Random questions about UCI from a prospective freshman

Colleges & Universities University of California - Irvine
1

Class of '29 chemistry major from the Bay Area.

I’m probably headed to UCI (waiting to decide in a couple weeks). So thankful to have been accepted to Irvine.

  • I don’t have a car and strongly prefer to not own one (do have a driver’s license). How feasible is undergrad life using rideshare and Zipcars? The airport looks pretty close to campus for flights back to the Bay Area.

  • Do most upperclassmen live off campus? If so, owning a car would then be kind of obligatory?

  • Do most CHC students live in designated honors housing for all 4 years, or just 1st year?

  • Does CHC help improve on-campus housing choices including apartment options after your 1st year? Not sure if CHC guaranteed on-campus housing is a huge benefit if most students live off-campus after 1st year?

  • Davis and Santa Barbara student culture seems laid-back and supportive… Berkeley is cut-throat… how abut Irvine’s culture?

2

Hello! I know for at least the first year at UCI some students (parking prices… not it) don’t bring their car. UCI from what I’ve heard is more laid-back esp in comparison to Berkeley?

3

Most people take rideshare to and from the airport. If a friend has a car, they might be able to drive you.

UCI’s Anteater Express is an easy way to get around.

ACC housing is a very popular choice for students after their freshman year. Applications are early and not everyone gets a spot. The Irvine Company also has apartment complexes that are walking or biking distance from UCI.

Irvine has very nice students. However, a very large percentage of the students are from southern California. Many go home on the weekends. Those that stay make friends with each other, but it can take some time. If you are looking for an active weekend social scene, UCI is not the school that is going to provide that.

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4

Thanks, I’m hoping that CHC housing priority would increase your odds of landing in ACC.

How does roommate assignments work for continuing students? Does UCI have roommate groups selection and assignment?

5

For freshmen or non freshmen?

6

I’m more curious about continuing students (sophomores and up).

7

I think most students meet people in the dorms or in classes their first year.