UCI vs. UCR
As a UCR alumni, off course my views will be a bit biased... I went to UCR for four years.
First and foremost, you should probably think hard about your major. If you're undecided then I can't help.
But if you're headed towards the field of science, then by all means go to UCI.
On the other hand, if you're headed towards a business major, then UCR is a better choice for you.
As for college life, I think UCR wins out because we were isolated out there. There are plenty of house parties during the weekend and there's good old El Castillo. And if we did want to go clubbing, Downtown L.A. is just a 45 minute drive away. UCR is less of a commuter school than UCI is. I have friends and family that went to UCI.
Parties are overrated anyways, trust me! During the 1st year, you'll feel like you need to hit up all the parties, 2nd year you still want to go, but not as much. By your 3rd, 4th, 5th years?! You'll be partied out. Missing them, not being a good active.
O ya, being in the safest city in the U.S., comes with a price of putting up with strict cops. I've lived in the Tustin/Irvine area since 1990.
To sum it up, go to school in Riverside, graduate get out and raise your family in Irvine.
As for some last word's of wisdom...
Go to the school where your future career will benefit from the most.
Don't be cheap, 1st year should always be at the dorms.
About fraternities, join a proactive one, something that's inline with your career path(business oriented). I made the wrong choice at Riverside, (almost cost someone their life and the lives of me and my bros). Don't join one that hazes. Hazing doesn't lead to stronger bonds or brotherhood. It's a snowball effect, wherein the next guy will get it harder than the one before.