What do you mean by environment? Things to do? Weather? Crime? Student Activities and Clubs? There do have the movie theatre/ pedestrian mall off University Avenue with many restaurants, shopping, etc (which I didn’t have in my day…had to drive to Tyler Mall about 15 minutes away). Have the new student recreation center with gym, pool, rock climbing wall, etc. which I hear is great (didn’t have this in my day either). Weather is more extreme…mostly on the hotter side (will she be there in summer?) but not that bad. I’ve heard people say on here, the climate is very much like Sacramento (for those in Northern California), but with much less fog and warmer winters. Campus is safe and the immediate surrounding housing by campus if fine. Gets a bit more dicey in certain areas 5 miles or so off campus…but was nothing like South Central LA at USC where my brother attended a long time ago. UCR was like Disneyland compared to there. There are also many student activities and clubs to look into. She will make many friends, and receive a great college education/experience. It would be best to tour the campus and see it for yourself!