We’ve anticipated many of your campus tour questions and tried to answer them. If you have additional questions, please contact us tour@ucr.edu.
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Do I need a parking permit?
Yes, permits are always required when parking in any UCR lot. The good news is that parking is complimentary if you reserve your tour/visit ahead of time, available in Lot 1. Please check in at the Lot 1 kiosk to pick up your pass. However, if for any reason you need to purchase a parking permit, an all-day pass ranges from $9–13 and paid parking is available in Lots 6 and 24.
Tip: We recommend entering UCR Lot 1 in Google Maps when driving to campus. -
Where should I stay?
There are many hotels near campus. Some hotels offer a discounted UCR rate if you request it. UCR is not affiliated or responsible for any third-party accommodations you arrange with the hotels listed.
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Does UCR have an overnight stay program?
No, not at this time.
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What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress for weather and temperature variations. Pants and closed-toe shoes are required for BCOE lab tours.
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What is the best day to visit?
With a beautiful campus like ours, any day is the best day! If you want the full campus experience, plan your visit for when classes are in session. But if you're looking for less hustle and bustle, plan it for the off season (midterms/finals and summer quarter).
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Does UCR have an open house?
Yes. Highlander Day happens every year in the spring, typically on a weekend in April and May. You'll have opportunities to connect with friendly faculty and students, take a tour, and discover academic, wellness, and career resources.
For other admission happenings, visit UC Riverside Events. To attend campus events that are open to the public, visit Events.
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When are you open?
The Campus Tours Office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., excluding all national holidays. We are also open on select Saturdays during special events such as Discover Day and Highlander Day.
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Are there restaurants or places to eat on campus?
Yes, the Highlander Union Building (HUB) Plaza Dining includes a full range of delicious options, including Chronic Tacos, Hibachi-San, The Habit, and Panda Express. If you need a coffee fix, stop by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (HUB), Ivan's (Hinderaker Hall), Bytes (Winston Chung Hall), Emerbee's (between MRB and MSE), or Starbucks (Market at Glen Mor).
UCR also has campus food trucks, Scotty's convenience stores, residential dining, and the signature Barn dining and entertainment venue.
Visit dining.ucr.edu to explore all options.
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Are reservations required for tours?
Yes. You must make a reservation in advance. This allows our staff to properly prepare for your tour. After making your reservation, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details about your visit. During spring and fall quarters, space is limited — we suggest reserving early.
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When are tours offered?
Group tours for High School and Community College groups will be offered at a very limited capacity for the remainder of the 2022 academic school year.
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How do I change or cancel my tour?
You can cancel and schedule a new tour online using the link in your confirmation email. DO NOT schedule another tour until you cancel your first tour. Doing so creates a duplicate tour reservation. Thank you for letting us know. Canceling your tour allows us to open up space for other visitors.
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I can’t make any of the tour times. How can I see the campus?
We have lots of ways to explore UCR!
- Take a virtual tour of labs, lecture halls, housing, and favorite student life spaces.
- Watch The College Tour video series with 10 UCR students sharing their stories and what makes our campus so special.
- Download our self-guided tour map with campus landmarks and fun facts. If you're driving, a parking pass will be required.
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Are tours cancelled if it rains?
No. Tours happen rain or shine! Please prepare for the weather accordingly.
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Do you offer tours in any language other than English?
We sometimes have staff Campus Tour Guides who speak multiple languages, but that can change every quarter. Please call our office at (951) 827-8687 to inquire about the availability of your specific language. We also invite you to bring your own interpreter. Our Campus Tour Guide can customize the tour to allow time for your interpreter to translate for you throughout the tour.
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Are tours wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Every tour option has an ADA route, making it wheelchair accessible. If needed, please request an ADA route in the "special accommodations" section of your reservation, so our office can plan accordingly.
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Is there a fee for the tour?
No! UCR tours are free. We gladly welcome you to visit our campus and meet with our students, staff, and faculty.
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What is an "Individuals/Families” visitor type?
Our Prospective Student/Family Tours is for individual students and up to four (4) guests, such as parents, guardians, siblings, relatives. Register for a general campus tour or an information session. Complete a separate tour reservation for each prospective student to ensure they each receive a tour packet.
(Groups of 10 or more prospective students can make one reservation for all students and will be taken on a Group Tour.)
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Are children allowed on tours?
Yes. Children are allowed on tours. However, if a child requires the use of a stroller, please notify our staff ahead of time so we can adjust the tour route accordingly.
About The Tour
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What will I learn on the campus tour?
The tour route typically follows a student’s walking path to class. It includes stops at a library, the Campus Store, the Highlander Union Building (HUB), popular student hangouts, and more. Each tour includes a brief history of UCR, as well as information about current academic programs, planned future growth, student life, and athletics.
Tours are led by current undergraduate students who are extremely knowledgeable about our campus and its programs. Student guides also share their personal UCR experiences, stories, and insights.
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Can we visit a class?
No. Unfortunately that would be disruptive to classes that are in session.
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Will we see the Residence Halls on the tour?
Group Residence Hall tours are currently not offered, but we have other options to explore on-campus housing. For more information, visit Housing.
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How long is the tour?
Campus tours are last about 45-60 minutes.
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What happens if I show up to a tour early or late?
If you arrive early, you might be able to join an earlier tour. Or, you could grab a bite to eat on campus at the Highlander Union Building (HUB) or hang out to chat with us and get answers to your questions.
If you arrive late, we will do our best to add you to our next available tour. Some tour options may not be available to tour if you arrive more than 10 minutes late.
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Do you offer special tours for graduate students?
No. The general campus tour provides comprehensive information perfect for undergraduate students. Most graduate students meet with the department to which they are applying. Contact the appropriate department representatives to coordinate a personal meeting.
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How can I meet a professor in a specific department?
We recommend contacting the professor directly via email. Use the links below to find contact information.
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What do you consider a “group”?
A "group" is considered 10 or more prospective students from any institution or organization (e.g., schools, community or religious organizations, camps). Schedule your High School/Community College Group Tour today!
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When are group tours offered?
Middle and Elementary School Group Tours are not offered during fall quarter. Tours will resume Winter 2023, and you will be able to register by mid-December. View availability.
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When should I make a reservation?
Reservations for groups must be made at least two weeks in advance. We begin accepting reservations about one month prior to each quarter. Visit the UCR Academic Calendar to help you plan your visit.
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Where should we park our bus?
On-campus bus parking is not available. We recommend finding a place to park off-campus. Buses can drop students off at the bus stop across the street from Lot 4 on West Campus Drive. California exempt vehicles such as vans may park in Lot 1. When you arrive one of our tour guides will greet your group for check-in and proceed with your planned schedule.
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Why are some days and times unavailable?
Available group tour slots are determined by staff availability and are listed on our reservation calendar. Any tour slot not listed has already been booked.