About

See what students say:

Academics

Though the University of California—Irvine was only recently founded in 1965; as a public research university in the California system, it already offers 87 bachelor’s degrees to nearly 30,000 students. The proximity to Los Angeles “gives students a lot of educational opportunities” but also feels set apart enough to promote on-campus collaboration in “a beautiful and constructive atmosphere.” Any student willing to work hard—the “academic standard is…super high at UC Irvine, which encourages students to excel and try their hardest in their studies”—will find a place to follow their dreams here.

Students emphasize that the classrooms here are active: “We get to talk about what we learn during class instead of passively learning” and there’s a “learning of the material through hands-on experiences and participation.” It works, because “professors are welleducated and knowledgeable [and] helpful when students have questions” and “do an excellent job of bringing lecture material into applicable daily life situations.” The atmosphere also encourages students to utilize the “many undergraduate research opportunities,” with equally “many resources both provided by the school and the professors.” As far as administration goes, the school “strives to understand each student’s unique situation (personal, family, financial, and academic) and accommodate their needs.” And the school’s tutoring center, which “definitely helps with intuition and deeper understanding” helps to keep students on track.

Student Body

UCI comprises “a diverse group of ambitious youths from all walks of life”—students note the “significant population of commuters and international students”—who come from “a variety of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.” Though the university is competitive, “it is not cutthroat and students really strive to see the well-being of their fellow peers,” and everyone is “driven and willing to work toward what they want.” There “is an air of open friendliness” that is “very inclusive and promotes a safe and welcoming atmosphere for students.” UCI also has a large “number of first-generation students who seem to have built a special community amongst themselves,” but as a whole it “feels as though everyone is connected and on the same page.”

Campus Life

One of UCI’s greatest strengths is that “everyone can find some form of community on campus or people willing to help them out with their needs.” There are “clubs and activities for everyone whether or not you may think you fit in.” One student notes that the ARC (Anteater Recreation Center) has “lots of different options, like badminton, ping pong, and rock climbing” and that you can play pool in the main lobbies of some dorms. Students also note that there’s a global range to activities: “boba tea and anime are extremely popular” and “there are many local restaurants that are known for good food.” The “campus and surrounding area is very safe” and “the community is also quite involved,” with plenty of chances to take part in service volunteering. There is a “really nice park in the middle of campus” and the “peaceful and big campus…never feels boring or restricting.” Though the social scene can be somewhat quiet, there are always people “eating on campus or studying together,” and “travel becomes much easier if you have friends willing to go with you.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Bryan Jue
Senior Director, Outreach and Communications

Address
260 Aldrich Hall
Irvine, CA 92697-1075

Phone
949-824-4636

Email
visituci@uci.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Anteater Recreation Center
Bren Events Center
UCI Student Center
Cross-Cultural Center
Arts Plaza
Beall Center for Art and Technology

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Disneyland
Newport Beach
Knott's Berry Farm
Irvine Spectrum
The Block at Orange

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday; Sat-Sun
8am-9pm; 8am-5pm
949-824-4636

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Not Available

Times

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The John Wayne Airport (Orange County) is 5 miles from campus. Taxis are available. County bus stops on Campus. Amtrack and Metrolink are also available.

Driving Instructions to Campus
The campus is one mile south of the I-405 freeway. From south of Irvine, take I-405 to the Culver Rd. exit and proceed south to Campus Dr. Turn right on Campus Dr. to W. Peltason Dr. (the university entrance). Turn left on W. Peltason Dr. From north of Irvine, take I-405 to the Jamboree exit and proceed south to Campus Dr. Turn left on Campus Dr. and proceed to Bridge Rd. (the university entrance). Turn right on W. Peltason Dr.

Admissions

Applicants: 119,199
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Average HS GPA: 0.00






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