Sophisticate

Highlander Trolley is ALWAYS crowded, the seats will hurt your ass, and you will slid into others if you sit. Other than that, it's great . One of the hidden secrets is that there is one that takes you to the Canyon Crest town center with a Coldstone, a Starfish Sushi (omigod so good, especially the roll with mango in it), a Ralphs, Starbucks, and some other REALLY good places to eat. I think it's the red trolley route 23. I was only in the UG English department, but overall it was amazing. I think I mentioned before-- avoid the humanities library, go to the science library. The study rooms there are a million times better. As an UG, I remember that I really hated the classes with mandatory attendance, but it seemed like all the humanities classes did that. Also, stockpile blue books on midterm and final days, and if you're really evil you can sell them to your students for a dollar each haha. If you can, let your students buy their books from half.com, and please don't require specific editions unless there's a REALLY, REALLY good reason. If there's anything specific you wanted to know about, just ask me directly and I will answer to the best of my memory. It can be about the professors, the TAs, how the classes were taught, the campus, the food, the student stores, etc. Ooh, when you get the chance, take a group of friends and hike to the C! Bring water, snacks, and a camera . My friends brought beer once. It was gorgeous. If you go at night, bring a flashlight. UCR gets a lot of hate, but I honestly miss it very much. It was a wonderful experience for me. .

To be honest, the area I circled is actually really, really safe. I have no idea why. There are also a lot of homes near the golf course at Canyon Crest that are very safe. I would NOT commute, unless you only have to be there two or three times a week. The freeways are rage-inducing. Riverside is basically sitting in the triangle of some of the worst traffic ever, so I would stay close to campus :x. Off topic-- I studied English for my BA at Riverside. It was amazing and to be honest, some of my best memories in college are of my actual classes. One of the graduate students brought our section homemade truffles to our last discussion. In another class, we analyzed ZOMBIES. Have a great time at my alma mater . It's a very far commute from what I know. The public transport for UCR is the Highlander trolley, and it's great. However, I would not recommend commuting outside/away from campus. The public transit here is terrible (LA in general), and is nothing like NYC or SF. Plus, there are a lot of crazy people on the buses, and they small like urine. .

I lived in Riverside for about four years as an undergraduate. My advice-- get a house with some friends in the Canyon Crest area. I have helpfully attached a map of the safest place to live. Don't live near Blaine and Iowa. I lived in that area before. It was cheap, but I also spent a few terrifying afternoons/evenings hiding in my bathtub clutching my dog to my chest after hearing gunshots in the complex. My car (shitty old Honda) was broken into multiple times, and TWO of my friends had their cars jacked. I moved houses/apartments every year, but my SO stayed in a house on Apache for all four years. If I had a close group of friends like he did, I would have done the same. Wish I knew better back then! Also, the UV Starbucks sucks. The best one is the drivethrough on Blaine. There is also a Bakers across the street-- it's DELICIOUS. Best Thai food is in Moreno Valley, at a place called Rice & Spice or something. Best Thai used to be good, but the quality deteriorated rapidly. Don't buy a Lot 30 parking pass. So many people get mugged there... it's unsafe. Buy whatever pass you need to park at the parking lot near the Science Library. Not only will you have a short walk to the science library (those study rooms are better than the ones in the Humanities library), you'll also be safer.

I am not going to UCR for graduate school, but it was my alma mater. Congratulations! Despite the location, I actually really enjoyed my years there. If you have any questions about food (especially Asian food), and housing, let me know .