How long is the tour?
Campus tours last approximately 60 minutes.
How far will we walk?
Campus tours cover an approximately 1-mile loop of campus along Ring Road. The tour avoids steep inclines and stairs, but we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
At nearly any point you can cut in toward the center of campus to enjoy Aldrich Park.
What will the weather be like?
Irvine is lucky to enjoy a Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 73. Due to our proximity to the coast, we often experience a cool morning marine layer followed by warm, sunny afternoons.
We recommend that visitors come equipped with a light layer in case of fluctuations in temperature.
Should I bring water?
Visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles during their visit. Water bottle filling stations can be found in nearly every building. You can view a map here. There are also several Starbucks and cafes on campus for coffee and small snacks. The closest Starbucks to our campus tour meeting point is connected to the Student Center (view map).
Where do we park for our tour?
Parking on campus is limited. If you plan to bring a charter bus to campus, you will need to reserve a bus parking spot by using the Park-by-Plate code shared in your confirmation for $25.
We ask that schools/groups do not drop-off or pick up visitors at the roundabout in front of the flag poles but follow the parking directions shared in your confirmation.
Why are there no available tour reservations?
We offer group tours on a limited basis and will only be able to offer tours on days posted on the calendar. Due to interest, these dates fill up very quickly and encourage groups to check the Group Tours portal for any updates.
Tours are not offered during days with large-scale campus events, major holidays, weekends, over the summer, and parts of January, April, June, September, and December.
Why are schools only allowed one reservation per quarter?
As we offer group tours on a limited basis throughout the year, we hope to welcome as many unique groups as possible and therefore limit each group or school to one visit per quarter. Thank you for understanding!
Who is permitted to book a group tour?
High school, community college, or community-based organizations schools/groups larger than 10 guests can book a group tour.
When can I book a group tour?
The schedule is released on a quarterly basis to account for our student-staff schedules.
October - December dates will be released by the end of August.
January - March dates will be released by mid-December.
April - June dates will be released by mid-March
I am no longer able to make my group tour reservation. What should I do?
Please reach out to tourUCI@uci.edu as soon as possible to open the time slot for another group.
Is there a penalty for canceling my tour reservation less than 72 hours in advance ?
Yes, groups that cancel less than 72 hours in advance will jeopardize any future reservations being accepted from their school/group.
Are dining packages/vouchers available for large groups visiting campus?
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions does not offer any dining packages or services. You may contact UCI Dining Services here for questions about campus dining.
Can I still talk to someone from Admissions if I choose a self-guided tour?
Yes! Please visit the Admissions Office at 260 Aldrich Hall for more information. We have student Campus Representatives available to answer general questions and Admissions Counselors to help with complex questions.
How should I approach walking around campus?
Part of the beauty of UCI is our layout! Our circular campus is designed to be walkable. You can start from pretty much any point on campus, but the Student Center is a helpful landmark. From there, we suggest you walk the large main road, Ring Road, where you can see most of our undergraduate schools.
At nearly any point you can cut in toward the center of campus to enjoy Aldrich Park.
What will the weather be like? What should I wear?
Irvine is lucky to enjoy a Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 73. Due to our proximity to the coast, we often experience a cool morning marine layer followed by warm, sunny afternoons.
We recommend that visitors come equipped with a light layer in case of fluctuations in temperature.
Should I bring water?
Visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles during their visit. Water bottle filling stations can be found in nearly every building. You can view a map here. There are also several Starbucks and cafes on campus for coffee and small snacks. The closest Starbucks to our campus tour meeting point is connected to the Student Center (view map).
Where should I park?
There are several parking options for visitors to UCI. We recommend parking in the Student Center Parking Structure, which is a short walk from the campus tour meeting location.
Do I have to pay for parking?
Yes, a parking permit is required to park on campus regardless of day or time. You can register your vehicle ahead of time by using UCI’s Park by Plate website. Please check your campus tour registration confirmation email for more details about completing the parking permit process.
What will be open on campus when I visit?
During the week, most campus buildings and eateries will be open during business hours. If you are visiting during the weekend, most buildings and eateries will be closed; but you can still enjoy the scenery and dining across the street at University Center.
Housing communities are not open to the public.
Is this a prerecorded video?
No. Our livestream tour takes place in real time, with one of our student Campus Representatives available to answer your UCI questions.
Will I be able to ask questions during the livestream tour?
Yes! Guests are able to ask their questions in real time via the chat feature.
When will I receive the link to the virtual livestream tour?
The link will be shared via email at the time the tour is set to begin! For example, if you signed up for a virtual livestream tour at 12 pm, your link to join the tour will be sent at 12 pm.