Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Bio-focused wet lab tour in both Engineering Tower (ET) and Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB).
Graduate Life at UC Irvine
Incoming graduate students often ask what is life like at UCI? Where do graduate students go for fun? What’s the food like in the area? We asked a variety of students in the department and would like to share some the top suggestions!
Favorite Restaurants:
Eureka Burger, Tender Greens, Coco Ichibanya (Japanese Curry), Adya, Annapoorna Indian Cuisine, Masala Craft (Irvine), Mint India (Laguna Hills), Urban Plates, RA Sushi, Pho Saigon/Anything in Diamond Jamboree Plaza, Photasia, Hen House Grill, Kebab Shop, Taquiero Taco Patio, Wahoo’s Tacos, Avocado Cafe, HiroNori, South of Nicks (Laguna and San Clemente! Try the margarita — a bit pricey but totally worth it), Bear Coast Coffee (San Clemente), Brodard, Kyochon, Baekjeong, tons of good Hispanic food around Santa Ana and Anaheim
Favorite Bars: Anthill Pub, Woody’s Wharf, Cabo Cantina,Time Nightclub
Favorite Desserts: 85 Degree Bakery, Sidecar Donuts
Places to visit around Orange County:
Sawdust Art Festival (Laguna), Balboa Island, Christmas Boat Parade (Newport), variety of large shopping centers (The Marketplace, Spectrum, District (Tustin), Fashion Island, South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)), University Town Center, Outlets of Orange, Discovery Cube Science Museum, Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, Irvine Art Museum, William Mason Park, Huntington Dog Beach, paddle boarding in Newport, the many boba and dessert locations
Any favorite beaches or trails?
Beaches: Corona Del Mar Beach (closest to UCI), Crescent Bay (Part of Laguna), Salt Creek Beach, Strands Beach, Crystal Cove (State Beach), Huntington Beach, Seal Beach
Trails: Black Star Canyon Falls Trail (careful of poison oak), Back Bay Loop, Laguna Wilderness Preserve, El Moro Canyon, Bommer Canyon, San Joaquin Marsh (University and Campus), hikes off the 74, Trails Beach at San O Campground, Carbon Canyon Regional Park (park with a small grove of Redwoods)
For more challenging hiking: Angeles National Forest (Bridge to Nowhere Hike), and Cleveland National Forest are > 30 min away. Mt. Baldy hiking > 1 hr away.
Where have you enjoyed visiting within driving distance of Orange County (day-trips/weekend trips/long weekend trips)?
Mt. Baldy, Lake Arrowhead, Joshua Tree, Los Angeles, Walker Canyon Poppy Fields, Long Beach (more beaches, Aquarium of the Pacific, the Pike outlets, El Dorado Nature Center, Long Beach Art Museum, Museum of Latin Art, 2nd Street/Naples, the Getty Art Museum), Los Angeles, San Diego, San Clemente, Encinitas (beautiful), music venues in DTLA (Down-town Los Angeles), Temecula (wine tasting), Las Vegas, Mammoth
What do you enjoy doing outside of lab?
Tennis, hiking, working out, beach, running, biking, mountain climbing, watching tv/movies/game nights with friends, cooking/baking, nature photography, reading books/comics, painting classes at Pinot’s Pallete, playing sports (Intramurals!), trying new food/restaurants, hiking random trails found on google maps, road-biking, learning to surf (Doheny beach in Dana Point for a great beginner surf spot), outdoor yoga in the park every morning at lantern park in Dana point for ~$8.
Advice for incoming students?
Although there are a lot of great spots in Irvine, there are also a lot of great spots walking distance from campus. Albertsons, Traders Joes, for groceries Hen House, In and Out for Food, a theatre, etc.
Tons of great food and grocery options, grad student housing is really convenient and everything you need is within a short driving distance, Newport Beach gets more attention for nightlife but Santa Ana has some pretty dope spots too!
Work hard and have fun! Take advantage of the great weather. There are endless hiking, biking, surfing spots. Cute coffee shops as well.
Welcome to the new CBE Graduate Student Association Website!!
The Chemical and Biomolecular Graduate Student Association (CBE GSA) is a graduate student run organization within the CBE department. This website will be the source of all future GSA relevant information such as events, outreach opportunities, and pictures from past events! You can email us at ucicbegsa@gmail.com and connected on our Facebook page!