University of California, Riverside
Responses from the Student Interview
From a student who identifies as Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Legal Studies
Student Self Identifies as: Chinese Heterosexual Female
Summary
I participate in a modern dance club within the Chinese Student Association.
Background
Gender Identity: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Chinese
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
High School Experience: Public high school in San Diego, CA with a graduating class of about 600 students. There was a culture of going to college.
First-Generation College Student: No
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Legal Studies
Extracurricular Activities: I participate in a modern dance club within the Chinese Student Association.
Have any of your extracurricular activities had a particularly big impact on your experience?
Dance is a social activity so I got to know a lot of people through it.
Academic Experience
Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
I’m still taking lower-division classes so there are lots of labs to do. Organic chemistry is taking a toll on me, but other than that, it’s pretty doable.
How do you like the quarter system? How has it influenced your experience?
I really like it because I keep myself busy. There’s a lot of work and it’s hard to keep up, but I like it.
Is there anything you feel your major’s department does especially well or poorly?
They do very well at having supplemental instruction for our lower-division classes. They offer a lot of help, but I think their tests and grading is kind of hard. I don’t like how the lower-division classes weed a lot of people out of the system very quickly.
What has been your favorite part about UC-Riverside academically?
The academic support the school gives you. They have additional tutoring and you have discussions in some classes and the TAs are very helpful.
How accessible are your professors?
They’re very accessible. They sometimes [encourage you to] have other students or graduate instructors answer your question. Their office hours are also very frequent, so if I have a question I usually go to the professor first.
Why did you pick your major? Are you happy with your choice?
In high school, I took an introduction to biotechnology class and I really liked it. I picked Biochemistry because I thought it would help me pursue a career in biotech.
Reasons to Attend
1) There are lots of resources that the school offers.
2) People are very friendly.
3) The professors are generally accessible.
4) Being in Riverside is a good way to experience a new place.
Reasons Not to Attend
1) The location is scary at points off-campus. [The overall crime rate in Riverside is 21% higher than the California average and 29% higher than the national average.]
2) Sometimes they do weed out people from classes too harshly.
3) The weather [is too hot and dry]. [See average temperature data for Riverside here.]
Around Campus
Where have you lived on and around campus?
Freshman: Pentland Hills with one roommate
Sophomore: Glen Mor Apartments with three roommates
How was transitioning from San Diego to Riverside, CA in terms of location?
I’m pretty familiar with San Diego’s surroundings. There’s a lot more to do and the weather is a lot nicer. Up here, it’s really dry, hot and there’s nothing to do around here.
Can you describe the level of safety you’ve experienced on and around campus?
I’d say the campus is pretty safe. I’ve never felt in danger. I’ve heard stories when random people have come on campus.
Social Opportunities
What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
I like hanging out with friends, going out to eat, or going to the movies. Sometimes we just go grocery shopping and stay home and eat.
What have been some of your favorite times at UCR?
I like when they have block parties and Spring Splash. The concerts they hold are pretty fun.
How happy are you with the weekend options? Is there anything you would change if you could?
What I would change I’d try to go out more because most of the time I stay home.
Campus Culture
How did you meet your closest friends?
I met them through my suite during my first year.
How would you describe the overall social scene at Riverside?
I’d say it’s pretty social. People are willing to get to know each other. People in classes are really friendly.
To what extent do you think people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
I think it’s pretty diverse and they do mix socially. I don’t see any problem with it. Everyone is friendly toward each other no matter your race or sexual orientation. [The undergraduate population is 42% Hispanic, 33% Asian, 11% White, and 3% Black.]
How would you describe the East Asian community? How strong is it?
I think it’s pretty strong because I see a lot here. I’ve also joined some East Asian Cultural clubs, so they are out there. People come together and relate over common things.
To what extent do people in Greek life and not in Greek life mix socially?
It’s pretty common for them to have friends in their organization and not in their organization, but most of the time they hang out within their own fraternities or sororities. For example, I have friends in Greek life.
How do you like the size of UC-Riverside in terms of undergraduate enrollment? How was transitioning to a school with [about 20,600] students?
It’s pretty nice. You have a circle of friends that you’ll see all the time. It’s nice to know other people that you see pretty often, so you get to be a little closer to them.
Careers
What have you used the career office for? How helpful have they been?
I’ve used them to help write my resume. They were very helpful with that and they’re pretty inviting.
Have you learned any computer programs or computer languages that will be helpful professionally?
I’ve used Excel a lot in Chemistry classes.