University of California—Riverside (UCR)

Undergraduates at the University of California-Riverside have the opportunity to get "a great education while also having fun." The university goes to great lengths to ensure that "everyone feels welcome and wanted on campus" and that's palpable to the students. Undergrads here also greatly benefit from all the research being conducted at Riverside. As one giddy student explains, "There are so many different projects happening in [a variety of] fields" and the opportunities to participate are quite "generous." Additionally, UCR undergrads appreciate that "there are so many programs to help student[s] stay on track academically and even more to help student[s] in academic recovery." Students have an abundance of courses and majors from which to choose; highlights include the "very prestigious entomology and agriculture departments." In general, students report that professors are "very helpful and friendly." They tend to be "passionate and engaged" as well as "knowledgeable." And they make it abundantly clear that "they love their field, their job, and their students." As one amazed student reveals, "I have not yet met a professor that wasn't happy to rearrange their plans, so they could help a student in need."

Individuals greatly interested in UC Riverside will be delighted to learn that the school maintains a "very diverse" student body. In turn, this allows all undergrads to truly "feel welcome." Of course, the fact that most students here are "extremely friendly and supportive" also helps. One proud undergrad agrees sharing, "It is easy to approach most people and start a conversation." Beyond their general openness, Riverside students also describe their classmates as "liberal and politically-engaged." Additionally, the vast majority seem to have "an appetite to learn and discover." Perhaps more importantly, undergrads readily assert that their fellow students "are committed to the success of the [Riverside] community as a whole." Indeed, they empathize "with those who are struggling and they seek to be involved both on and off campus." And while they are certainly "passionate about what they believe in," they're also "respectful of...[the] opinions [of others]." Overall, as this grateful undergrad explains, "My peers at the University of California, Riverside make my college experience a great one. They make college feel safe, fun, and exciting." And this fellow student wholeheartedly agrees exclaiming, "College life is stressful but it is easier with the right people surrounding you. And that's what I have here at UCR."

Boredom is virtually non-existent at UC Riverside. After all, "there is always something to do on campus throughout the day." For example, "Every week there is a mini-concert in the middle of campus to showcase a local group (small band or DJ)." There are also a number of "career workshops, movie screenings, [and] cultural events" of which to take advantage. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in "over 400 clubs on campus, many of which organize their own activities and will often go on excursions or trips." A number of undergrads also report that the "party scene is decent," though it's often relegated to the weekend. Outdoor enthusiasts love that UCR is adjacent to the Box Spring Mountains. Hence, there are "a plethora of trails for hiking." Plenty of students can also be found hanging at the Hub which has "a game room where you can play pool, board games or watch TV." Even more enticing, "the recreation center has a hot tub and a recreational pool with vortex current as well as lap pool. It's also possible to play volleyball, basketball, badminton, racquetball, and other games [as well as use] the rock-climbing wall." But the best aspect of the rec center? It "provides free massages twice a week."