University of California-Riverside Top Questions

Every freshman should know that the college system works very different from high school and even though you don't go to the same classes every day you still to use time wisely. Every freshman should also know what resources are at their disposal, for example exactly what you can find at the library besides just a study room, the academic resource center, the writing resource center, and how to get tutors or other aid if they require assistance.

Get at least somewhat aquainted with the layout of the school. Ever year, at the start of the year, I see dozens of freshmen get lost, trying to figure out which part of the Interdisciplinary building is INTS and which is INTN and trying to find their way around the building itself. Always look up where your classes are and find them before you need to or you'll likely end up late to your first classes. Also be warned that tuition is constantly going up and has gone up a lot in my time alone. Last, the administration is always difficult to deal with, so be patient and deal with them as the time needs be. Everything will take a while, so being impatient will make things worse. You also can't pay for tuition with a Visa card (as well as several others) and that can be hazardous if you don't know that ahead of time.

1. This is a commuter college. If you live in the dorms, prepare to have the place to yourself and maybe a handful of other people during the weekends. 2. If you don't have a car, get a friend with a car. Riverside is a great campus for explorers, and you can't get to LA, Big Bear, Anaheim, San Diego on the bus (well you can, it'll just take a million transfers) 3. Those people sitting on couches in the quad talking to people who walk by on their way to class? Yeah, that's our Greek row. Sure, we don't have a real Greek row with the big houses and all, but hey, it just cuts down on the campus population separation and makes all of us at UCR be one big happy family. 4. A-I Dining Hall food is better than Lothian. Scotty's makes the best sandwiches.No wait, Sub Station does. Idk, you can try them both. 5. Don't walk by yourself at night. Walk in groups when it gets dark and/or you walk past Chicago/University. In fact, don't go past Chicago/University on foot whether it's day or night. Again, look at #2 if you want to explore. 6. Take advantage of the Student Rec Center and their outdoor recreation programs. If you're going to the beach/slopes/camping, take a look at their rental equipment. They're cheap. 7. The Botanical Gardens are lovely. 8. You're not an official Highlander until you've hiked the C. Watch out if you're taking the Big Springs route. There's a crazy guy with long hair and no shirt who bugs hikers. 9. You can get fined if you pick the fruit off the trees. However, the kumquats are delicious. 10. Don't miss Block Party/Heat/Spring Splash- they're worth it. 11. In my four years at UCR, I've only see skunks, coyotes, foxes, owls, and bats ON CAMPUS but I've only heard about East Lothian being closed due to mountain lions prowling around (and that bit of info was from UCPD). Keep an eye out for the wildlife :) 12. If you like skateboarding, there's always a group of skaters near the belltower performing tricks. 13. The safest place to be during a big earthquake is in the entomology research center (it's fortified against earthquakes b/c they can't afford to have their experimental bugs break loose if a window breaks or something) 14. Most of your teachers won't know how to use the computer equipment. Be patient with them :) 15. The Denny's in the UV closes from 2am-4am for some reason, so avoid that place if you have the late night munchies.

Tuition will not stagnate, it will keep going up, so far as anyone can see for the time being. It takes a while to get anything done with the school's administration, so keep an eye out for timing.

Don't be afraid to ask questions if your confused and don't stress out if you don't get the classes that you want because it will all end up working out. get involved in activities make friends interact with people in your hall, and don't fall behind in your work

Don't be afraid to ask questions if your confused and don't stress out if you don't get the classes that you want because it will all end up working out. get involved in activities make friends interact with people in your hall, and don't fall behind in your work

Let loose. Try new experiences and you will find something that suits you and you enjoy. Learn to discipline and manage your time. Prioritize; you came to school for education and valuable life experience. Get to know you professors, they will be of great help.

Don't go to community college. You will regret it. I know you're scared about making such a huge transition in your life, and you feel that you aren't ready, but trust me, when you head out to any University; you're going to fall in love. It's a scary thing to do, but it'll be for the best. You'll meet a lot of great people and have a great experience. You won't feel like you're getting an education at a CC. It's not the same. It's a bit harder socializing with people here. Not impossible, but hard since people have already formed friendships since freshman year. You will love coming to UCR so much. And if you had applied to UCR as a freshman, you would have gotten a full ride and not have to pay a majority of the tuition fees that you're paying for right now. It will all work out in the end. Don’t stress and worry, just apply to UCR and the rest will unfold perfectly.

no matter how hard it gets keep going and it's a life time prize at the end waiting for me!

Dear Past Self, Research, research, research, and don't give up. UCR is a great school and to get here and stay here is a struggle and I don't regret coming to this school, but research. There are Universities closer to home, not necessarily in Florida, but a lot closer than Florida. Research more scholarships. Research more schools, brand names is not everything that matters. Research your major and other ways to get where you want to be. Most of all, don't give up. That is one advice that I want you to remember most. When I applied to colleges one thing that I didn't do was give up and that is why I am here now. College is a chance to find yourself, don't be afraid to assert your self. Even though you will be away from the comfort of family, it's alright, they are still with you in your heart. College life is beuatiful, look out and explore. Love, Your Future Self