UCI dermatology residents are fortunate to enjoy numerous recreational and adventure activities unique to Southern California. With nearly perfect weather year round, there is never a shortage of outdoor activities to take part in. From some of the most beautiful California coastal beaches, to skiing the slopes of Big Bear Mountain, to iconic amusement parks such as Disneyland, Orange County is full of family-friendly destinations and activities. Residents often spend their weekends hiking, biking, camping and surfing, all while observing safe sun protective measures of course.

Many residents enjoy the use of the UCI athletic facilities, sporting events and beautiful outdoor campus for studying or visiting with friends. Our UCI dermatology residents are a close group and often enjoy getting together after work at local restaurants. We also host regular wellness events to promote team bonding through activities such as bowling, sporting events and dinner parties. 

With Los Angeles and San Diego only an hour away in each direction, UCI residents frequently spend weekends exploring all that these amazing cities have to offer. From the world famous San Diego Zoo, to the unmatched foodie scene of Los Angeles, there are endless opportunities for everyone.

Live, Work, Play: Thriving in Orange County

UCI is located in idyllic Orange County approximately one hour north of San Diego and one hour south of Los Angeles, providing a lovely setting for academic training with a variety of experiences available to residents and their families.

The primary UCI clinical sites are Gottschalk Medical Plaza on the UCI undergraduate campus in Irvine, UCI Medical Center in Orange, and VA Long Beach, offering a variety of locations for residents to live and explore. 

Residents find that having a car is essential. Parking passes are available for purchase at the Gottschalk Medical Plaza and UCI Medical Center, but parking at VA Long Beach is free. Virtually all of the major interstates in Orange County provide carpool/clean emission vehicle lanes to skip the traffic, and many residents capitalize on this perk while spending time together on the road.

UCI student photo shoot at Huntington Beach

Housing

Based on the variety of clinical sites and personal preference, our residents live anywhere from Los Angeles to South Orange County, with the majority living in Irvine, Newport Beach and Long Beach. UCI residents enjoy a generous housing stipend regardless of distance from clinical training sites.

High-rise buildings in Irvine, CA

Things to Do

Families Thrive in Orange County

The area boasts some of the state's highest neighborhood safety ratings and school test scores. Orange County's dynamic job market also offers many opportunities for spouses and partners. 

Disneyland Resort

Choosing a residency program is a big decision, and where you live plays a big part. Luckily, UCI residents enjoy the best of both worlds: a supportive environment and a vibrant community like Orange County. Here are a few resources to help you explore:

Wellness Resource Guide

The School of Medicine prioritizes the wellbeing of its residents. Psychological, emotional and physical wellbeing are all critical components of a competent, caring and resilient healthcare provider. We offer a variety of tools and resources to help care for our community and promote a supportive culture.   

Explore our wellness resource guide
a photo of a black book that says Wellness Resource Guide on the cover. There is also eye glasses and a cup of coffee on a wooden table.