Guide to UC Irvine's Dorms

Living in Vista Del Campo Norte (ACC) at UC Irvine

University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a public research university located in Irvine, California, United States.

UCI offers integrated living and learning environments through its on-campus housing options. These options include traditional residence halls, undergraduate theme houses, and graduate apartments, along with support from professional and student staff available 24/7. Additionally, American Campus Communities provides furnished apartments for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Mesa Court offers a variety of housing options, from the newer three-story buildings like Aldea to the original classics and towers. The community fosters a tight-knit, communal atmosphere with social activities and shared spaces like courtyards, volleyball nets, fitness rooms, and recreational areas. While some residents praised the cleanliness of the bathrooms and common areas, others expressed concerns about occasional maintenance issues like broken elevators. Many students enjoyed the spaciousness of quad rooms in towers like Playa, despite the lack of air conditioning. Proximity to campus, laundry facilities, and well-maintained kitchens were highlighted as positives, along with the social opportunities within the dorm. However, some residents felt that the noise levels, bathroom cleanliness, and distance from certain campus locations were downsides to consider. Overall, Mesa Court provides a vibrant living experience with a mix of amenities and challenges that contribute to a memorable first-year housing experience.

Middle Earth dorms offer a range of living experiences from the newer Towers to the older Classics. The Towers are praised for their cleanliness, spaciousness, and modern amenities like a laundry room, study areas, and community spaces. The shared bathrooms are cleaned daily, and the proximity to campus makes getting to classes a breeze. On the other hand, the Classics are noted for being older with smaller rooms, limited outlets, and issues like noise from outside. Despite some drawbacks, students in Middle Earth appreciate the sense of community and convenience to campus facilities. Overall, Middle Earth provides a variety of living options with varying levels of comfort and convenience, making it a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded college dorm experience.

Arroyo Vista (AV) offers a dorm-style living experience primarily for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with some mixed reviews on comfort and convenience. The dorm boasts a favorable location, being close to the ARC center and bus stops that provide free transportation to campus. The lease is only nine months long, which some find convenient. However, the thin walls make privacy a concern, as noise easily travels between rooms and the RA's often do not enforce quiet hours. Communal living means sharing a kitchen and living room with about 18 people, and cleanliness can vary widely, leading to a messy kitchen environment with the risk of food theft. The absence of air conditioning can cause discomfort during warmer months, so bringing a fan is recommended. While community activities are organized, offering some engagement opportunities, residents often cite inadequate RA involvement and maintenance issues such as malfunctioning elevators and noisy neighbors. For those who appreciate communal living and are amenable to the cons, AV may meet their needs.

VDC Norte offers a mix of pros and cons, making it a decent, though not exceptional, choice for student housing. The dorm provides basic furniture, a kitchen with essential appliances, A/C, and reliable ethernet, although the Wi-Fi can be spotty. A notable advantage is the inclusion of a washer and dryer in the unit, with quick maintenance response times. However, the accommodation shows signs of wear, with carpets and stoves requiring updates. Students mention issues with dirt and dust, even upon arrival. A key drawback is the absence of an elevator, which complicates moving, particularly for those on higher floors. The dorm has excellent amenities such as a study room, game lounge, pool, and conference room, but their location may necessitate carrying laundry up and down stairs. The dorm is quiet, but thin walls may mean some noise disturbance. A 15-25 minute commute to campus and limited parking necessitate planning, especially for guests. Overall, while VDC Norte has some drawbacks, it offers a satisfactory living experience.

Plaza Verde is a college dorm that offers a mixed bag experience to its residents. While the spacious and clean private and shared apartments boast modern amenities like stainless steel kitchen appliances and a comfortable living room perfect for social gatherings, the building quality leaves much to be desired with thin walls allowing noise and odors to permeate easily. The apartment's location is convenient, with easy access to campus and nearby shopping, but parking is a major hassle; spots fill up quickly, especially in the evening, forcing residents to park further away at ECPS. Despite the well-equipped study spaces, gym, and game areas that encourage productivity and leisure, residents often feel isolated due to a lack of social interaction in the hallways. Management's inefficiency and inflexibility, coupled with an unreliable Roomsync app for selecting roommates, further exacerbate frustrations. Overall, Plaza Verde's luxury offers are overshadowed by the logistical and management issues that many residents encounter.

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Mesa Court

Middle Earth

Arroyo Vista

VDC Norte

Plaza Verde