General Questions

• 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.

• Does UCR have an overnight stay program?

  No, not at this time.

  
   

• 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.

• 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).

• Does UCR have an open house?

  Yes. Highlander Day happens every year in the spring, typically on a weekend in April. At Highlander Day, you’ll chat with faculty, hang out with current students, learn about our many academic programs and take a student-led campus tour. View current events at UCR .
   

• 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 (Discover Day, Highlander Day, etc.).

• Are there restaurants or places to eat on campus?

  
  Yes, campus dining options   include the HUB Food Court (featuring Chronic Tacos, Hibachi-San, MOD Pizza, and Panda Express), The Habit, and Subway. 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 (reopening in early 2020). Visit dining.ucr.edu to explore all campus dining options.

Reserving Your Tour

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• I can’t make any of the tour times. How can I see the campus?

  You can always take a virtual tour or if you want to see the campus in-person, you can print out one of our self-guided tour maps and explore UCR on your own. 

• Are tours cancelled if it rains?

  No. Tours happen rain or shine! Please prepare for the weather accordingly. 

• 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 welcome you to bring your own interpreter. Our Campus Tour Guide can customize their tour to allow time for your interpreter to translate for you throughout the tour.

• 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.

• 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. 

• What is an "Individuals/Families” visitor type?

  When scheduling a campus tour, select the "Individuals/Families" option if you are an individual student with up to 6 guests (parent/guardians, siblings and relatives) or a group with 2–9 prospective students. 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.")

• 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

• 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, popular student hangouts and more. Each tour includes a brief history of UCR and 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.

• Can we visit a class?

  No. Unfortunately that would be disruptive to classes that are in session.

• Will we see the Residence Halls on the tour?

  Due to Covid- 19 regulations Group Residence Hall tours are currently not offered.

• How long is the tour?

  Campus tours are between 45-60 minutes long.

• What happens if I show up to a tour early or late?

  If you arrive early, you may be able to join an earlier tour, or you can grab a bite to eat on campus, or just chat with us and let us answer 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

  • Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) Faculty
  • College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) Faculty
  • College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) Faculty
  • School of Business Faculty
  • Graduate School of Education (GSOE)
  • School of Public Policy (SPP)

Group Tours

• What do you consider a “group”?

  A "group" is considered 10 or more prospective students from any institution or organization (schools, community or religious organizations, camps, etc.)

• When are group tours offered?

  Elementary and middle school group tours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, on the hour, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

  High school and community college group tours are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

• 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.

• Where should we park our bus?

  On-campus bus parking is not available and we recommending finding a place to park off-campus. Buses can drop off students 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. 

• 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.