Post by Jose Santamaria, GIC Peer Mentor 2021
If you reached this post you are probably looking for ideas of what to do around campus, other than studying at the library, going to classes, or rushing to class because you are late. Although this past year has not been at all like the others, I am positive that very soon things on campus will be back to normal, so I will describe them here as if nothing had changed and things were like they were before.
There are actually many things to do on campus, and everything is within walking distance, so if you prefer to do things on-campus, be assured you will not be bored at all
One of my personal favorites is the Anteater Recreation Center (ARC), which is located close to university housing. You can do all kinds of activities, from lifting to playing pickup basketball games, go to yoga classes, or F45 classes, martial arts. The arc also has fields outdoors where you can play soccer, baseball, or tennis, and there is even a swimming pool. Furthermore, intramural leagues are organized each quarter. So, in conclusion, if you like sports, the ARC will be one of your favorite places.
If you have not already done so, I highly encourage you to roam around Aldrich Park, a huge green area placed right in the center of the campus. You can just go for a walk, bring a book and sit under the shade of a tree and read or just lay down and enjoy the breeze and the singing birds.
It is possible that on one of your visits to Aldrich park, you see people practicing some choreography, or doing group activities, I once even saw people playing quidditch. Most probably these people are part of a club. There are dozens of clubs, with different focuses and likes. Usually, at the beginning of the year, all of the clubs have a fair in Aldrich park where they introduce themselves and talk about the interests of the club. It will definitely be a wise idea to stop by. Clubs will get you together with people that share interests with you.
If you are looking for a place to sit down eat/drink and talk, University Town Center (UTC) is literally a bridge away from campus, the Watson bridge. At UTC you will find plenty of food options, cuisines from all over the world, or if you do not want a full meal, there are also very good places to get a drink and also several dessert options. Or if sometimes you feel like going to the movies, but do not want to drive far, there is also a recently renewed cinema where you will be able to enjoy the newest movies with a huge popcorn bucket.
Not officially considered on-campus, but only a few minutes away from UTC there is William Mason Regional Park, a huge green area excellent to go for a walk. There is a big lake with fountains and geese. Sitting under the shade there is really relaxing. But that is not everything that can be done there. There is an area where you can find an outdoor gym, and there are also at least two volleyball courts. Tables are also around the park where you can have a potluck with friends, or even celebrate a birthday, and if you prefer it, there are also plenty of grill racks for which you only need to bring the coal and whatever you want to grill, and start your Sunday barbecue, and all of this, a few minutes away from campus.
Finally, I would recommend watching out for the housing emails, in case you do live on-campus, because they are full of relevant information, but also include invitations to activities they organize. During the pandemic, most of them have been online, but as things reopen, they will definitely include in-person ones. They have hosted from paint nights to movie nights, and every single one of them I have been part of has been a great experience.
In conclusion, you do not need to go far from campus to have a bunch of things to do, UCI offers many possibilities.