Activites Calendar
Visiting International University Students
(non-matriculated)

Strengthen or learn new study habits to improve your academic skills while enriching your knowledge at UCI.

Effective Study Plan

Learn how to succeed in any class. Learn how “A” students study smarter, not harder, and make your studies SOAR.

Preparing for Multiple Choice Exams

Text Reading

Reading=Thinki​ng -SQ5R, reading systems, how to annotate in the margins, and using the syllabus to set reading parameters.

Memory and Concentration: The Biology of Memory

Learn the Principles behind the Techniques, expanding schema, and alarm-clock conditioning.

Gain new knowledge outside of the classroom. Being a college student is not easy, so these events will help you develop successful habits in your career, relationships, and health.

Interview Techniques

Nervous about an upcoming interview? Eliminate that interview anxiety through this prep session.

How to Deal with the Stress of Being a College Student (Seminar)

Get pointers from a professional on how to deal with stress and be a healthy and productive student! This event is hosted by Student Support Services (SSS).

Resume Writing Workshops

Did you know... Employe​rs can identify great resumes from poor ones in 15 seconds or less! Learn how to step outside the template and stand out from the rest! These tips to resume writing will help you showcase your greatest strengths and experience to land that interview. Don't think you have experience? Don't worry, that is covered too!

Healthy Living on a College Campus (Part I)

Meet with UCI “Teacher of the Year” Zuzana Bic, Dr. P.H., MUDr. of the UCI Public Health Program to learn how you can live a healthy lifestyle during college and keep those “Freshmen 15” from climbing on!

Healthy Living on a College Campus (Part II*)

Meet with UCI “Teacher of the Year” Dr. Zuzana Bic of the UCI Public Health Program to learn how you can live a healthy lifestyle during college and keep those “Freshmen 15” from climbing on! *Note: attendance at seminar Part I is not required for attendance at seminar Part II.

Cross Cultural Seminar: Our Diverse Communities

This interactive workshop will explore different dimensions of diversity and identity. Participants will be challenged on the multiple aspects of diversity and how it directly relates to leadership.

Managing Family Relations as a College Student

Family members can be a great source of support during our college years but sometimes they don’t understand what it takes to succeed in college. Come learn how to deal with and communicate with family members who may not fully understand your role as a college student.

Managing Your Money

Learn about loans and interest rates, get advice about how to manage your money and be a financially responsible student! This event is hosted by Student Support Services (SSS).

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Find out how to get involved in undergraduate research and how to get funding for your project! You’ll hear from Said Shokair (Director of UROP), as well as current UCI students who have been successful obtaining research projects through UROP. This is a valuable opportunity to get a jumpstart on one of the biggest and best research opportunities at UCI!

Engineers Without Borders

Learn more about becoming involved with "Engineers Without Borders", a non-profit humanitarian organization focused on helping communities in developing countries. The Orange County Chapter will soon conduct community-based improvement projects in Honduras, El Salvador and Kenya.
UCI Article Available

Get behind-the-scenes look into what makes UCI such a great university. From lectures to lab visits, these events will give you the opportunity to connect with leading UCI researchers and faculty to gain perspective on how to get involved in doing research.

Understanding Cognition Through Building Brain-Inspired Robotics at UCI

Meet with Professor Jeff Krichmar, associate professor in the Department of Cognitive Sciences and the Department of Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine for an hour lecture on current robotics development and uses at UCI. Professor Krichmar’s expansive career includes 15 years as a software engineer on projects ranging from the PATRIOT Missile System at the Raytheon Corporation to Air Traffic Control for the Federal Systems Division of IBM.

Building Your Career

A Discussion Panel: Deciding on what path to take while building a career is often one of the greatest challenges facing any University Student. This event will afford you a unique opportunity to hear directly from faculty and administration as they discuss the evolution of their careers in research, teaching and academia. Panel members will seek to provide an overview of some of the pitfalls that students may wish to avoid, and provide advice on how to go about building your own careers as you navigate your educational experience, here at the University of California, Irvine. Prior to the event, students will be asked to submit possible questions for the panel members. Current 2011 Panel Participants: Sharon V. Salinger, Dean, Undergraduate Education Alyssa A. Brewer, Assistant Professor, Cognitive Sciences Derek Dunn-Rankin, Chair, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Farzin Zareian, Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Margaret Schneider, Associate Research, Department of Planning, Policy and Design

The UCI Medical School

Presenter: Dr. Harry Haigler, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, and Associate Dean, Medical Education.

SHAPe Lab: Important Factors in College Student Health & SHAPe Lab Visit

Jeff Russell, Assistant Professor of Dance Science, will discuss his lab at Calit2, SHAPe Lab – studying balance, sensing and motion-capture tools for movement analysis, mobility therapy and rehabilitation, and Important Factors in College Student Health. The SHAPe lab is part of the eHealth Collaboratory: Advances in information technology are creating revolutionary healthcare-deli​very options that can improve quality, reduce cost and provide patient empowerment.

Navigating Minds

Because we are all so used to being immersed in the mind-chatter of academic life, we may assume we know all there is to know about our minds and the ways they work. And especially with the recent intense interest in cognitive studies, we may additionally confuse “how the brain works” with “how we experience and navigate consciousness.” Using simple techniques, we will spend an evening exploring modes of consciousness we may be unfamiliar with. Such explorations can help us cultivate creativity, clarity, and equanimity. Additionally, the practices we will explore (meditation, chanting, shamanic drumming, dream-work) may give us unique insights and off-kilter methods for approaching mental and emotional impasses in our lives. Please come with an open mind and participatory spirit.

UCI Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience

Dr. Alyssa Brewer will discuss her cutting edge research on neuroimaging of visual perception, visual deficits and neurological disorders. Dr. Brewer’s Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study perceptual representations in human visual cortex, with a focus on the visual deficits in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Stem Cell Research Center Tour

This tour offers an introduction to the Bill and Sue Gross Stem Cell Research Center. Regenerative medicine and stem cell research have long histories of achievement at UC Irvine. Over 60 UCI scientists use stem cells in their studies, offering hope for future medical cures. A tour and slide show will be given by the lab manager, Christina Tu. PLAN APPROPRIATE WALKING OR DRIVING TIME TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.

San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Tour

Dr. Peter Bowler, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Director of the UCI Arboretum, will lead a tour of the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve and talk about his research on open space conservation and management for wildlife. PLAN APPROPRIATE WALKING OR DRIVING TIME TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.

Human Memories: How Memories Can Be Changed by Things We are Told

During this very special event you will hear from Professor Elizabeth Loftus, who will share with you her fascinating research on manufactured and false memories. She has also been involved in the trials of Ted Bundy, O. J. Simpson, the Hillside Stranglers, and the McMartin preschool trial workers. In 2002, Dr. Loftus was recognized as one of the 100 most influential researchers in psychology in the 20th century, and the highest ranked woman on the list.

Division of Education (DOE) Panel

This panel will offer students the opportunity to hear from a Teaching Credential alumnus, a PhD student, and either a Division of Education Staff or Masters student. Food and refreshments will be served.

Social Sciences Seminar by Professor Valdez

Al Valdez is currently a professor at the University of California, Irvine after retiring from the Orange County District Attorney’s office in April 2006; where he was the Gang Unit supervisor. He has over 28 years of law enforcement experience with special emphasis on narcotic and gang investigations, undercover field operations, and multi-agency task forces and prosecutions. He has written over 80 articles and published eight books on gang histories, customs and practices, and related issues. Professor Valdez was selected as the 2001 District Attorney Investigator of the Year for the state of California. In 2005 he received the Academic Achievement Award for educational and training achievements by the Asian Gang Investigators Association of California. He was selected “Professor of the Year” at UCI in 2009 and is a nationally recognized expert in gang behaviors, customs and practices.

Exploring a Career in Law

During this very special event you will have the opportunity to meet UCI Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky (named by Legal Affairs as one of "the top 20 legal thinkers in America" (April 2005), his colleagues from the Law School, and current UCI Law School students. Whether a career in Law is something that you may want to pursue or have not considered it before, it will be a great opportunity to hear directly from those who carry knowledge and experience in this important professional field.

Alligator Lab Tour – Insight into Dinosaur Survival in the Prehistoric Atmosphere

Take a tour of UCI biologist James Hicks alligator lab. To learn how dinosaurs survived in low-oxygen conditions in the prehistoric atmosphere, biologist James Hicks turns to a modern relative: the American Alligator. See live alligators and learn how these research findings shed light on how animals adapt to changing oxygen levels.

Take a break from studying and enjoy the summer. From pool parties, dinners, movie nights and athletic games, all students can join in on the summer fun.

UCI Women’s Soccer game

UCI vs. Fresno State: Anteater Stadium

Special Dessert: Strickland’s of Irvine, California

Enjoy Summer Session **Special Pricing** for this event ONLY: 20% of any ice cream order! Meet at the Arroyo Vista Basketball courts at 7:15 to walk over, or meet directly at Strickland's at 7:30pm. Strickland's is located in the Campus Plaza on California Ave and Campus Drive.

Chill at the Anthill
(Every Tuesday Night)

Every Tuesday from 5 to 7, come enjoy special happy hour prices and meet with other UCI students at our own campus pup for great food, friends and drink.

Fun in the Sun!

Pool Party! Jump into the pool and make a splash this summer with your fellow FSSP participants and other Arroyo Vista Housing residents! The ARC Aquatics Plaza is complete with a large pool and plenty of space to lounge. Skip the indoor workout today and walk out to the ARC swimming pool for a great time plus a side of fun!

Summer Movies (Every Thursday Night)

Watch a free movie every Thursday night starting at 7pm and participate in the guided discussion afterwards from  a UCI Film graduate student. 

Irvine Farmers Market

This is a year round open air market featuring produce grown in California that takes place every Saturday. Enjoy free samples from different vendors selling items such as fruit, bread, cheese, pastries, juices, and more!  For more information you can contact the Irvine Farmers Market at (714) 573-0374.

Soccer!
(Every Thursday afternoon)

Come and meet other UCI students every Thursday afternoon at 4pm and play soccer with some of the best players (both males and females) in this exciting way to make new friends, get a little exercise and have a lot of fun. 

Hip Hop Dance Workshop: Feat. Chinese Association Dance Crew

Learn how to dance with one of UCI’s infamous dance crews.

Hip Hop Dance Workshop: Feat. Kaba Modern

Learn how to dance with one of UCI’s infamous dance crews.

Hip Hop Dance Workshop: Feat. INSA (I Never Stand Alone)

Learn how to dance with one of UCI’s infamous dance crews.

Marshmallow Roast

Come enjoy a modern “Marshmallow Roast” at the AV Amphitheater as summer comes to an end! Ditch the sand, bring your guitars, drums, blankets and sweatshirts! Trust us, you won’t want to miss this special event! There will be lots of s’mores to go around.

Beach Party

Enjoy the a traditional summer American experience while sitting around a bonfire at the beach.  Games, refreshments and lots of fun await you.  Everything, including the transportation is free in this fun filled night of memories to last a lifetime.

Attend a fun excursion, hosted by Summer Session, to explore and learn about Orange County’s culture and lifestyle. With trips to local beaches and shopping centers, you'll embrace the “OC life.”

Balboa Island & Newport Beach

On this Friday excursion, we will be taking a tour of Balboa Island’s shops and attractions. You can enjoy ice cream, head to the arcade, or take a look at some of the mom and pop stores. Newport Beach borders Balboa Island, so bring your bathing suits. There are shops where you can rent boogie boards, surfboards, and bikes.  We’ll take a ferry on across the bay so you can see the harbor, boats and multimillion dollar homes up close.

Great Park & Irvine Spectrum

One of the great things about Irvine is the availability of park space. On the weekends and holidays in the summer, you can see everyone at the parks in Irvine having a barbeque, hanging around the playground, or playing baseball. The latest addition is the Orange County Great Park dubbed the “The First Great Metropolitan Park of the 21st Century.” There are great events that happened there every week from a Farmer’s Market to movies on the lawn. There is even a free hot air balloon. Not too far away from the Great Park is Irvine Spectrum Center, an outdoor mall and entertainment center. There’s shopping, great restaurants, and one of the best movie theatres in Orange County. It’s a fun place to hangout on the weekends.

US Open of Surfing & International Surfing Museum

We will take you on a short ride to beautiful Huntington Beach for the US Open of Surfing  and also a visit to the International Surfing Museum.   You can watch the surf competition, go for a swim and relax on the beach, have lunch in one of the nearby restaurants, or spend the afternoon shopping at one of the many stores located along Coast High and Main Street

OC Great Park & Concert in the Park

If you haven’t already noticed, Irvine has a lot of land…which means a lot of future opportunities to build our community. One of the latest initiatives by the City of Irvine is to build  “The First Great Metropolitan Park of the 21st Century,” which will one day rival NYC’s Central Park. As the park continues to expand, it offers the community a forum to explore cultural, musical, and outdoor interest. This coming Friday, the OC Great Park will host a live outdoor concert by Shotgun Wedding Quintet as part of the “Flights & Sounds” Summer Series.

Laguna Beach and Marine Mammal Center

Visit the stunningly beautiful city of Laguna Beach where we’ll spend the afternoon exploring  the many natural  tide pools where you can see fish, crabs and an assortment of marine life within the coves and rocks.  There will also be time for you to stop and have lunch at the many diverse restaurants within this sea side community of artists.  Then, we’ll visit the Marine Mammal Center to learn about the world’s largest mammals (the Gray Whale) and take a guided tour to see seals, sea lions and other marine animals in this famous center.  We will also spend time in the museum where you can learn about the center and the marine animals that it protects.

Each student will receive a detailed calendar during orientation that explains how to learn more about these events and activities.  Also, reminder e-mails with information on how to RSVP as well as all the details of each event are sent to students weekly. 

July 4th Kayaking and Fireworks

$45 fee, payable directly to the ARC
We will pick you up in the parking lot next to the Arroyo Vista Housing Office and then go to the UCI Crew Base so you can pick your own kayak (double or single)

LA City Tour

$50 price includes transportation and tour guides. Lunch is not included.
Los Angeles City Tour. You'll see the Hard Rock Cafe, Kodak Theatre, and Hollywood & Highland. Drive the famous streets of Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Melrose, and the Sunset Strip. Stop at Olvera Street, the original street where Los Angeles was first settled as well as a stop at Little Tokyo. Travel through Downtown LA, Chinatown, and also Santa Monica, all sites that you've seen countless times on TV and in the movies.  You might even see a movie star!

OC Fair

$11 admission
Transportation will be provided to OC Fair and we will return for pickup around 5pm. However, you are welcome to stay longer at the Fair until it closes, but you will need to find you own transportation. Every year, the OC Fair (http://www.ocfair.com/2011/index.asp) is held to celebrate Orange County’s communities, interest, and heritage. This year’s theme is “Let’s Eat!” You can definitely expect a lot of food and maybe food you never thought would ever exist…Have you heard of “Fried Twinkies or Fried Kool-Aid?” In addition to the food, there are carnival games and rides, exhibitions, petting zoos, and concerts. Spending a day at the fair is must-do during the summer! Because we are going on a Friday, the OC Fair is also offering some specials to make the day extra fun. $2 Rides and $2 Games from 10am-7pm. “Let’s Eat” Tasting: try some of the fair foods for $2 a plate from 12pm-4pm.

Special Dinner: Berkeley Dog

$5 for one gourmet sausage and drink (special event pricing)
Come join other students form UCI Summer Session’s Special programs for a delicious dinner.

Outlet Shopping Mall Trip

This popular trip takes you to some of the best shopping with the best values and prices so you can shop till you drop! 

LA Galaxy Soccer Game

Cheer David Beckham and the other team members of the LA Galaxy soccer team compete in this action packed sporting event sure to keep you entertained the moment the ball begins to roll.

LA Dodgers or Anaheim Angels

Enjoy a warm summer night of watching either the LA Dodgers or the Anaheim Angels play against their rivals.  Baseball is as part of American culture and the summer experience as hot dogs and apple pie.  Both are also available to enjoy while watching the game!  As well as peanuts of course!

Trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, Sea World and the Wild Animal Park

Trips are available throughout the summer to this exciting locations.

Grand Canyon and Las Vegas

Explore the majestic Grand Canyon and the amazing night life of Las Vegas on this exciting three-day excursion.

San Francisco and the California Coast

Drive along the scenic coastal highway and experience the stunning beautify of California.  Then, explore the city of San Francisco visiting Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, China Town and many other sights of this dynamic city by the bay.  This three-day trip is a great way to experience why California is famous around the world.