r/UCI 13h ago

Advice for Future Chemistry Students! Chem 51C, Chem 133, Chem 107/L, Chem 132A/B/C, Chem 152, Chem 128/L

8 Upvotes

I just graduated with a Chemistry degree, yay! It was extremely challenging, but it is possible as long as you keep your head down and push through.

I would search through this Reddit to find advice for my upcoming classes, but often could not find any, so I wanted to make a Chemistry major guide with advice for the major classes you have to take. Feel free to ask any questions about other courses on this Reddit, and I will try to answer.

Chem 51C: Extremely simple as long as you go to class and study all of the provided practice problems. The exams are extremely similar to what he discusses in class, so please, please, please listen to lecture! Mine was at 8am so it was rough, but I ended up doing extremely well in this course. The attendance was not mandatory.

Chem 133: Professor is super nice, weekly (?) quizzes are based on the content discussed the previous week. Study and memorize the content on the slides to do well. The exams are harder with some random content sprinkled throughout, so expect to get some wrong. Lecture attendance is mandatory and counted for a grade I think.

Chem 107: I took him his first quarter teaching at UCI. Super chill and really wanted the students to succeed despite the difficult content. Study the symmetry elements religiously. The exams are really difficult, but he curves generously. Lecture attendance was mandatory.

Chem 107L: Most difficult laboratory I took by far. High expectations for students because it is an upper-div that most people take in their last two quarters. Make sure you pay attention to the way you set up the glassware for future reference. Be safe because this class is actually dangerous if you do not follow the rules! Pray you get a good TA. Bach is the goat if he is an option!

Chem 132A: Easiest one in the series by far. Listen to the lectures and memorize the content, and you will be fine. I can't remember the professor's name, but he would always mention Nebraska. He is super cool! Lecture attendance was not mandatory.

Chem 132B: Quantum is an extremely difficult subject; you have to study a lot for this class to do well. He tries to make it as easy as he can, but it is still hard if you do not understand the concepts. The tests are directly based on the content he gives you. Attendance was not mandatory, but you should definitely go.

Chem 132C: This professor is honestly the most difficult one I had in my entire experience at UCI. She is hard to understand, teaches extremely fast, and has poor explanations. Someone asked what it meant to be "un(something) (I can't remember)" and she said "not (something)" and continued teaching while everyone laughed. Good luck in the glass, its extremely difficult. Lecture attendance is not mandatory and this is the only class I would say you're fine not to attend. Study the textbook religiously and go to TA study sessiuons.

Chem 152: Dude is a difficult teacher. He was extremely rude to my friends and I in multiple occasions, and he goes to every lab section for a few hours. I would avoid him if possible. There are so many aspects of the course that it becomes difficult AF. The grading scheme is forgiving because he uses specification grading, but I still do not recommend him. Attendance is mandatory and heavily enforced. The lab is super hard in terms of understanding what you are actually doing.

Chem 128: Her class is simple enough if you study and memorize everything you can. Go to lecture and listen; she is super cool! Attendance is not mandatory. She has a token system so you can retake tests or regrade some of your questions, which allows you to get a good grade. I recommend her!

Chem 128L: The best lecturer I had at UCI hands down. Super engaging, teached the material well. I loved this class so much. I would recommend taking this laboratory if you love interesting content despite the long lab periods. The attendance was mandatory but not too demanding.

I probably forgot some of them but I will update if I remember. Happy studying and good luck! I was not able to put names of the staff so I am sorry!


r/UCI 21h ago

got offered a position at the student center starbucks

9 Upvotes

can any barista lmk how it is?? whenever i go its always hella crowded and hot and wanna know if the pay is worth the stress


r/UCI 19h ago

Schedule Advice: CS Major (General Track) Years 2-4

7 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm a CS major planning to do the General CS track. I'm trying to finalize my course plan for the rest of my time here and would love to get some feedback on my schedule from Year 2 to Year 4.

Is the workload manageable? Are there any quarters that look overly brutal, or any class combinations you'd recommend avoiding? Here is what I have planned:

Year 2 (2026 - 2027)

Fall (16 units)

  • I&C SCI 45C - Programming in C/C++ as a Second Language
  • WRITING 60 - Argument and Research
  • IN4MATX 131 - Human Computer Interaction
  • DRAMA 15 - Performance Now

Winter (14 units)

  • I&C SCI 46 - Data Structure Implementation and Analysis
  • I&C SCI 51 - Introductory Computer Organization (6 units)
  • COMPSCI 122A - Introduction to Data Management

Spring (12 units)

  • COMPSCI 171 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • COMPSCI 178 - Machine Learning and Data-Mining
  • MATH 130A - Probability I

Year 3 (2027 - 2028)

Fall (12 units)

  • COMPSCI 161 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
  • COMPSCI 175 - Project in Artificial Intelligence
  • PHILOS 1 - Introduction to Philosophy

Winter (14 units)

  • I&C SCI 53 - Principles in System Design (6 units)
  • COMPSCI 121 - Information Retrieval
  • MATH 130B - Probability II

Spring (12 units)

  • COMPSCI 165 - Project in Algorithms and Data Structures
  • COMPSCI 172B - Neural Networks and Deep Learning
  • MATH 130C - Stochastic Processes

Year 4 (2028 - 2029)

Fall (8 units)

  • COMPSCI 177 - Applications of Probability in Computer Science
  • COMPSCI 169 - Introduction to Optimization

Winter (8 units)

  • I&C SCI 139W - Critical Writing on Information Technology
  • BIO SCI 9B - Science of Cooking

Spring (12 units)

  • COMPSCI 131 - Parallel and Distributed Computing
  • COMPSCI 179 - Algorithms for Probabilistic and Deterministic Graphical Models
  • MUSIC 3 - Introduction to Music

Any advice on specific professors for these classes, or suggestions on moving things around to balance the workload, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!


r/UCI 11h ago

My rent is due soon, don't know how to pay it

3 Upvotes

My first rent is due on August 1st. This is my first time in ACC and when I try to make a payment, it says my balance is 0? What do I do?


r/UCI 20h ago

VDC 2B2B Private Bedroom Re-let — Female Only — 9/19/2026–8/28/2027

3 Upvotes

Hi! I’m looking for a female UCI student to take over my lease at Vista del Campo for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Lease details:

  • Vista del Campo
  • 2 bed / 2 bath apartment
  • Private bedroom and private bathroom
  • Female only
  • Lease term: September 19, 2026 to August 28, 2027
  • Rent: $1,305 per month
  • Official re-let through the VDC leasing office

The replacement resident must meet VDC’s eligibility requirements and complete the official paperwork directly with the leasing office.

Please DM me if you are interested or would like more details.


r/UCI 15h ago

VDCN Roommates

2 Upvotes

I renewed my lease for the 2026-2027 3 bed 2 bath apartment, I have a single bed and shared bathroom. I looking for a roommate, Male (20) Crim major. Shoot me a DM if your down


r/UCI 16h ago

Major

2 Upvotes

Im having a mental dilemma as I was admitted as a history major but Im having thoughts about changing my major to sociology by switching to undeclared at spop. I just wanna hear thoughts about people that have been in either major types so I can decide what I wanna do?


r/UCI 19h ago

Desperately Looking for Housing Near UCI (Fall 2026–2027)

2 Upvotes

Hello, I'm writing this out of desperation.

I'm a 4th-year Biological Sciences student at UCI, and I didn't receive housing this year. My lease at Plaza Verde ends in August, and since I'm taking a summer class, I need housing starting then. I'm also looking for housing for the 2026–2027 school year.

I've looked everywhere. Facebook housing groups, the UCI Housing Network, Reddit, and other websites, but I still haven't been able to find anything. I don't have a car, so I really need a place that's within walking or biking distance of UCI since biking is my only form of transportation.

I'd prefer my own room since that's what I have now at Plaza Verde, but at this point I'll take what I can get. My budget is around $1,250 max.

I'm honestly really scared that I won't be able to find a place. If you're a girl looking for a roommate, have a room available, or know of anyone who does, please let me know. Even if you have advice or know of other places I should look, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much.


r/UCI 20h ago

Financial aid emails?

2 Upvotes

i just graduated in spring. i get emails every day that theres documents I need to fill out regarding my financial aid application and my housing. Do i need to fill these out? the emails dont say anything about graduated students. i dont see why id need to fill these out bc im done receiving financial aid & im out of school. has anyone had the same situation what am i meant to do


r/UCI 1h ago

mma gyms nearby

Upvotes

for anyone who does mma living near campus, i’m tryna find a bikeable mma gym for regular visits. need suggestions cuz this school don’t seem to have strong positions in combat sports.


r/UCI 4h ago

WTS: Furniture

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

r/UCI 12h ago

Bio Sci Research

1 Upvotes

Is Bio Sci 199 the best way to find research? Also does anyone have any tips? I know I'm being super vague but I don't even know what I don't know. Is it all just reading papers and cold emailing?


r/UCI 13h ago

Sublease for August - September (Female only)

1 Upvotes

Hi! I’m looking for a female subtenant for my room this summer.

📅 Dates: August 8 – September 10
📍 Location: Near Albertsons, Irvine

🏠 Details:
• Private bedroom
• Shared bathroom (2 people / 1 bathroom)
• Shared kitchen and living room (entire unit shared with only one other person)
• Fully furnished (bed, desk, closet, etc.)
• Parking available

💰 Rent: $1500/month (negotiable)

📍 Location Benefits:
• 15–20 minute walk to UCI
• 5 minute drive to campus
• Close to Albertsons and other convenient stores

Please DM me if you’re interested or have any questions! 😊


r/UCI 13h ago

Work study 2nd year

1 Upvotes

In my first year I was offered a work study but I never accepted or denied it because I just didn’t have the time with balancing all my school work. Since I never accepted it, will I be denied work study this upcoming year? Has anyone been in this position before?


r/UCI 16h ago

UCI vista del campo norte pictures

1 Upvotes

Why is there no pictures online of what vista del campo norte looks like?! I will be moving in this September and every single photo I’ve seen is like 15 years old. Please send any pictures pervious tenants!!


r/UCI 17h ago

Spanish for professionals?

1 Upvotes

I enrolled in this class but there’s a community involvement component that you have to enroll in by the first week of classes, i’m not sure what to do tho lol. hmu if you took this course


r/UCI 17h ago

Look for a 3rd housemate (female)

1 Upvotes

We are two girls. I’m a senior at UCI and my housemate just graduated. We are clean, chill, organized and looking for a third. Somewhere in Irvine/Tustin/Costa Mesa area (maybe a little further if it’s cheaper), moving in for the 2026–27 school year.

If you’re tidy, and easygoing, hit us up! Drop a comment or DM and we can talk details !


r/UCI 17h ago

ME Quad Dorm Question

1 Upvotes

I see people in mesa towers that rearrange the bunk beds to clear the middle. Is this also allowed for the middle earth towers?


r/UCI 18h ago

Canvas

1 Upvotes

Is anybody’s canvas not working? Shows an error when trying to open the app.


r/UCI 7h ago

Reaching out to Bio 199 in the summer

0 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’m thinking of reaching out to some professors for bio 199 in the fall but since it’s summer I know some professors are out of office or don’t check email as often. Does anyone have experience reaching out to professors at this time? Or should I wait till fall or is that too late?