Overview of the University of California System
The University of California (UC) is a public land-grant system with 10 undergraduate and professional campuses spread across California, plus health and national labs. There is no single "UC" address; each campus has its own location, governance, and service area, though the system is overseen by the Office of the President in Oakland. This guide clarifies how to identify the right UC location for students, patients, research partners, and visitors.
UC Campuses and Their Locations
Each UC campus is a distinct institution within the system. Below is a concise list of primary undergraduate campuses with their city and county. For health and professional schools, some locations operate separately from the main campus.
Key Undergraduate Campuses by City and County
| Campus | City | County | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley | Berkeley | Alameda | Located in the San Francisco Bay Area |
| Davis | Davis | Yolo | In the Sacramento Valley |
| Irvine | Irvine | Orange | In Orange County |
| Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | In the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles |
| Merced | Merced | Merced | Located in the San Joaquin Valley |
| Riverside | Riverside | Riverside | Inland Empire region |
| Sacramento | Sacramento | Sacramento | State capital region |
| San Diego | La Jolla / San Diego | San Diego | Multiple health and research sites |
| Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | Coastal location |
| Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | Located in the coastal hills |
UC System Office Location
The UC Office of the President (UCOP) provides systemwide guidance and is the primary administrative hub. For general inquiries, travel, or official correspondence, this is the central address to use.
- University of California Office of the President
- Address: 111 Franklin Street, 15th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
- Phone: 510-987-0000
- Website: ucp.edu
Note that UCOP does not serve students directly; prospective and current students should contact the specific campus they are interested in.
How to Find the Right UC Location
Because each campus is independent, confirming the correct location matters for applications, travel, appointments, and services. Follow these steps to identify the appropriate site.
- Determine whether you mean a campus, a hospital, a lab, or the system office.
- For students, identify the undergraduate or graduate campus and check its admissions and aid pages.
- For patients, confirm the specific hospital or clinic; UC health locations often differ from the main campus.
- For research or departmental visits, use the campus or facility address provided by the relevant school or unit.
Distinguishing UC From CSU and Other Systems
California has multiple public higher education systems. The University of California (UC) is distinct from the California State University (CSU) system and the California Community Colleges system. UC campuses tend to have lower enrollment and greater emphasis on research and graduate education, while CSU campuses focus more broadly-accessible undergraduate and master’s programs. Knowing which system a campus belongs to helps clarify geography, admission requirements, and academic offerings.
UC Health, Labs, and Regional Centers
Several UC locations operate outside traditional campuses, including hospitals, medical centers, and research facilities. Examples include UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, UC San Diego Health, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory managed by the UC-managed consistent University of California for managing national laboratories under federal contract. When searching for a clinic, hospital, or research partnership, verify the specific address because it may differ from the main campus mailing address.
Digital and Contact Resources
To confirm locations, contact information, and hours, use official channels. The UC website provides directories for each campus, and maps are widely available for navigation. For systemwide questions, the UCOP contact page directs inquiries to the appropriate campus or unit. Always cross-check addresses when traveling to health facilities or research sites.
By understanding that UC refers to a multi-campus system and by checking the specific campus or facility, you can pinpoint any UC location accurately for admissions, appointments, research collaboration, or visits.