So You're a Freshman at University of California Riverside

Before we start, I know what you're thinking! You're in the process of processing just how lucky you are to be accepted to UC Riverside, they even accepted you when you did not even apply to them. Don't lose your excitement yet though, because there are a lot of hidden gems and opportunities at UC Riverside. As a third year student at UC Riverside, allow me to walk you through some hidden gems that I have found throughout studying here.

Let's start off with the most important part of being a freshman at UC Riverside: your housing and as a previous employee of housing, I know the ins and outs of all the dormitories. Housing will be advertising and showing you Pentland Hills nonstop. It is the newest of our dorms and is suite style, meaning you get a private bathroom and shower to share opposed to having the communal bathrooms and showers. Everything looks pretty new and you are probably leaning heavily towards living here.

Anyway, here is the bubble burst: DO NOT LIVE AT PENTLAND HILLS. Unless you are a social hermit (and freshman year of college is no time to be a social hermit) Pentland is quiet, boring, and ridiculously hard to meet and grow strong bonds with other people. I could write an entire article on this, but one of the leading factors for this is because most dormitory interactions are made while going to the bathroom. Sounds funny, I know, but take a moment to think about it you'll realize that it makes a lot of sense. Opt for traditional dorms at Aberdeen & Iverness or Lothian (Although I heard West Lothian is a little too old and smelly).

Once you have established yourself, it is time to go out and explore UCR. The best part about attending UCR in 2009+ is that we have just started to expand exponentially. There is literally a new building or area every year that I have been in attendance at UCR. The student body is also expanding very quickly every year and it seems like UCR may be headed for something great. But in the mean time, here are my two favorite places to go to of the new stuff:

Latitude55: A new "hangout" spot located near the main commons. There are pool tables, Xboxes, poker tournaments and a bunch of very soft and comfortable sofas. This is a great place to relax between classes or for some food. The food at Lat55 is surprisingly tasty; I recommend the chicken strips or any of their burgers.

The circle patio thing: Okay so I don't know what this spot is actually called, but I love it. I discovered it last year and it was still a small thing, however, recently more and more people are coming to my spot so consider yourselves lucky for reading about it here. In the commons there is a cylindrical building where the sandwich shop is located. If you keep going up all the way to the third floor of that building, you will hit a room where there are a bunch of cute nerds playing World of Warcraft and various trading card games. On your right you will find the Graduate lounge, and to your left an outdoor patio. Warning: THIS SPOT IS EXTREMELY RELAXING, you may relieve yourself of stress. This is the place I go to when I just want to study in fresh air and peace and quiet. It is also fun to people watch the passer-by's below, no I'm not a creepy stalker.

New stuff isn't the only way to go however, as a Freshman, here are my favorite pastimes.

The Recreation Center: If there is one solid reason why you should go here, it's not that you need to stay healthy or meet people playing Intramural sports or take the AB attack class if you feel like not being able to get out of bed the next morning. The one solid reason is that you pay for this service in your fees and it is not cheap. You pay over $100 to use the Rec center, so use it!

Your Dorm Hall mates: Get to know your Resident Advisor, they are there to help you and they go through a lot of training to ensure that the help that they give you is good help. Meet your hall mates and meet them all. I have seen all different levels of bonds in different dorm halls, my hall in particular (GO E2E!) was really close and we have great reunions every year. Other halls on the other hand, barely even know each other! My friend, who won't be named, in particular could not even name half of the people in his hall!

Ivan's Coffee Shop: Located outside of Hinderaker Hall (near Humanities), this little coffee shop is another relaxing place to take a break from your day. There is plenty of shade (and we all know how scorching hot Riverside gets) and tables and benches to enjoy an iced tea or coffee. Try the Iced Chai Tea Latte.

To conclude, have fun, find a spot to call your own, meet people and enjoy the diversity that we know as UC Riverside.