UC Irvine gets a bad rap when it comes to choosing a University to go to and the reasons are fairly evident. The campus lacks any serious school spirit, especially when compared to our sister campus UCLA and our northern neighbor USC. We are not by any means a party school like our other sister campus UCSB or our neighbor to the South SDSU. Yet another reason could be because we are not as old and prestigious as say the original University of California in Berkeley or it's NorCal rival Stanford. Another negative not so noticeable on other campuses is how oriented towards a single ethnicity the campus appeared to be, there seemed to be no real cultural variation and little presence of Latinos and African Americans. It would appear that UC Irvine is beat in every category and yet according to US News it was the 4th most applied to school in he US.
UC Irvine has much to offer yet I am not sure if anyone has highlighted all of this until now. When I was choosing schools I had 6 schools to choose from; UCSB, UC Davis, Long Beach State, Cal State L.A, Cal State Northridge and of course UC Irvine. I was rejected by UC Riverside and San Diego State University so I couldn't go to these schools even if I wanted to. Having lived in Los Angeles my whole life and wanting to make a change I rejected both Cal State L.A and Northridge. Being the party person I am I felt had I gone to UCSB I would drink myself to death and UC Davis had little appeal to me being a truly small town so far from home. It came down to Long Beach or Irvine and simply because Long Beach was still technically in L.A county I chose Irvine and now being an alumni am very happy with my decision.
Having arrived in Irvine I felt I had made the wrong choice because of how boring and quiet it was, most of my dorm neighbors seemed more interested in playing video games than going out and interacting with other students. I felt like all I saw was Asians, albeit a wide variety such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino but I had expected an equal amount of students from other regions as well. The buildings all looked newly constructed which though nice to some for me took away the experience of going to a University. I expected old buildings where many generations before me had come to learn, not buildings constructed after my birth. I was almost certain that I had made the wrong choice but this feeling didn't even last a week.
At the end of week zero I went to UCI involvement fair, There I was able to join organizations like Zot Film, CASA (Central American Student Association) and my fraternity Sigma Delta Alpha, a Latino Fraternity at the time. These orgs took up the bulk of my time and exposed me to the fast diversity the campus had beneath the surface. Through these experiences I learned what it truly meant to work with people you may not get along with to achieve a common goal and I benefitted so much so that my family noticed a positive change in my work ethic and attitude upon my return. I became a better person at this school and through living on the actual campus ad being involved was I able to be so receptive to these opportunities.
I feel like any student can appreciate and grow from these experiences and have some memorable life moments. While there here are some locations and activities you should check out.
Angel Stadium 15 miles away- This is the place where Obama spoke to my graduating class but it is also the place I saw my Dodgers beat the Angels. Come and watch your team play against Anaheim and even if you don't watch baseball, a trip to the ballpark is a one time experience worth the time and money.
Ant Hill Pub- Once you are old enough go and get your free beer and than after have friends buy you a pitcher or two. These are some of the best prices I have ever seen for pints and pitchers and perhaps one of the things I miss most about UCI. The food isn't bad either so go and create memories with close friends or make acquaintances into good friends here.
Anteater Ballpark- Our baseball is easily one of the best in nation and made it deep into the playoffs last year. They have stiff competition every year and could use the support from the students so roll by an get a seat or enjoy a game on the grass while you "study". No joke this team is NCAA ranked and very exciting to watch.
Anteater Stadium- Yet another top ranked team at UCI is our men's soccer team. A team this strong deserves a fan base that plays drums and wears scarfs but if you have neither just show up and cheer. I have always been impressed by their style of pay and like baseball this is a team that frequently makes it deep into the playoffs. Show some school spirit!
ARC- We truly have an amazing gym, even Kobe Bryant trains here! Now that I am gone I miss it so much so take advantage of this state of the art gym and it's fields because it is the perfect location to stay in shape or get stronger.
The Block in Orange 12 miles away- This is really just an outside mall but if you ever get tired of being in Irvine or just the immediate area come out here and check your options because it is a nice spot to come out for a date and not be seen by everyone from class.
Bren Event Center- These games here can become intense especially with the recent effort made by the school to improve the basketball team. Show up since just like the baseball and soccer games it is free. Wear our blue and gold, paint your face and boo Cal State Long Beach! The Anteater athletics department gives us so much and all they as of us is to show up and cheer.
Corona del Mar Beach 4 miles away- You got to love the beach and the sand between your toes especially in the months of May and June or September and October here in Southern California. Go for swim with friends and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets that can be seen anywhere in the world.
Crystal Cove State Park 8 miles away- This park is a challenge to a first time hiker like myself but when I first went with my frat brothers I had to take a moment when I reached the end of the hike and got the great view of the coast. Stay healthy by testing yourself here through a intermediate level hike with above average scenic views.
Disneyland 17 miles away- Of course this is one of the biggest attractions in Orange County and in Southern California in general. It is worth at least one visit and maybe many more if you end up liking it.
Downtown Fullerton 24 miles away- Believe the hype because this area gets down in a way Irvine simply cannot. This is a good thing because it means the ratchetness can remain in another city while your academics stay in Irvine. These two things rarely mix together so if you want the former (ratchetness) go downtown and turn up but please leave your books at home.
Fashion Island 3 miles away- This place so close that it was worth the trip for food and window shopping if not shopping for real. It is an outdoor thing and in SoCal can make for a nice summer or winter night out.
Food truck Tuesday 2 miles away- located at the Irvine lanes this parking lot turns into a one stop food court Tuesday nights with various different foods. Most are delicious and there is always a wide variety to try so you can't really go wrong.
Gaufree 3 miles away- Though the concept of a burger or sandwich on a waffle might sound weird the actual food itself is delicious. Maybe it is because it isn't an option readily available anywhere in Los Angeles but this one of the food spots in Irvine that was good.
Gina's Pizza Across the street from campus- This is just really good pizza and luckily it is right across the street from campus, if anything take the green line to get here. The place clearly has school spirit and is another good spot to get a pitcher of beer.
Honda Center 15 miles away- Once the Big West basketball playoffs get rolling UCI competes here and the experience is one that should not be allowed to simply slip away. This competition is the final and the school actually takes you there and brings you back! take advantage of this.
Irvine Spectrum 7 miles away- Come here on a date, nothing to special about this place but it at least provides you with options. It is a safe option so if nothing else come here and do as the Anteaters do.
Knotts Berry Farm 19 miles away- In my humble opinion this park is better than Disneyland, it is more geared towards adults and is less crowded. You may not agree but go and see for yourself before you say no.
Mission San Juan Capistrano 17 miles away- What UCI lacks in old buildings it partly makes up for at this historic location. This Mission was the first and is the oldest standing structure in California and has been rightfully named the "American Acropolis". This location is absolutely breathtaking and aside from serving as the origin of Zorro, is actually a beautiful landmark.
New Port Beach 6 miles away- Bars and the beach, go to the peninsula and walk for a while, it is a great place to clear your head in the midst of intense tests and exams.
Santa Ana 9 miles away- No specific locations here, just get out of the bubble that is Irvine and got get some authentic tacos or if you are old enough go to a dive bar and try something new. At most you have 5 years at UCI so make them worth it.
Taco Mesa 7 miles away- These are just some damn good tacos and are worth the trip. They are made uniquely but that is a part of the draw especially since good tacos are practically non existent in Irvine.
Tijuana, Mexico 100 miles- This is by far the most adventurous location on the list and was in my opinion the most fun. I highly recommend it if you are from out of State and are truly looking to broaden your horizons. I was 24 when I went to UC Irvine so the drinking age wasn't an issue for me but interestingly enough the legal drinking age in Tijuana is 18 and everything is much cheaper over there. I first went to Tijuana with my fraternity brothers and fell in love immediately as have many others I have taken subsequently.