Post by Arturo Meza, Peer Mentor 2022
Campus life has never been boring at UCI. There is a vast number of activities to do around campus whenever you feel like taking a break from studying, or when taking a break from laboratory work or simply to relax. In general, a great spot to go and around be the Student Center. The site offers dining, playing areas, studying, ballrooms, bookstore, and you can basically find whatever you need to make your day and time on campus efficient and fun. Don’t forget to get involved in the activities performed at the student center such as events, small concerts, student gatherings, etc. Here is the Student Center website if you would like to stay up to date on the activities during the academic year.
Interact. Learn. Enjoy. · UCI Student Center & Event Services
I also want to provide a short list of common activities that the student community enjoys doing on campus.
- Aldrich Park
The Aldrich Park is located at the center of the campus, it is called the heart of campus and hosts hundreds of different tree species on its land. You can walk around the park and observe all these species, bird nests (natural and some human-made), and lots of people crossing the park as the perfect shortcut that offers to go around the buildings to get on time to your class. The park is widely covered by old and large trees that offer a nice and natural shadow for those long summer warm days. If you walk around, you will see other students hanging their hammocks, walking their dogs, reading a book, connecting with nature, etc. In my experience the Aldrich Park it’s been a great spot for picnics, frisbee, or just sit around. Here is a link for a virtual tour or to sign-up for an in-person tour.
Aldrich Park | Office of Undergraduate Admissions | UCI
- Anthill pub
One other popular spot among the UCI students is the Anthill pub. Located at the Student Center, this place offers great food and a large variety of beer and even wine to try. During midterms and/or final weeks of the academic quarter students gather here to enjoy a refreshing cold beer and relax. The pub is within walking distance from the graduate student housing and other housing communities meaning no need to drive if you live around. Here is the website for you to visit if you would like to learn more about it.
Restaurant | Anthill Pub & Grille | United States (anthillpubandgrille.com)
- Hiking trail on campus
There is a hike trail on campus! Yes, this amazing site is located across west Peltason drive from campus, and it’s named the Campus ecological preserve as UCI scientists in collaboration with Orange County Natural Communities Coalition, perform regional studies with environmental applications. However, the area has a pedestrian trail that it turns to be a good 40- minute hike. Is highly recommended to check it out and engage natural lands around campus, students often go to walk their dogs or to exercise, here is a website with a little more information about the site.
- Coffee shops on campus
There are currently two Starbucks located on campus, one is located at the Student Center and is the largest one on campus offering indoor seating and services in high capacity. Additionally, this location is right next to the food court at the Student Center. The other Starbucks is located in front of the biological sciences building and has outdoors seating if you feel like being outside instead. Another spot for coffee is the Java city kiosk on campus. The kiosk is in front of the California Institute of telecommunications and information technology (Calit2), offering outdoor seating, coffee, refreshers and snacks, and food you can grab to go. This is a great location for short breaks.