University of California - Irvine - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

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.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

UCIAL says: University of California - Irvine 2013 Social Sciences

Irvine is more of a family kind of... Irvine is more of a family kind of town. It is very clean and peaceful, which is not good for a college community because we are always so loud. Everything closes so early, and basically all we can do is eat. So, life in the town of Irvine can be quite boring at times. 12345 Local Atmosphere: April 14, 2009 Report

UCISJ says: University of California - Irvine 2015 Social Sciences

Irvine is not a college town—it's... Irvine is not a college town—it's a very safe, well-off suburban community. The best part is that it is very close to Newport Beach, and the weather is fantastic, especially during spring quarter, when you just want to ditch class and hang out at the beach. There are lots of shops and restaurants nearby. There are also lots of cops—it is one of the safest cities in the U.S. 12345 Local Atmosphere: April 08, 2009 Report

UCIDY says: University of California - Irvine 2015 Business

Irvine is almost like a "perfect... Irvine is almost like a "perfect city"—sometimes it gets a little bit sickening. It's almost like living in a plastic model house. Everything is way too expensive. 12345 Local Atmosphere: April 06, 2009 Report

UCICM says: University of California - Irvine 2015 Business

Irvine in and of itself is not too... Irvine in and of itself is not too action-packed. Though we have a bowling alley and Boomers nearby, entertainment is limited. 12345 Local Atmosphere: April 05, 2009 Report

UCIHO says: University of California - Irvine 2015 Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Irvine is a very safe and clean... Irvine is a very safe and clean city. You can go shopping at places such as South Coast Plaza, The LAB, Fashion Island, and Irvine Spectrum. There are also tons of eating places. If you have a bike, just be careful—I tell all incoming freshmen and also current students to be careful with their bikes to prevent bike and lock theft. 12345 Local Atmosphere: April 05, 2009 Report

Facts

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

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Tracey Xuan Nguyen
Hometown: Hawthorne, CA
Major: Business Economics

The first time Tracey went rock climbing on a real rock she was able to climb all the way to the top, but not before scraping her whole left arm along the jagged wall and swearing like a sailor every time her foot slipped!

Contributing Author Internship

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more about the internship.