UC - Irvine

The University of California - Irvine is a university located in Orange County, California, 25 kms south of Disneyland. It was the 8th campus to be founded in the University of California system, having been established in 1965. It was established before the city that surrounds it (Irvine), was established in 1971. During the establishment discussions the parties involved, ensured that the city was planned around the university!

Although young in university terms, the university ranks very highly, both in the US News rankings (44th nationally), and in the ranking of world universities (46th in 2008). It is also recognised as a Public Ivy.

Why would I consider going here? As well as being in a well respected university, the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Science is one of the most respected CS schools in the country. It is the only CS school in the UC system and has just opened (2007) a state of the art building housing both offices and labs.
The school has been offering its Informatics degree since 2003. As the program is being offered through a CS school, there is a more technical focus. The reasons why this would be my second choice are twofold. Firstly there is the technical side as discussed previously, and secondly, it is a relatively new program. A Master of Informatics is also offered by the school.

When it comes to accommodation and dining on campus, the university has a wide selection of choices. It's residence halls are a mix of traditional suite style, and four apartment complexes (open over quarter breaks). There are also two apartment complexes on the edge of campus not owned by the university. On campus dining is made easy, with a mix of cafes, food courts and dining halls (some of them open on the weekend).

One other aspect of the university that makes it attractive is the park that dominates the centre of campus (Aldrich Park). Major events are held here, such as graduation ceremonies.

Off campus there is a shopping mall and supermarket across the road, and one of the largest malls in the area (Fashion Island) a short bus ride away.

There are a few companies in the area that would attract me, some even on the 'back door' in the Research Park behind the university. Irvine itself has a large tech presence spread out over a wide area, but there are no major tech company bases like in San Francisco or Seattle.

You can find out the courses I would take by clicking on the link below.
Course List