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Housing Themes and Options

In addition to room options, there are also a variety of housing themes and options for those who are interested. Based on academic pursuits, hobbies, individual backgrounds, and lifestyle preferences, these living/learning options complement a student's experience in residence. Check out the options at each residential community:

Community
Cowell College Stevenson College Transfer Community
Crown College Merrill College The Village
Porter College Kresge College University Town Center
Oakes College College Eight  
College Nine College Ten  

 

 

Cowell College
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall and Apartments Coed Students of different genders live on the same floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy.  
Residence Hall and Apartments Continuing Student A supportive living environment (floor/apartment) for continuing students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors (not available to new freshmen)  
Residence Hall Diversity Awareness House This residence hall is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of various cultures and lifestyles in addition to fostering respect and consideration in the living situation. The intention in having students from different backgrounds and lifestyles is to encourage learning from each other in a culturally rich and diverse living environment.  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall GLBTIQ & Allies Located within the Diversity Awareness House this floor will promote a safe and comfortable living environment for both queer identified students and allies  
Residence Hall Outdoor Recreation Residents interested in outdoor activities and adventures  
Residence Hall and Apartments Single Gender Only residents of a single gender live on these floors or apartments. Persons of another gender are welcome as visitors; however, they can not spend the night or use the bathroom on these floors.  
Residence Hall Social Justice Students actively coolaborate on creating a Mission Statement, implementing cultural programs, and fostering a community of civic engagement. This is a welcoming community for all students passionate about raising awareness of social justice and working towards an active and just community (supplemental application required).  
Residence Hall Spirituality / Faith Residents interested in exploring spirituality in their lives  
Residence Hall Substance-Free Students who live on these floors do not want alcohol or other drugs in their living environment, including tobacco. In addition to fostering respect and consideration in the living situation, substance-free hall members agree not to allow any mood-altering substance, or anyone under the influence of a substance, into the hall. (This floor designation does not imply that illegal use of alcohol or drugs is allowed elsewhere. Students that live on these floors have made a lifestyle choice and wish to live with others who have made a similar choice.)  
Residence Hall Wellness / Health Residents interested in health, wellness and fitness  
   

 

Stevenson College

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall 21-and-Older Floor Students who are 21 or older at the time they move into their housing  
Residence Hall All-Female This is an option for female students who prefer to live on an all-female floor. Male students are welcome as visitors; however, they cannot spend the night or use the bathrooms on these floors.  
Residence Hall All-Female, Substance Free Female only residents who agree to live in an environment free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs  
Apartment Coed Apartment Females and males live in the same apartment and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy. (not available to freshmen)  
Residence Hall Coed Residence Hall Students of different genders live on the same floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy.  
Residence Hall Continuing Student Continuing students only  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall and Apartments Study Intensive Quiet living to enhance study  
Residence Hall Substance-Free This is a residential option for students who do not want alcohol, drugs or smoking of any kind in their living environment. Students sign a contract stating there will be: no burning of incense, no smoking of tobacco, no smoking of marijuana or any other illegal drugs, no drinking of alcoholic substances, no other use of any illegal drugs by any means. Do not bring any of these substances onto the floor. Presence on the floor while intoxicated is not allowed. You are responsible for your guests and their adherence to all the above provisions.  
Housing THEMES  
Residence Hall Diversity & Social Justice The Diversity and Social Justice House is dedicated to providing opportunities that promote mutual respect and acceptance of the diversity of our students. This house actively creates and promotes positive community that embraces different cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. We sponsor programs and activities that bridge the gap between similarities and differences amongst our students in the Stevenson community.  
Residence Hall Outdoor Adventures House The Outdoor Adventure House is designated for residents who are interested in actively appreciating and being engaged with the natural environment. This house focuses on and promotes a community that raises awareness and informs students about issues that impact our environment. We provide many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and interact with the natural surroundings around us.  
Residence Hall Rosa Parks African American Theme House (R.PAATH) R.PAATH is a student-initiated themed living option for all UCSC students whose interests span historical, present-day, and future experiences of predominately Black/African American peoples. R.PAATH is a community that is culturally sensitive and promotes cultural intelligence through organizing, living, studying, and socializing with staff passionate about political, cultural, popular, social, and economic issues of the African Diaspora.  
Residence Hall Slug Spirit Theme This housing option promotes a sense of school pride along with healthy living. Staff emphasize school spirit through their events, activities, and other community development efforts. A floor dedicated to “Sports & Fitness” actively promotes the school’s athletic and sport teams. The staff work with residents at promoting and maintaining good health (physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual health). They maintain working relationships and connections with the various offices and departments on campus that offer resources conducive to overall good health.  
Residence Hall Sustainability House This house is dedicated to providing a living community that focuses on best practices for interacting with nature and reducing human negative impacts on the natural environment. We promote the idea of living a “greener” lifestyle on campus and also promote sustainable civic responsibility by working together on campus-wide community gardens and site stewardship restoration projects. Staff work directly with residents in planning activities and events about these issues through organizations at Stevenson as well as other campus-wide groups.  
   

 

Crown College

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall All-Female This is an option for female students who prefer to live on an all-female floor. Male students are welcome as visitors; however, they cannot spend the night or use the bathrooms on these floors. (default is coed)  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral Gender neutral rooms are an option for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. Gender neutral rooms allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Housing THEMES  
Residence Hall Academic Focused Community Study intensive area (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall Arts and Humanities Students majoring in or with a general interest in the creative arts and humanities. Programs and activities provide opportunities to explore various aspects of creativity and philosophy and the connections between these and other areas.  
Residence Hall Continuing Student Community For Continuing Students only (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall Engineering Learning Community ACCESS students only (SOE)  
Residence Hall Gaming House Gaming/computer game design focus/interest for video game and virtual reality enthusiasts who are also dedicated students (supplemental application required).  
Residence Hall Outdoor Pursuits Community Students interested in outdoor activities from sports to community service (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall Science Learning Community Academic Excellence Program (ACE) students only  
Residence Hall Diversity and Social Justice Living/learning community dedicated to providing opportunities to students who want to explore and promote concepts of social justice, diversity, and multiculturalism  
   

Merrill College

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall All-Female This is an option for female students who prefer to live on an all-female floor. Male students are welcome as visitors; however, they cannot spend the night or use the bathrooms on these floors.  
Apartment Coed Apartment Students of different genders live on the sameapartment and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy. (not available to freshmen)  
Residence Hall Coed Residence Hall Students of different genders live on the same floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy.  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral Gender neutral rooms are an option for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. Gender neutral rooms allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall Quiet/Study Intensive  Students who prefer quiet atmosphere. 24/7 quiet hours.  
Apartment Single Gender Female only or male only apartment (not available to freshmen)  
Residence Hall Substance-Free (Coed) Although all university residences are smoke-free and incense-free environments, students wishing to live in an environment free of alcohol (regardless of age), fragrance, smoke, tobacco, and other substances are encouraged to consider this housing option. Residents in the substance-free area agree not to possess or use any substances.  
Housing THEMES  
Residence Hall Coed GLBTIQQ Supportive Safe and open living environment for students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, queer, questioning or allies  
Residence Hall Indigenous Peoples This themed living option is for American Indian students and their allies and has programs with the American Indian Resource Center, Native American faculty, and regional tribal leaders. Activities include a trip to the American Indian Film Festival, guest speakers, and the opportunity to dialogue about current global indigenous rights issues. This is a substance-free living space.  
   

 

Porter College

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall and Apartments Coed Students of different genders live on the same floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy  
Residence Hall Film and Digital Media The hall provides students with a personal interest in film and digital media an opportunity to live and collaborate with other students with the same interest, regardless of major.  
Residence Hall  GLBTIQQ and Allies Residents who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning or an Ally may chose to live on this hall. Some examples of past programs include: “Transgeneration” – a documentary series that followed the lives of transgendered college students; “Growing Up Male and Female” – a workshop facilitated by peer educators; Queer Fashion Show (QFS) – a historical Porter College program created by students which includes dance, skits, fashion, video and spoken word.  
Residence Hall Math, Engineering 
and Science		 Students interested in math, engineering or the sciences and who want an opportunity live with students with similar majors  
Residence Hall  Quiet Students who agree to maintain a quiet environment  
Residence Hall Substance Free While the use of illegal substances is never permitted in UC Santa Cruz’s residential facilities and alcohol use is permitted only by residents who are 21 and older (not in the company of minors), we do offer a substance-free hall that has additional expectations. Hall members agree to live in an environment free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Visitors agree to and respect the expectations of this hall. Residents of the Substance-Free hall are seriously committed to these expectations.  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall and Apartments Single Gender These halls are designed to accommodate those who prefer an all-female or all-male environment. Residents on these halls are guaranteed a single-gender bathroom. All-male halls will be available based upon interest or demand. Persons of the opposite gender are welcome as visitors, but must use a nearby coed bathroom.  
   

 

Kresge College

  
College OPTIONS  
Apartment Academic Intensive/Quiet Students agree to maintain a quiet household conducive to intensive study  
Apartment Coed Students of different genders live in the same apartment and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathrooms may be shared.  
Apartment Gender Neutral Room Option This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews.  
Apartment Single Gender These apartments are occupied by students of a single gender. Availability is based upon demand.  
Apartment Substance-Free Students living in substance-free housing agree not to consume alcohol, illicit drugs or any tobacco products, or bring any of these substances into the apartment. Additionally, all guests of residents living in these apartments must follow the same substance-free criteria.  
Housing THEME  
Apartments Writers House Writers' House is a residential option for students with an interest in journalism and/or creative writing, regardless of their prospective majors. Students will have the opportunity to select a visiting writer, meet with creative writing and journalism instructors and get involved in The Kresge Town Krier and Rapt, Kresge’s two student publications. Space is limited and a supplemental application is required.  
   

 

Oakes College

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Apartment 21-and-Older/Quiet Lifestyle Will you be 21 or older when you move in? This area will be for those looking for an intensive study environment and mature lifestyle.  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral Transgender, intersex & ally students live together regardless of biological sex (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall and Apartments Quiet Students agree to maintain a quiet floor conducive to intensive study  
Residence Hall and Apartments Single Gender These floors are designed to accommodate those who prefer an all-female or all-male environment. Residents on these floors are guaranteed a single-gender bathroom. All-male halls will be available based upon interest or demand. Persons of the opposite gender are welcome as visitors, but must use a nearby coed bathroom.  
Housing THEMES  
Apartment Casa Kahlo Honors the legacy of the artist and feminist Frida Kahlo  
Apartment Liliuokalani-Minami Block Dedicated to Queen Lili'uokalani and Dale Minami, integral figures in Asian American & Pacific Islander movements (continuing students only)  
Apartment Milk Block Celebrates the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay public official (continuing students only)  
Apartment Shabazz Block Highlights the struggle of civil rights activists El Hajj Malik and Betty Shabazz  
Residence Hall Bayit Wiesel Named for Nobel Peace Prize-winning author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel  
Residence Hall Biko House Memorializes the struggle of Stephen Biko in the South African anti-apartheid movement  
Residence Hall Casa Huerta Celebrates the work of activist Dolores Huerta's struggle for justice for farm workers  
Residence Hall Hong-Lim House Commemorates the work of prize-winning authors Maxine Hong Kingston and Genny Lim  
Residence Hall Science Community Located in Bantu Stephen Biko House (residence hall), the community provides students who are interested in science majors and careers an opportunity to live and learn together in a dynamic, intentional learning environment. Through a range of special programs, information, mentoring, collaborative study tables and an on-site graduate student “scientist in residence”, we hope to foster excellence in these demanding fields of study.  
   

 

College Eight

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall 21-and-Older/Quiet Lifestyle Will you be 21 or older when you move in? This area will be for those looking for an intensive study environment and mature lifestyle.  
Apartment Coed Apartment Students of different genders live in the same apartment and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy (not generally available to freshmen)  
Residence Hall Coed Residence Hall Students of different genders live on the same floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy  
Residence Hall Continuing & Upper Division Hall Provides a supportive living and learning environment for continuing students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall Living-Learning Communities In a living-learning community students live near others who share a common academic, social, or cultural interest. You share the same amenities as other residents yet benefit from a unique living experience. Living-learning communities help you create a strong link between life in the residence hall and your experiences in the classroom. You enjoy an intellectual environment and a social network that supports your academic success.    
Residence Hall Service Learning and Leadership The Service Learning & Leadership community provides residents with exciting opportunities to explore the value of civic engagement and to develop leadership potential while contributing to the world through service and volunteer activities. You will receive the guidance and encouragement to become a better leader while forging strong bonds with each other and the larger community.   
Apartment Single Gender Female only or male only apartment (not generally available to freshmen)  
Residence Hall Social Justice The Social Justice living-learning community is intended for students who are interested in issues related to diversity, social justice, equality and environmental justice.  
Residence Hall Women in Science, Engineering & Math (WISE) The WISE living-learning community fosters success for women in the sciences, engineering, and math. This is a great opportunity to be surrounded by students who share your interests, accomplishments and challenges! WISE offers mentoring and peer support, guest speakers, field trips, and services specifically for WISE students.  
Residence Hall Women's Hall The Women's Hall living-learning community provides a welcoming, comfortable and supportive women-only environment in which to explore issues of gender, health and activities related to women.  
   

 

College Nine

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall All-Female Female only floor. Men are welcome as visitors, but must use a bathroom on another floor.  
Apartment Coed Apartment Students of different genders live in the same floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy(not available to freshmen)  
Residence Hall Coed Residence Hall Students of different genders live on the same floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy.  
Residence Hall and Apartments Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews.  
Apartment Single Gender Female only or male only apartment (not available to freshmen)  
HOUSING THEME  
Residence Hall iFloor (Available to new freshmen) A residence hall floor of US and international students. This unique intercultural community offers the opportunity to make meaningful, lifelong friendships and connections that extend beyond borders.  
Residence Hall iFloor A residence hall floor of US and international students. This unique intercultural community offers the opportunity to make meaningful, lifelong friendships and connections that extend beyond borders.  
Apartment International Living Center Domestic and international students live together in a community (supplemental application required). International Living Brochure (PDF)  
Residence Hall Service Learning Think Global; Act Local: students have the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of important social justice issues occuring in Santa Cruz an in the world at large. Participating students are required to commit to two service projects per quarter via Praxis, College Nine's service organization, or via other college sponsored events. (supplemental applicaiton required).  
   

 

College Ten

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall All-Female Female only floor. Men are welcome as visitors, but must use a bathroom on another floor.  
Apartment Coed Apartment Students of different genders live in the same apartmentand share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy.(not available to freshmen)  
Residence Hall Coed Residence Hall Females and males live on the same floor  
All Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Apartment Single Gender Female only or male only apartment (not available to freshmen)  
Housing THEME  
Apartment International Living Center Domestic and international students live together in a community (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall Rumi's Field Named after a renowned peace seeking Sufi poet, Rumi’s Field offers a space for students who wish to learn about and practice the components of nonviolent communication: observation, feelings, needs, and requests. Students will take a required one-credit course each quarter, exploring the principles and skills of nonviolent communication. This mixed community of first-year students and continuing students will have the opportunity to interact and engage with the nonviolent communication mindset as a tool for personal and societal transformation.
  
   

 

The Village

 
Housing OPTION  
Gender Neutral Transgender, intersex & ally students live together regardless of biological sex (supplemental application required)  
Housing THEME  
PICA Program in Community and Agroecology - a cooperative living program focused on sustainability (ucscpica.org)  
   

 

University Town Center

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Prefer International Roommate I welcome the opportunity to room with an international student.  
   

 

Transfer Community

  
Housing OPTIONS  
Residence Hall Coed Study Intensive/Quiet Residents agree to maintain a quiet area conducive to intensive study  
Residence Hall Coed Students of different genders live on the same hall and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another.  
Residence Hall Single Gender These floors are designed to accommodate those who prefer an all-female or all-male environment. All-male halls will be available based upon interest or demand.  
Residence Hall Coed Substance-Free Students living in substance-free housing agree not to consume alcohol, illicit drugs or any tobacco products, or bring any of these substances into the apartment. Additionally, all guests of residents living in these apartments must follow the same substance-free criteria.  
Residence Hall Gender Neutral This option is ideal for students whose gender identification and/or gender expression varies from the standard paradigm, as well as any student sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. The gender neutral room option allows for same-gender or other-gender identities to live together regardless of biological sex. Students wishing to live in a gender neutral room who do not self-select a roommate on their housing application will be assigned a roommate based on answers provided on the Lifestyle Questionnaire and follow up interviews. (supplemental application required)  
Residence Hall Coed 21-and-Older Students who are 21 or older at the time they move into their housing  
Residence Hall Coed Math, Engineering, and Science Cohort For students majoring in math, engineering or science and who want an opportunity live with students in a similar major.