I'm looking into UC schools and wonder where exactly UC Irvine is located. Is it in a city with a lot of things to do?
UC Irvine, designated as the University of California, Irvine, is located in the city of Irvine, which is in Orange County, Southern California. Irvine is about 40 miles south of Los Angeles. It's part of the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area, one of the most bustling and diverse urban areas in the United States.
Irvine has been regarded as one of the safest cities in America and is known for its planned neighborhoods and green spaces. The city offers a range of leisure and recreational activities, with more than 270 parks, biking paths, and acres of open spaces. It also offers proximity to a variety of weekend destinations. For instance, you're close to several famous beaches (like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach), shopping venues like the Irvine Spectrum and South Coast Plaza, and you're a short drive away from theme parks such as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm.
Meanwhile, just on campus, there's a lot of activities as well. From attending big sports games to joining one of the more than 650 student organizations, there's always something to do. Although it might not be as urban as some cities, many students appreciate the balance between suburban comfort and access to bigger metropolitan areas. And, of course, the beautiful Southern California weather is a significant perk!
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