: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: C

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000