<p>UCI is better for CS IMO. A lot of prestigious tech. companies recruit at UCI (but if you plan to return to Germany after your degree then that’s not important). In California, UCI is generally viewed as the better school; in (most) rankings, UCI is the 6th best UC school. In recent years, it’s become obvious that UCI is well on its way to becoming a top university while UCR, which is the older school, fails to advance as quickly. The Bren school at UCI has very nice facilities, at least from what I’ve observed. Although I must say, the computers at UCI are ancient. Seriously, like Windows 2000 is still running on some of those dinos. Not sure if this is true in the Bren school. UCI is also the only UC that has a separate school dedicated to computer science. So, I suppose they’re very serious about what they do in the CS department.</p>
<p>If you don’t bring (or know someone with) a car, your activities at UCI will be quite limited. There’s not much around campus. There’s a shuttle but I’m not sure you can get much distance out of that. You could join some clubs. Eating out is pricy in Irvine. It’s one of the more expensive places to live. Since you are an international student and will get no financial aid I assume, this might be something to consider. I know Riverside is a less costly place to live but I’m not sure by how much. UCI isn’t big on sports either. Sometimes you hear about them in volleyball or something like that. Also in America you can’t drink until you are 21 but there is a pub on campus (which is unique). UCI is an example of what we refer to as a commuter school; on weekends, the campus empties out because everyone drives home. I don’t know if it’s the same at UCR. </p>
<p>UCI has a beautiful campus (well, as beautiful as cement-y, uninspired architecture can get) with lots of greenery. The park is wonderful…you can go there to clear you head or just enjoy all that landscaping your tuition pays for. Weather is pretty much perfect, but it gets very hot at times. Bring a fan. I’ve only been to UCR once and the location is kind of a turn off. The neighborhood isn’t as nice (Irvine consistently ranks as one of the safest/nicest cities in the US) and it’s pretty dry/hot/sandy/rocky/dusty for a place called “River-side.” Unless you have a thing for the desert weather or succulents, I’d spend my 4 years in Irvine if I were you. </p>
<p>Also, UCI’s mascot is an Anteater. I think UCR’s is a bear in skirt or something.</p>