University of California - Riverside - Overall Experience

College Prowler Take

UCR grows on its students. Those who are not excited and attached to the school from the beginning usually find that they cannot help but love it once they get here. The majority of students enjoy their time at UCR. While a number of students come to UCR with the idea of transferring after their first two years, many often change their minds because they are pleasantly surprised with what a smaller campus atmosphere and community has to offer. In some ways, one could say that the positive aspects of UCR have been part of a well-kept secret that is making its way out. To the surprise of many, UCR definitely has potential to be a place where students can be extremely happy. The campus itself has an excellent and welcoming feel through both scenery and aspects of the general campus community. Although the University is growing, it still remains one of the smallest UC campuses and continues to offer a personal touch. As the school grows, an increasing number of academic programs, social clubs, and organizations are developing, providing the feel of schools within a school, which makes the University smaller for its students.

Like any school, UCR has its drawbacks. For those who want a party school and a huge social scene in the surrounding community, Riverside is not the best place to be. There are some parties centering from the fraternities and sororities, but there are not many clubs or bars in the immediate area around the school. Most students drive 20 to 30 minutes or more into parts of Moreno Valley, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego for weekend fun. While UCR has its downsides, especially with the surrounding area, it definitely has its advantages, too. With the lack of entertainment in the immediate neighborhood, students learn quickly how to make their own fun. When given a chance, UCR often becomes a great place for students to enjoy and gain from the overall college experience.

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Students Speak Out

magickarma says: University of California - Riverside 2015 Math and Statistics

Generally, the people here are... 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. 12345 Overall Experience: April 14, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I love UCR for its small campus... I love UCR for its small campus atmosphere and its location. Riverside is a decent-sized city, but not as huge as LA, so you are away from the hustle and bustle. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I really like UCR; it’s a quaint... I really like UCR; it’s a quaint campus. It’s easy to get around, and everyone is nice. UCR is good for solitude and peace. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

My overall experience so far is... My overall experience so far is great! I’ve taken some wonderful classes and had some incredible teachers. The professors have backgrounds that you wouldn’t believe. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I’m a very shy person, and I... I’m a very shy person, and I thought I wouldn’t make any friends, but I did. The best thing you can do is live in the dorms for your freshman year. It’s part of the true college experience. 12345 Overall Experience Report

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