Anyone considering the University of California to study abroad in California is spoiled for choice: ten first-class universities are available within the University of California system – from comparatively small institutions with a typical college atmosphere to large universities in the suburbs of Metropolises of millions like Los Angeles or San Diego.
University of California Berkeley
The UC Berkeley is the oldest campus of the UC system and one of the hallmarks of the university network. The university is one of the most respected universities in the world and regularly takes the top places in internationally significant rankings. In the US News & World Report 2018, for example, it was ranked fourth among the best universities in the world, just behind Harvard University, MIT and Stanford University.
The university can also come up with some superlatives: the university has a total of 14 colleges and schools. UC Berkeley has one of the largest library systems in the country with over ten million volumes. There are more than 1200 student organizations on campus and there are currently seven Nobel Prize winners at the university. Service is very important here.
University of California Davis
The UC Davis has one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions in the agricultural – and environmental sciences and has one of the five medical schools of the UC system.
UC Davis is a typical “small town university”. Students make up half of Davis’ population and are an integral part of city life. UC Davis is also one of the “most bicycle-friendly universities” in the USA. Everything in the student city can be easily reached by bike.
University of California Irvine
The UC Irvine combines the advantages of a large research university with the pleasant atmosphere of a small college. The UCI’s spacious campus is located in famous Orange County in southern California. Thanks to the university’s central location, students can quickly reach nearby surfing beaches and find wonderful cycling and hiking trails in the area.
The UCI has made a name for itself especially in neuroscientific research and atmospheric research. The outstanding quality in research and teaching at the UCI is regularly recognized. For four years in a row, the university has been in the top 10 of the “100 best universities under 50” in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
University of California Los Angeles
The UCLA is the largest and second oldest site of the University of California system and one of the most prestigious universities in America. The variety of subjects at UCLA is immense. Every year around 5,000 courses are offered at the university. There are over 700 courses to choose from in the UCLA Summer Sessions alone. UCLA’s research program is also substantial. The university has around 5000 ongoing research projects.
The campus of UCLA is so large that it as a separate city passes. The campus attracts with a variety of catering options, sports stadiums and a generous range of sports. There is even a wooded park on the campus and invites you to take a stroll.
In addition, UCLA is one of the universities with the greatest ethnic diversity in the world. And the city center of the multicultural metropolis LA is less than ten kilometers away from UCLA.
University of California Merced
The youngest university of the UC System is UC Merced. The university opened its doors in autumn 2005, making it the first American research university of the 21st century. UC Merced is not far from the famous Yosemite National Park, which is ideal for hiking, climbing and camping.
Research also plays an important role at UC Merced. A high priority is assigned to interdisciplinary work and interactive learning. Moreover, it is sustainability a key issue at UC Merced. All buildings on campus are LEED certified. One goal of the university is to save more CO2 in the future through the increased use of renewable energy sources.
University of California Riverside
UC Riverside is characterized by small courses, helpful professors and a great commitment to research. Even undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in existing research projects at the university.
The UC Riverside has a good reputation in the USA. In 2014, Time Magazine voted the university the best university in the country based on graduate rate, affordability of studying, and student funding available. Learn more about USA and North America on dentistrymyth.
Another highlight of the university is the almost 500 hectare campus with one of the largest academic libraries in the country. The UC Riverside can also score with its location on the edge of the Box Springs Mountains. Not only outdoor enthusiasts will get their money’s worth here.
University of California San Diego
Founded in 1959, the UCSD has managed to develop into a world-class research university within a few decades.
Each of the six colleges has its own programmatic orientation, defines individual application requirements and provides separate accommodation for the students – similar to the British cadre schools Oxford and Cambridge. The advantage: the study groups are smaller and the students are supervised more closely. In addition, the UCSD is the campus of the UC System with most international semester students at bachelor level.
The fact that UCSD is at the top international level is also demonstrated by the consistently outstanding ranking results. Five Nobel Prize winners are currently doing research at the university. The fact that the USCD’s science, engineering and medicine research centers are among the ten largest in the country speaks for itself.
University of California San Francisco
UCSF is the only campus in the University of California System devoted solely to health sciences and medicine. It is therefore not surprising that one of the world’s leading centers for biomedicine is located at UC San Francisco. The university’s four professional schools – dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy – are among the best in the country. Among other things, they top the list of the 2016 US News Best Graduate Schools.
UC San Francisco is entirely focused on graduate education, offering nearly 20 doctoral programs and ten masters programs.
University of California Santa Barbara
The UC Santa Barbara is located away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and directly on the coast of the Pacific. The surrounding landscape invites you to all kinds of outdoor activities. One could hardly wish for a more pleasant study environment. The atmosphere in the courses is also pleasant. Many professors are already working with undergraduate students in laboratories or on special research projects.
According to the US News and World Report 2016, UCSB is considered one of the best state universities in the USA. It is also a pioneer in terms of interdisciplinary research. The interdisciplinary orientation is also reflected in the range of courses at UC Santa Barbara. Semester students can, for example, choose philosophy with a focus on ethics and public policy or chemical engineering with a focus on computational science and engineering.
University of California Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is surrounded by tall sequoia trees and not far from the Pacific coast. The campus life at the University is characterized by a relaxed and intimate atmosphere from. Nevertheless, students enjoy all the advantages of a large research university.
The most pressing problems of our time are being researched at UC Santa Cruz. Scientists seek political answers to financial crises, develop assistive technologies for people with disabilities and contribute to the fight against diseases such as AIDS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Perhaps that is why the university has already been recognized several times in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings as one of the universities with the world’s greatest research influence.
