Living in East Lothian Dorms at UCR

UCR Dundee Dorms: Insights from Student Resident

UCR Guide to Dorm Life at North District

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is a public research university in Riverside, California.

There are 4 dorms that are available to freshmen: Aberdeen-Inverness (AI), Dundee, Pentland Hills, and Lothian (East and West). Lothian and AI are your typical dorms, Pentland is a suite-style, and Dundee is similar to a hotel. Dundee and Lothian have their own dining halls which is a plus. Glen Mor and North District are popular on-campus apartment options for second-years and up. Falkirk, The Plaza, and Bannockburn are relatively inexpensive apartments but do not come with furniture. Stonehaven is a gated community.

Pentland Hills provides a more private and quiet dorm experience, ideal for students who prioritize privacy and a peaceful environment. The residence features suite-style rooms, commonly with private bathrooms that are shared between fewer people, enhancing cleanliness and convenience. Although the rooms, especially triples, can feel cramped, the availability of private bathrooms and a communal lounge with kitchen facilities including a fridge, microwave, and stove is a significant advantage. The social atmosphere can be limited due to the suite-style setup, which might deter those looking for a more traditional, interactive dorm experience. Despite this, many students appreciate the privacy, the cleaner bathrooms, and the quieter halls compared to more traditional dorm settings. However, the absence of an in-house dining hall and the slightly longer distance to campus facilities might be considered drawbacks for some. Overall, Pentland Hills is favored for its balance of privacy, essential amenities, and a supportive environment for both studies and relaxation.

East Lothian offers a blend of comfort and convenience with its spacious, well-maintained rooms, each equipped with controllable AC and ample storage. Though slightly far from campus, its proximity to dining options like the Lothian Dining Hall and Starbucks, enhances its appeal. The dorm features modern amenities including a laundry room on the second floor, elevators, and a lounge area. Bathrooms remain clean but can get busy, and are typical of a communal setup with stalls and curtains. Reviewers appreciate the social atmosphere and the overall living experience, especially noting the sizable triple rooms and effective air conditioning. Challenges include the occasional noise and maintenance issues, but overall, East Lothian is recognized for providing a solid, enjoyable dormitory experience.

Dundee residence hall, situated conveniently next to Glasgow dining hall and close to campus, offers a modern and aesthetically pleasing environment often compared to a hotel. It features amenities such as air conditioning, a fully equipped gym, study lounges, a large laundry facility, and terraces that sometimes serve as social hubs. However, the rooms are noted to be somewhat small, particularly for those in doubles or triples, and storage space is limited. Cleanliness varies with some students finding the bathrooms clean, while others experience maintenance issues like flooding. Social life in Dundee is somewhat muted, possibly due to restrictions on door propping and the building's layout, although some students successfully formed tight-knit groups. Despite these challenges, many students appreciate the hall's newness, the privacy in bathroom facilities, and the overall quality of living spaces, but there are occasional complaints about functionality and upkeep.

Aberdeen-Inverness (AI) is a dormitory known for its prime location, close to the campus gym, classes, and dining options including a convenience store. Emphasized in many reviews for its vibrant social scene, AI features co-ed hallways with amenities such as pool tables, piano rooms, and scheduled social events. While the building is the oldest on campus and exhibits some dated features such as old bathrooms and occasional maintenance issues (e.g., AC failures, water shut-offs), it compensates with a strong community feel and convenience. Rooms vary from doubles to triples, with larger-than-average heights but the space can feel cramped, particularly in triples. The proximity to essential campus facilities and the social opportunities available make AI a favored choice for students looking to immerse themselves in campus life, despite the building's older infrastructure.

West Lothian, a dorm at UCR, is known for its sociability and proximity to campus facilities like Starbucks, dining halls, and the Glen Mor Market. Despite its convenience, the building is older and has some downsides. Residents frequently mention issues with bathrooms being outdated and sometimes dirty if not properly maintained by occupants. The lack of control over air conditioning and heating is a common gripe. Rooms are described as decently spacious and the social environment is lively, making it easy to form friendships. However, the building’s age shows in details like musty bathrooms and occasional leaks during rain. Amenities like meditation rooms, a courtyard, and a nearby cafeteria enhance living experience. Be prepared for thin walls and a lack of modern features like key fobs and robust Wi-Fi in some areas.