Written by Probuddho Parthasarathi
Do you know that UC Irvine’s campus size is over 1500 acres? Surely, there must be a plethora of activities available to graduate students in this enormous campus. There are far too many options a student has on hand to suit their vibe on-campus. My list below would be for different tastes. I am sure there would be a few ones that will suit yours. There are many activities you can do off-campus but well, that is for another time!
Vibe Check: Sports
ARC (Anteater Recreation Center):
The recreation center is a famous spot for fitness freaks and sports enthusiast on-campus. The late NBA legend Kobe Bryant was a frequent visitor at this place. This place has state-of-the-art courts for basketball, badminton, and racquetball. If you are a gym freak, then you are in the right place. Gyms are well-equipped with weights, lifting platforms, cardio equipment, and machines. Table Tennis table, swimming pool, and a rock wall for climbing are some other highlights. As a UCI graduate student, you can use services at the ARC for free. Just display your ID Card at reception and you are good to go. (Link: https://www.campusrec.uci.edu/ )
Crawford Athletics Complex
If you hear someone on campus saying that UCI is hosting a team tonight, that means there is a game at the Crawford complex. The home team needs support and who better than you to go out there to have some fun. The athletics complex has basketball and volleyball courts. There is an Anteater stadium that hosts track and field events. If you like to watch swimming events, there is an Aquatics Complex inside the facility. Grad students get free tickets to selected matches. Keep an eye on your inbox for such offers!
Vibe Check: Food
Technically, UTC (University Town Center) is off-campus so I am not touching upon the food options there.
If you are on-campus shuttling between lectures, here are some places that can calm the tummy!
West & East Food Courts
Located on the northern part of the campus, you will find this food court to be the most crowded. It is easily accessible near the student center, and you can be spoilt for choices. My personal favorites are the cheap Wendy chicken sandwiches and if you are super hungry then a bowl of Panda Express won’t disappoint you.
Food stalls
If you are an ambitious foodie, there are multiple food stalls set up during the quarter on the ring road next to the Langson Library. They are cheap and filling. Must try would be Korean cuisine.
BC Cavern’s Food Court
There are decent options if you are starving near the Science Library. You can take your laptop and finish that project while sipping cold drinks and having burgers. Grabbing a sub is my favorite option.
Phoenix Food Court
Are you having a bad day but near Paul Merage School of Business? This food court will not disappoint you. Grille Works has good burger options, but the highlight of this place is Einstein Bros. Bagels. Grab a coffee and bagel while soaking in the view of the majestic Aldrich park.
Anteatery and Brandywine
If you want a buffet, Anteatery and Brandywine are your best bet. Having a meal plan helps a lot. There are a-la-carte options that keep changing daily so keep tabs on that. Students staying on-campus prefer these locations.
Vibe Check: Social
Associate Graduate Students (AGS) represents the student government for Graduate students at UCI. AGS organizes various social events such as the board game night, glitter ball, karaoke nights, Halloween night, and the welcome week party. So, do come down for a night of meeting fellow grad students and enjoy to your fullest!
Anthill Pub
Quarters can be tough and breezy. You might want to ease yourself for a night with your friends on-campus. Anthill Pub & Grille is a great option. The craft beers and food can just be the stress buster that you are looking out for.
Dinner with Anteaters (DWA)
This is an event organized every quarter by the UCI Alumni Association. The focus is on bringing alumni and students together for a sponsored meal where they get to know each other. I had a great experience with the event where I met 2 UCI alumni, graduate, and undergraduate students.
Vibe Check: Beverages
Starbucks
If you want some caffeine, then there are 3 Starbucks outlets on-campus. The first is near the Science Library, second is next to the Hill and the third outlet is at the Paul Merage School of Business. Pro-tip: There is less crowd in the third outlet.
Java Coffee
A quaint café located between the school of ICS and engineering, where you can sit and do your work. They have good coffee options and sandwiches to go.
Zot n Go
One of my favorite spots on campus when I need to grab a snack. Located below the UCI International Center, Zot-n-Go provides cheap options for snacks, sandwiches, and coffee. Must try when you are running around campus between lectures.
Vibe Check: De-stress
Aldrich Park
With over 11000 trees and shrubs, this is a go-to place for all the students on-campus to chill. You can see people taking a nap, playing frisbee, catching up with friends, or having a picnic. Multiple events take place in this park over the academic calendar. Please make sure you take a stroll around the park around which this campus is built around.
Gamers aboard! The campus has a dedicated space to play various games such as Counterstrike, FIFA, Dota, and many more. The arena is located opposite the East Food Court. So, make sure the gamer inside you is alive because it needs to de-stress during the quarter.