University of California - Introducing the University

Campus Life

Academics will be only a part of your experience at the University of California. There are many events, activities and organizations on campus for you to participate in and enjoy when you are not in class or studying. Some are devoted solely to entertainment, recreation or relaxation, while others allow you to explore and share a common interest with other students.

There are student clubs and organizations representing every imaginable interest and affiliation, be it academic, cultural, social, political, ethnic, professional, religious, musical, recreational, artistic, literary or service-oriented in nature. Each campus has an office that coordinates student activities and sponsors orientation programs to acquaint you with the organizations.

The student government at each campus, called the Associated Students, takes an active role in campus affairs advocating student concerns, sponsoring cultural events and managing a variety of services and projects. Through the Associated Students, you may become involved in student newspapers, magazines, radio stations, teacher-evaluation publications and community service projects.

There are fraternities and sororities at all UC campuses. The Greek organizations, as they are called, sponsor social activities and service programs and provide some housing for members.

On each campus, there are hundreds of student organizations and clubs offering an array of opportunities to explore and share common interests with other students.

The sports and recreation facilities at all campuses are outstanding. Traditional activities, such as football, basketball and tennis, are popular, as well as some that are less well known, such as water polo, windsurfing and rugby. Many students participate in intramural programs, where the focus is on fun and exercise. The campuses also have intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women, and many earn top national rankings.

The campuses have facilities for the arts, such as photography, painting and ceramics studios, and provide opportunities for you to become involved in a myriad of other activities ranging from astrology to cooking. Most have outdoor recreation programs that sponsor skiing, hiking, cycling and rafting trips, and rent outdoor equipment to students at low cost.