University of California, RiversideStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for University of California, Riverside. Free for students.

Public Research University in Riverside, CA. Operating on a semester system.

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Research University

Institution Type

23

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Summer Session II 2026

The semester, explained for University of California, Riverside

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Summer Session II 2026
Campus terms
59
Local details
41

Academic calendar

Summer Session II 2026 runs Aug 3, 2026 – Sep 18, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

14 entries
  1. Summer Session F 2026
  2. Summer Session C2 2026
  3. Summer Session B 2026
  4. Summer Session E 2026
  5. Summer Session C3 2026
  6. Summer Session II 2026Relevant now
  7. Fall Quarter 2026
  8. Winter Quarter 2027
  9. Spring Quarter 2027
  10. Summer Quarter 2027
  11. Fall Quarter 2027
  12. Winter Quarter 2028
  13. Spring Quarter 2028
  14. Summer Quarter 2028

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

59 terms

A

AI
Aberdeen-Inverness, one of the original traditional-style residence halls on campus.
ASPB
Associated Students Program Board, the student-led group that organizes major concerts and events.
ASUCR
Associated Students of UCR, the undergraduate student government body.

B

Bannockburn
Bannockburn Village, an older apartment complex known for its unique layout and proximity to the UV.
Block
A single meal swipe or credit used as part of a residential meal plan.
Block Party
The annual fall concert held to welcome students back to campus.
Bytes
A cafe located in Winston Chung Hall catering to the engineering side of campus.

C

C-Hour
Common Hour, a block of time on Wednesdays at noon with no classes, reserved for club meetings and events.
CAPS
Counseling and Psychological Services, providing mental health resources for students.
CARE
Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education, providing support for survivors of sexual violence.
CERC
Clean Energy Research Center, a prominent research organization on campus.
Coffee Bean
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations found in the HUB and Orbach Library.

D

Dundee
The newest residence hall located near the Glasgow dining facility.

E

East Lo
East Lothian, the newer wing of the Lothian residence hall.

G

Glasgow
The main residential restaurant serving the North side of campus.
Glen Mor
An on-campus apartment community for upperclassmen.
GSA
Graduate Student Association, representing the interests of graduate students.

H

Heat
The annual winter music festival hosted on campus.
Highlander
The official mascot and term for any student attending UCR.
Highlanders
The official nickname for UCR students, faculty, and athletic teams.

I

Ivan's
A coffee and snack shop located near Hinderaker Hall.

K

KUCR
The university's non-commercial radio station broadcasting at 88.3 FM.

L

Lo
Lothian, a large residence hall split into East and West wings.
Lo
The Lothian Residential Restaurant, often used to refer to the dining hall specifically.
Lo Dining
The residential restaurant located within the Lothian residence hall.
Lothian
Lothian Residence Hall, often divided into East and West wings.
Lothian
The residential restaurant located within the Lothian residence hall, often called 'Lo' dining.
Lothian Dining
The residential restaurant located within the Lothian residence hall complex.

M

Market at North District
A convenience store and eatery located within the North District housing complex.

N

Narnia
A secluded wooded path behind the Lothian residence hall used by students for hanging out.
ND
North District, the university's public-private partnership apartment complex.
NoDi
North District, a newer high-density student apartment complex near the athletic fields.
Nooner
Free mid-day concerts or performances held at the Bell Tower area.
North District
A large, modern public-private partnership apartment complex located on the north side of campus.

P

Pentland
Pentland Hills, a suite-style residence hall complex.

R

R'Card
The official UCR student identification card used for meals and building access.
R'Pantry
The campus food pantry providing free food and hygiene products to students in need.
R'Side
A common shorthand nickname for the city of Riverside and the UCR campus.
RHA
Residence Hall Association, the representative body for students living in on-campus housing.

S

Savory
Savory Bites, a popular food truck or quick-service spot often found near the silos or HUB.
Scotty
Scotty Highlander, the official bear mascot of UCR.
Scotty's
Convenience stores located throughout campus for snacks and quick meals.
Spring Splash
The large-scale annual music festival held during the spring quarter.
SRC
Student Recreation Center, the campus gym and fitness facility.

T

TAPS
Transportation and Parking Services, the department managing campus parking and shuttles.
TASA
Taiwanese American Student Association, one of the many active cultural orgs.
The Barn
A historic campus landmark featuring a restaurant, patio, and live music venue.
The Bell Tower
The UC Riverside Carillon, the central landmark of the campus where students often meet.
The Big C
The large concrete letter 'C' located on the Box Springs Mountains overlooking campus.
The C
The large concrete letter 'C' on the Box Springs Mountains where students often hike.
The Coffee Bean
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf location situated in the HUB.
The Den
A coffee counter and market located in the North District 2 residential area.
The Hub
Common shorthand for the Highlander Union Building, the center of student life.
The HUB
The food court area inside the Highlander Union Building featuring various retail brands.
The Market
Convenience stores located near residential areas like Glen Mor or AI.
The Stable
A dining lounge and sit-down restaurant located within The Barn complex.
The UV
University Village, an off-campus shopping center with food and a movie theater frequently visited by students.

U

UC Raverside
A common nickname for the school, referencing its active social and concert scene.

W

West Lo
West Lothian, the original wing of the Lothian residence hall.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

41 details
Bear Bucks
Campus currency loaded onto the R'Card for use at dining locations and the bookstore.
Bourns
Bourns Hall, the primary building for the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
Canvas
The learning management system used by professors to post assignments and course materials.
CHASS
The College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences building (often referring to the Interdisciplinary building).
chronic_tacos
Chronic Tacos
glasgow_residential_restaurant
Glasgow Residential Restaurant
Gold Lots
Specific parking lots designated for students with the most common (Gold) parking permit.
Gold Permit
The most common student parking permit, allowing access to remote lots like Lot 30.
Gold Permits
The standard student parking permit required for parking in designated remote lots.
Gold Plus
A specific tier of parking permit that allows students to park in designated campus lots.
Gold/Blue Lots
Specific parking permit tiers; Gold is typically for commuters, while Blue is for staff or premium access.
Hinderaker
Hinderaker Hall, the main administrative building housing the Chancellor's office.
HMNSS
Humanities and Social Sciences Building, a major classroom and office hub.
HUB
Highlander Union Building, the central student union and activity center.
iLearn
The campus Learning Management System (Canvas) used for course materials and assignments.
Lot 30
The massive student parking lot located across the 60 freeway, often requiring a shuttle or long walk to main campus.
lothian_residential_restaurant
Lothian Residential Restaurant
MSE
Materials Science and Engineering Building.
Orbach
Orbach Science Library, the main library for STEM and agricultural subjects.
P2P
Point-to-Point, a campus shuttle service providing safe transportation around campus at night.
Point-to-Point
Also known as P2P, a campus shuttle service providing safe transportation around campus and nearby apartments at night.
R'Card
The official UCR identification card used for library services, meal plans, and building access.
R'Mail
The official university email system provided to all students via Gmail.
R'Pantry
The campus food pantry providing free food and hygiene products to students in need.
R'Side Direct
A program providing students with free or discounted bus passes for local Riverside transit.
R'Web
The online student portal used for class registration, checking grades, and financial aid.
Rivera
Tomas Rivera Library, the primary library for humanities and social sciences.
RTA
Riverside Transit Agency; students ride local buses for free by swiping their R'Card.
Sproul
Sproul Hall, an administrative and academic building known for its distinct wings.
SRC
Student Recreation Center, the main campus gym, pool, and fitness facility.
SSC
Student Success Center, a modern building used for lectures, studying, and student services.
Student Success
The Student Success Center, a modern building for classrooms and study spaces.
TAPS
Transportation and Parking Services, the office that manages campus parking permits and citations.
The Barn
A historic campus venue that serves as a restaurant and performance space.
The Bell Tower
The carillon tower at the center of campus, a primary meeting spot for students.
The HUB
Highlander Union Building, the central student union for meetings and food.
The Silo
A student lounge and meeting space located near the center of campus.
The SRC
Student Recreation Center, the campus gym and fitness hub.
the_coffee_bean_tea_leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Watkins
Watkins Hall, a central building known for large lecture halls and social science departments.
WCH
Winston Chung Hall, the primary building for the College of Engineering.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Summer Session II 2026 runs Aug 3, 2026 – Sep 18, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
59 approved campus terms and 41 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · University of California, Riverside

You just committed to University of California, Riverside.

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What we’ll email you about

  • Jun 15

    Register for Highlander Orientation

    Required · source

  • Jul 1

    Submit final high school transcripts

    Required · source

  • Aug 15

    Upload R'Card photo

    Recommended · source

  • Sep 1

    Submit immunization records

    Required · source

  • Sep 8

    Submit UC SHIP health insurance waiver

    Required · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Assisted

Find a few communities to try at University of California, Riverside

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

74 mapped items from 16 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Alpha Chi Omega

A Panhellenic sorority focused on friendship, leadership, learning, and service. Their national philanthropy supports domestic violence awareness.

Invite only

Archery

Competitive archery club that competes against other universities.

Tryout required

Source: recreation.ucr.edu · Verified 2 months ago

Learn More

Associated Students of UC Riverside (ASUCR)

The official undergraduate student government of UCR, representing student interests to the administration, allocating student fees, and providing various student services.

Regular commitment

Associated Students Program Board (ASPB)

The official student-run campus event programmer for UCR. ASPB is responsible for planning and promoting major campus events like Block Party, Winter SOULstice, and Spring Splash.

Regular commitment

Source: aspb.ucr.edu · Verified yesterday

Learn More

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

UCR's chapter of the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. They host technical workshops, professional events, and hackathons.

Open to all

ASUCR Judicial Council

The judicial branch of student government, responsible for interpreting the ASUCR Constitution and Bylaws and ensuring fair elections.

Regular commitment

Source: asucr.ucr.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

ASUCR Senate

The legislative branch of ASUCR, composed of elected senators from each undergraduate college. The Senate passes legislation, approves budgets, and confirms appointments.

Regular commitment

Easy to try first

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM @ UCR)

The largest computer science organization at UCR, hosting technical workshops, networking events, and the annual Citrus Hack hackathon.

Drop in any time

Source: acmucr.org · Verified 1 month ago

Join

Resources & spaces

Academic Resource Center (ARC)

Offers free academic support services including tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (SI), writing support, peer mentoring, and success workshops.

Open to all

Using DormWay at University of California, Riverside

What the product handles for students.

Syllabus to schedule

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University of California, Riverside on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

19

Active Students

16

Syllabi Analyzed

11

Courses on DormWay

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Popular Courses

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ANTH001-01/UC1/2-26SBIOL 005ABIOLOGY 005ACollege Mathematics Fundamentals and Problem SolvingEthnic Studies 001FOUNDATIONS-2026Highlander Early Start Academy (HESA), College Success CourseIntroduction to Psychology

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Life in Riverside for University of California, Riverside Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Riverside.

Timezone

Pacific Time (PT)

Median Rent

$2,200

Cost of Living Index

125

Student Population

50,000

City Transportation

Walkability

45

Bikeability

50

Public Transit

Riverside Transit Agency bus network, Metrolink commuter rail (Riverside-Downtown and Riverside-La Sierra stations)

Nearest Airports

Riverside Municipal Airport, San Bernardino International Airport, Ontario International Airport (regional access)

Climate Averages

Climate

Hot-summer Mediterranean

Avg Annual Temp

64°F

Avg Snowfall

0 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Lot 1 Blue

surface_lot • Limited

Daily rate is $15.00

Lot 4

surface_lot • Short-term only

2 hours max; pay via ParkMobile

Big Springs Structure 1

garage • High

Short-term parking available

Campus News

Latest updates from University of California, Riverside

Taylor Swift becomes bugs

UCR entomologists have named a newly discovered genus of plant-feeding insects 'Swiftiephylus' in honor of singer Taylor Swift.

Sep 9, 2026

Read More

Study unveils chemistry of destroying 'forever chemicals'

UCR environmental engineers identified key chemical reactions using UV light to break down PFAS pollutants, providing a roadmap for better cleanup technologies.

Sep 8, 2026

Read More

New method predicts where massive earthquakes will strike

UCR geophysicists developed a model that identifies where stress builds along major faults to pinpoint future rupture locations rather than timing.

Sep 4, 2026

Read More

UCR ranked No. 30 public for research

Washington Monthly's 2026 rankings placed UC Riverside at No. 30 among public universities for research expenditures and faculty awards.

Sep 2, 2026

Read More

Grant supports evaluation of California's traditional health care practices benefit

A new project evaluates California's Medicaid reimbursement for traditional healing practices to improve health outcomes.

Sep 4, 2026

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at University of California, Riverside

The Great Picture: Making and Showing the Largest Print Photograph

September 12, 2026

UCR ARTS

A presentation and discussion regarding the creation and exhibition of the world's largest print photograph.

International Student Orientation

September 14, 2026

UC Riverside Campus

Mandatory orientation for new international undergraduate and graduate students to learn about life at UCR and campus resources.

ScotSurplus Public Sale

September 15, 2026

Corporation Yard

Public sale of surplus university equipment and furniture, held every Tuesday this fall.

Women's Soccer vs. Northern Colorado

September 17, 2026

UCR Soccer Stadium

The Highlanders women's soccer team hosts Northern Colorado in a non-conference match.

UC Riverside Invitational (Cross Country)

September 19, 2026

Ag/Ops Cross Country Course

UCR hosts its annual cross country invitational featuring multiple collegiate teams.

First Day of Fall Quarter

September 21, 2026

UC Riverside Campus

Official start of the Fall 2026 academic quarter.

Power of the Peers (POP) Conference 2026

September 23, 2026

Student Success Center

A professional development and networking opportunity for peer leaders across the UCR campus.

Fall 2026 Instruction Begins

September 24, 2026

UC Riverside Campus

The first day of classes for the Fall 2026 quarter.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at University of California, Riverside

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

22 known dorm and housing options. Every known option is shown below.

Aberdeen-Inverness

Room types: double, triple

AI

Room types: single, double, triple

Bannockburn Village

Capacity: 300

Room types: single, double, suite

Campus Apartments (North District and other apartment communities)

Room types: private bedroom in shared apartment, shared bedroom, 1-bedroom apartment, 2-bedroom apartment, 4-bedroom apartment

Dundee

Room types: single, double, triple

East Lo

Room types: single, double, triple

East Lothian

Room types: single, double, triple

Falkirk

Capacity: 300

Room types: single, double, suite

Family Housing

Room types: 1-bedroom family units, 2-bedroom family units, 3-bedroom family units (varies)

Glen Mor

Capacity: 600

Room types: single, double, suite

International Village

Capacity: 300

Room types: single, double, suite

Lothian

Capacity: 1,020

Room types: double, triple

North District

Capacity: 1,500

Room types: private bedroom, shared bedroom, private bathroom, shared bathroom

North District 2 Residential Hall

Room types: double occupancy rooms in 2-bedroom 1-bath apartments (4 students per apartment)

Oban

Oban Family Housing

Room types: 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom

Pentland Hills

Room types: suite-style

Stonehaven

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double, suite

The Plaza

Capacity: 300

Room types: single, double, suite

University Plaza

Room types: apartments

West Lo

Room types: single, double, triple

West Lothian

Room types: single, double, triple

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@ucr.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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