Because of its strong research base and amazing research opportunities in materials science even at an undergraduate level. Besides that being a part of a University of California has added benefits in terms of exploring studies in other UC campuses during breaks. Thirdly, as an international student from India, the SoCal weather is a boon!
Course Curriculum
As an international student from India, the current first year course curriculum is very basic and simple. I wish there was a way to skip these classes without having to pay for taking placement exams.
Exams
SAT - 1340/1600 ACT - 28/32 TOEFL - 105/120 Advanced placement - Physics Electricity and magnetism - 3/5 Calculus BC - 4/5 Chemistry - 4/5.
Placement
The placements and job opportunities are decent and the university takes a lot of efforts to organise events and bring tons of companies on campus so that students can get placed for a job. Although it is slightly different for international students as H1 visa and funding is also considered to recruit international students
Internship
Yes our college does provide several internship opportunities. However I haven?t been a part of one so far so I cannot tell much about the experience. I will be joining as a research mobilisation intern for the next academic year and I will not be paid any stipend for the same
Events
There are tons of events taking place across campus each day. The UCI campus mainly promotes green energy and reducing waste so they hold several events and activities to make students understand the importance of green living in fun activity based ways. Apart from that each of the departments organise their own event week for example the engineering week. It has fun activities, and good networking, as well as career opportunities specifically for the people majoring from that school
Fees
The fee for international students is around $15,000 per quarter i.e. $45,000 a year. This includes tuition, resources, on campus shuttle service, student centre service, international centre service, recreation centre fee, and UCSHIP medical insurance fee.
Scholarship
No I haven?t availed any scholarship or financial aid. However, I have applied to a few quarterly based scholarships on campus offered by the student government ASUCI and some by companies through the school of engineering
Examination Structure
We have a quarter system with each of the three main quarters of the academic year 10 weeks long. Midterms are conducted during other weeks as designed by the professor conducting the course. Some professors also give weekly quizzes and projects/assignments which are also graded
Faculty
The faculty of college so far has been really amazing and supportive. All my professors so far have been super approachable despite having huge class sizes for some General courses. Most of these faculties are involved in some really interesting research as well about which they share during class with all the students
Hostel
As first year undergraduate student I am currently living on campus in the freshman housing dorms. It is really expensive and not having a personal kitchen to cook your own meals is inconvenient. But the dining hall food isn?t bad either. It is super convenient to just walk to classes from your dorms and not having to worry about transportation. However there are other off campus walkable distance housing options - University town centre which is a convenient and comparatively cheaper option
