<p>I was just browsing the forums, and noticed that the majority posting on these threads have a definite bias for pro-UCR, or the opposite. Not that it is a negative thing, we all have opinions. But anyway, here is my side of the 'truth', being a CURRENT UCR, holding NO BIAS AGAINST or FOR UCR.</p>
<p>The campus, if you have not already visited, is NOT what people say it is. The only 'desert-like' aspects you see is the hills that loom close-by to campus, other than that there is grass, trees, and the sort. Quite green actually. Haven't set foot in dirt/sand yet (other than the outdoor rec center), seen a cactus, whatever, even as I will be entering my third year here. But... it does get hot. </p>
<p>Our rec center is very nice. Sand volleyball courts could use more sand, but I don't think it was made for people to take dives in.</p>
<p>Buildings: They're pretty decent, haven't had any discrepancies, ALL have good AC, and I have been to every single building pretty much ( I work in the computer labs for the Computing and Communications dept. ). Our student commons is being rebuilt, and it looks like it will be very nice. For now you have the dining hall-gig as a makeshift commons, which isn't too bad. The bigger classrooms are nice, the seats are cushioned and they feel like movie theater seats. Somewhat hard to stay awake at times because they feel pretty comfortable. </p>
<p>Don't skip class. AT ALL. DONT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID. This isn't high school. Every class, especially in this QUARTER SYSTEM, counts. Even if you think it's useless going... it develops a good habit for later years in your college career when courses get tough. </p>
<p>Students you meet: You meet very few intellectuals, although I never interracted with the honor halls in the dorming community. I'm SURE this is the same for most UCs when regarding the 1st-2nd year students as they are still getting adjusted to actual college life, getting out of their highschool phase. Then again, i'm not overtly social, but I was social enough to find a girlfriend who shares a similar intellect in general. What I mean by you won't meet much intellectuals in 1st-2nd year students is like... Don't expect to discuss per-capita GDP of countries, or the current fiscal policy of the government, the stock market, etc with students (I guess it's not a big deal if you don't like talking about that stuff anyway, but personally I do. Then again, we're growing up out of our teens, isn't it time to start acting career-oriented?) </p>
<p>Classes: I can't say for upper division classes yet, (I'm starting them in fall-winter). but the lower-division classes are pretty easy if you GO TO CLASS and stay ontop of things. I botched my freshman year hard applying my high-school tactics to my classes: THEY WONT WORK. MATH here is a pain, well in the quarter system in general it is a pain. You REALLY need to practice math. The averages for first midterm in my latest math class: D. The second midterm: D+. Which brings me to... </p>
<p>Studying/Academics: Hard to find motivation in your classmates, like I said it's hard to find some intellectuals during first and second year. Reason why I even mention it is because if you associate yourself with say, gangsters, naturally most would try and fit in. Well, if you find a group of smart students who are motivated to succeed, maybe it might rub off on you by being around them, talking to them, etc. So until that happens, you have to find motivation within yourself. What do you want to do in life? Why do you want a good GPA?</p>
<p>Final Words: It gets sometimes depressing when you drive down towards downtown. It's okay for a while since your close to campus, then it gets shabby and depressing (people look raggedy, etc) but then it turns decent @ downtown). Try and get out of here. Honestly. I don't think you should stay at your 'safety' school, try and get into your first pick. It doesnt hurt to try. You should be gunning for a high GPA, why not try to transfer out while you're at it? BUT if you don't make a transfer or this was your first pick, don't panic. Both sisters of mine, graduates from UC Berkeley, both double majors graduating with HONORS in their years, told me many times,</p>
<p>"It's what YOU MAKE of your college experience." </p>
<p>You're not at some incredibly ****ty school like many say (MAYBE in terms of upper-div instruction, I don't know yet since i'm not there). You're not at a junior college, you have a shot at a great future, enjoyable college experience if you put in the effort. If you adopt a mature, wise mentality and get motivated, you can do great things. It's just up to YOU. Especially at Riverside where it may be hard to find support, you have to push yourself. </p>
<p>Hopefully you all won't make the same mistakes I did. Feel free to private message me if you need guidance, whatever.</p>