“UCR and I believe UCM are heavy commuter campuses - that’s why it seems so empty all the time. If your D is coming from out of the country, she may feel more comfortable at UMass Amherst.”
Op said that her daughter will be on the West Coast. There are commuters for sure…not sure about Merced, but when I attended Riverside, there was a solid number of Northern California students (and some OOS and internationals) in the dorms that were there all of the time although about half or so of the “locals” will go home on the weekends. If that is a main concern, then definitely go to UMass…bring some heavy parkas for those cold winters as well!! Best to check out ALL locations before you make the decision and choose the best FIT.