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University of California - Irvine
- Local Atmosphere

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University of California - Irvine - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Local Atmosphere

B+
Where does this grade come from?View all Local Atmosphere rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Local Atmosphere Grades:

Quick Stats

Points of Interest
  • The Block
  • Disneyland
  • Downtown Disney
  • Knott’s Berry Farm
  • Laguna Beach
  • Newport Beach
  • The Spectrum
  • Wild Rivers Water Park

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Irvine definitely isn’t a party town, which correlates with another frequently heard understatement in Irvine: “There are some old people here.” Pretty much 99.99 percent of Irvine consists of mild-mannered, upper-class denizens. If you’re going to UCI, be prepared for the social doldrums. Just repeat to yourself that you’re here to learn.

Having a car dramatically reduces the social despair that most students will endure due to the hour’s driving distance between UCI and surrounding attractions. Places like Disneyland, Huntington Beach, Staples Center, and the San Diego Zoo are pretty popular attractions for students who can plan the time and the funds to get there. Although there is a ton to do in the cities surrounding Irvine, like shopping at Fashion Island or visiting Knott’s Berry Farm, you’re still going to need transportation to get to many of the local places. It’s strongly advised that you bring your car to UCI or else you may be stuck with only visits to the Edwards University Town Center movie theater across the street. UCI has a huge pool of commuting students, so if you can’t bring your own car, you can at least find a friend who doesn’t mind you clinging on as a freeloader. Together, you can check out all the noteworthy sites outside of Irvine.

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UC Irvine Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at University of California - Irvine

jmcamach

'13

Political Science and Government

4.6
A

Diversity

UCI has great diversity. A variety of organizations are always putting on events. Overall, college life is tranquil and safe.

Dec 24, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at University of California - Irvine

AnonymousStudent12345

'14

Nursing

4.6
A

UCI's Atmopshere

I see UCI as a school who's students are very driven, competitive, and passionate about what they do. Almost everyone is very serious about succeeding, and it is a very inspiring and studious environment to be around.

Although Irvine isn't the most exciting place, it is very safe and beautiful. There are some nice restaurants to try in the area, and it's close to the beach. Irvine is located near many hot spots and cities.

The campus is quiet nice and large. I especially enjoy having Aldrich park in the center, where I can take a breath of fresh air in between classes.

The one downside about this school is that science classes fill up pretty quickly and are competitive to get seats in. Tutoring has been cut back on, and I had to find a private group tutor.

UCI is a great place to go if you want to get involved in the medical field. There are plenty of research opportunities and ways to volunteer.

I also have heard that UCI has one of the top Psychology and Engineering programs.

Overall, I would not choose to go anywhere BUT UCI and I am happy to be going to school here. This school isn't perfect, but it fulfills my needs and is what I am looking for.

Dec 18, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at University of California - Irvine

tchan

'15

Psychology

4.6
A

University of California - Local Atmosphere

The environment here in Irvine sends off a very chil, relaxed vibe. It is a very green, grassy area with a usual 70 degree weather. Irvine is considered one of the safest cities in America, so it is quite enjoyable outside. There are many food places around and shopping places such as Fashion Island/Irvine Spectrum. UCI has the AWESOMEST gym ever! Very clean environment packed with many different machines, fun classes and opportunites to maintain a healthy body. The local attitude is pretty calm, and not very very social. More individual.

Nov 13, 2011

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • Fashion Island
  • Irvine Spectrum
  • South Coast Plaza
Major Sports Teams
  • Anaheim Ducks: hockey
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: baseball
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: baseball
  • Los Angeles Lakers: basketball
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Los Angeles: CA: 1 hour
  • San Diego: CA: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Irvine:
• Several movies have been filmed or partially filmed in Irvine, including Iron Man, Ocean's Eleven, and You, Me and Dupree
• One of Irvine’s sister cities is Tsukuba, Japan.
• The prehistoric man arrived in the Irvine area at least 12,000–18,000 years ago.
• The establishment of Irvine was a part of the negotiated deal to create UCI in 1959.
• The city flower is the Lily of the Nile.

Famous People From Orange County:
Amanda Beard, Coby Bell, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Costner, Lindsay Davenport, Will Ferrell, Korn, Jason Lezak, Mark McGuire, No Doubt, The Offspring, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dennis Rodman, Keri Russell, Stone Temple Pilots, Sugar Ray, Jeff Timmons, Warren G., Tiger Woods

Local Slang:
Hella – rooted from NorCal (Northern California), means “hell of a,” or “really”
SoCal Lifestyle – Southern California Lifestyle

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Edwards Island 7
999 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach
(800) 326-3264

Edwards Newport 6
300 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach
(949) 640-4600

Edwards University Town Center 6
4245 Campus Dr.
Irvine
(949) 854-8818

Regal Theaters Irvine Spectrum
65 Fortune Dr.
Irvine
(949) 450-4920

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at UCI

Name: Tracey Xuan Nguyen

Hometown: Hawthorne, CA

Major: Business Economics

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