At the University of California, Los Angeles, most of the freshmen and sophomores live in dormitories usually referred to as “The Hill.” Unlike many other universities that give one type of accommodation, UCLA provides various “levels,” and each one has distinct advantages and rates. Even in these tiers, each facility is different and offers its own features.
UCLA housing is sometimes tricky to grasp. If you stay in a dorm for your first year in the university, check each place and talk to some students. Explore which kind of UCLA housing is ideal for you and your lifestyle.
1. Classics
Classic dorms are of the lowest level in UCLA housing. One advantage is that it’s the cheapest space UCLA has to give, mainly if you live in a triple. Classics are small and have no air conditioning or private toilets. They are also the most social dorms and seen as a wonderful opportunity to meet some college friends.
2. Deluxes
The Deluxe Residence Halls are one notch higher than the classics. They’re a little costlier, but you’ll get the advantages of getting AC and much bigger spaces. Deluxes are the most popular housing category at UCLA and are rarely given to first-year students. They are social but still provide a pleasant learning atmosphere.
3. Plaza – Shared bath
Plazas are the least costly accommodation category that cannot be considered a real “residence hall.” In these facilities, two rooms share one shower, one toilet, and two sinks. As there are usually three students in each dormitory room, the restroom may get crowded. These spaces are big, have air conditioning, and less social than the other residence halls.
4. Plaza- Private bath
Even though the personal bathroom looks excellent, the plazas have their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros: These rooms are air-conditioned and are usually near the university and are excellent for learning.
Cons: These dorm rooms aren’t very outgoing. They are smaller than rooms with shared toilet facilities, and you can’t use the restroom if your roommate is using the shower.
People usually pick Plazas because of the privacy it offers. It’s great when you have a close friend circle, but not if you want to meet people in your residence.
5. Suites
Suites are UCLA’s most expensive accommodation choice. Although they don’t have AC, they have a private living room. A toilet is split between two bedrooms, so there are usually about six people in each suite. They are renowned for offering excellent privacy so you might not meet other students in your hall.
Triples, Doubles, and Singles- what’s the deal?
Triples place three persons per room, doubles house two, and singles have one person in a room. In the past few years, UCLA has had a comprehensive system of accommodating all freshmen in triples. Hence, concentrate on evaluating your room style choice rather than prioritizing all the single rooms.
Special Needs: Appealing Through DSHAB
DSHAB is a disabilities housing appeal for students who have special needs. When you have a medical condition that demands you to stay in an air-conditioned space, check the box on your application for housing that states you plan to send a request. Next, fill out the DSHAB packet, add a personal letter then have your physician fill out his section of the packet. The Housing Appeals Board is very receptive, although they are rightfully strict about providing housing only for those who need it.
All the accommodation choices of UCLA present their positives and negatives. If you want to go to UCLA, research and decide which option is suitable for you. Consider many aspects such as cost, distance from the hill, accessibility of air conditioning, and environment. Your dormitory experience is what you make of it. Make friends with other people in your residence, reach out, and have the experience of a lifetime at one of the best universities in the country.
