Student Life
Students will stay in Campus housing in Irvine, CA, one of the safest cities in the nation. The University of California campus in Irvine is built around a large park, Aldritch Park, and the university is laid out in a circle, giving quick access to all sections of the campus.
Students will primarily do most of their academic work between the Department of Engineering and the University Extension Center, where they will study Engineering and English, respectively.
Students will live within walking distance of the Campus, plus many other amenities, including but not limited to:
- Grocery Stores
- Coffee Shops
- Restaurants
- Parks and Recreation Centers
- Movie Theaters
- Various Places to Study
- Beaches
The weather in southern California is usually mild and warm, especially during the summer. It can sometimes be a little cool in the evenings so bring a few sweaters or a jacket. It is always good to be prepared for the rain also, especially in the spring. Generally the style of dress in California is casual and informal, but conservative too. You should also bring more formal clothing for formal activities. Many students also bring their country’s native dress or costume also for special events.
Money
Be sure you bring enough money to pay for all of your expenses during your stay. You should also bring some extra money in case of emergencies. Do not bring all of your money in cash- this is not a safe idea. In the U.S. you can change Traveler’s Checks, use credit cards (Visa and MasterCard are the most common) or use an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card to take out money from your bank account in your home country. Please note, that there are several on campus ATM’s especially at the student center. Some students open a temporary bank account while they are in the U.S. as well.
Note: You can only use U.S. dollars in the United States; you cannot use any other foreign currency.