Riverside currently houses four major collegiate institutions, enrolling a total number of 71,100 students for this academic school year. The four institutions are: Riverside Community College, Cal Baptist University, La Sierra University, and University of California, Riverside. All of our institutions are determined to help our students succeed and offer great programs, specialized events, and volunteer projects to help Riverside’s next generation gain experience and build their network.
We asked REAL college students living and working in Riverside to tell us some of their favorite things about the city.
Steve Dorsey
College: La Sierra University
What is your must-try restaurant in Riverside?
Panini Kabob Grill– Excellent service, delectable food, and fair prices! Great place to get Mediterranean food. Also, Brandon’s Diner is a great chain that has your typical larger than life breakfast plates. Highly recommend the cinnamon revolution French toast!
Favorite Coffee Shop?
You can’t go wrong with Daily Brew Coffee, their raspberry jam toast is my go to every time. It’s special because that spot made handling the pandemic the slightest bit easier. Also recommend their lemon grass tea!
Best outdoor space to visit?
Doty Trust Park is a hidden gem in Riverside that is a wondrous outdoor space. It has excellent views, a solid hiking trail, and basketball courts. It’s where I go when I need to be amongst nature and clear my head.
Do you have a favorite Study Spot?
My favorite study spot is actually my university’s library. It has an atrium in the middle of it which makes studying more relaxing. Prior to the pandemic it was open to the public to study in upon signing in. Looking forward to studying there again!
Phoebe Arevalo
College: California Baptist University
What is your must-try restaurant in Riverside?
Tio’s tacos! It’s ambiance is very fun, free & creative. It’s a fun spot for friends to hang out in the evening and get a meal. Lots of great photo ops too!
Favorite Coffee Shop?
Some of my favorite drink places are Share Tea, Tim Boba, Kraemer’s Coffee, and Twee Coffee. They all have their own atmosphere but are all fun and calming in their own way. The coffee, boba, slushes, and everything on their menus are great!
Best outdoor space to visit?
Mount Rubidoux is a lovely outdoor place to go on a hike with your friends, loved one, family or even just your dog. It’s an easy hike and the view of riverside is beautiful!
Do you have a favorite Study Spot?
I love visiting the Downtown Book Store in down town Riverside. It’s a peaceful and quiet place with a variety of books and little trinkets. I can always find a few books for a really good price that are fun and/or enlightening. Plus, the people are very friendly and sweet.
William Wang
College: University of California Riverisde
What is your must-try restaurant in Riverside?
My favorite restaurant is called Boba Cafe, located in University Village. It serves authentic Asian Food and has great boba drinks as well! The staff there are extremely friendly and the food always comes out in a timely manner.
Favorite local shop?
My favorite shop would definitely have to be the JBez Barbershop. The barbershop is started by UCR Students and all the barbers are an expert in their craft. The barbers are all extremely sociable and make all customers feel welcomed. Shout out to my barber Jeremy for always giving me a clean cut!
Best outdoor space to visit?
Sycamore Park is my favorite outdoor park to visit. The view is unbeatable and you can always catch a nice sunset there. At the park, you are able to oversee the city of Riverside and admire how beautiful our city is.
Do you have a favorite Study Spot?
The best study spot would be the new UCR Building the Student Success Center. The space is brand new and they have tons of space available. Individual study rooms are great for group projects, and you can easily find food places to grab a quick bite.
Luis Montano
College: University of California Riverside
What is your must-try restaurant in Riverside?
Favorite local shop?
Kimchichanga, really love the fact that it is a family owned and operated business.
Best place for recreation and night life?
Pixel’s, AV (Audrea Vista), and the Mt. Rubidoux hiking trail.
Do you have a favorite Study Spot?
Madelyn Torres
College: Riverside Community College
Favorite local small business?
Mission Galleria Antique Store
Favorite place for taking Photos?
Main Street, the lighting is usually very nice and there are beautiful statues, lights and architecture all around. At night the colorful lighting really comes to life!
Best outdoor space to visit?
The waterfall/outdoor seating area on main street next to the Donut Bar
Do you have a favorite Study Spot?
Coffee Bean on Mission Inn Avenue
Edward Coronado
College: University of California Riverside Alumni and Cal Baptist University Graduate Student
Favorite shopping spot?
One of my favorite shopping spots in the city is the Magnolia Center Marketplace!
Favorite Coffee Shop?
Condron Coffee. Vibes and Coffee, what more can you ask for? Small coffee shop but a great place to study and drink coffee. 10\10 would recommend.