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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How am I assigned to a UCSC college?
When you accept your offer of admission you will be asked to indicate five UCSC college preferences. You may also choose to indicate “no preference,” as many students do, meaning you will be fine with any of our 10 colleges.
Once you have completed the acceptance process, and after the acceptance deadline, the Office of Admissions affiliates you with a college. Learn more
How do I request university housing?
Students accepting the offer of admission must complete the online acceptance process at my.ucsc.edu. During the acceptance process you will be asked to indicate a preference for either university housing or making your own housing arrangements to live in the off-campus community. After the acceptance deadline, the Campus Housing Office will send you instructions for completing the online housing application/contract process if you indicated a preference for university housing. Learn more
What housing options are available to me?
The housing options available to you will differ, depending on which college you are affiliated with and whether you are a new or continuing student.
- Incoming freshmen are generally assigned to live in the residence halls at their college.
- Incoming transfer students (regardless of college affiliation) are eligible to live at the Transfer Community, the University Town Center, or Redwood Grove Apartments (for Redwood Grove students must be age 23 and older).
- Visiting students can apply to live at their affiliated college.
- Continuing students are eligible to live at The Village, University Town Center, and at any college.
Learn more about available theme/housing options.
Can I see virtual tours of rooms?
Yes, there are virtual tours of many university housing options.
Can I see sample floor plans?
Floor plans are available in each college’s Student Life and Housing Guide. Learn more
When will I hear about my room assignment?
If you are assigned to a space in housing, your assignment will be sent to your UCSC email account by late-August (or mid-December for new winter students).
Living in Campus Housing
What are the move-in dates?
Your move-in date will depend on where you are living, and whether you are a new or continuing student. Move-in dates are available on our website, and move-in information will be included with the housing assignment information sent to you in August (or mid-December for new winter students). Learn more
Will I have to move out between quarters?
Winter Break: The period between fall and winter quarters—winter break—is not covered by the academic year housing contract. The residential facilities and UCSC Dining locations are closed during this time and students are not permitted to stay in residence; however, students do not have to move out their belongings. Learn more
Spring Break: The period of residence between winter and spring quarters is covered by the academic year housing contract and students may stay in residence. Please note that dining service in the dining halls is not available during this time.
What’s included in my room?
Every residence hall and apartment room comes furnished with a set of furniture for each student that includes an extra-long twin bed (39"x80"), desk, chair, closet or wardrobe, and a bookcase or bookshelves.
Can I decorate my room?
If you wish to hang items on the wall to decorate your room, you can do so. Please use push pins or damage-free picture hangers. Using nails or screws is not permitted. Items may not be affixed to the ceiling. Students will be billed for any accidental or intentional damage done to university property.
We’ve compiled a list of items that you will need and might want to bring with you to make your life in university housing more comfortable. Bring only what can fit in your room—the residential communities have no storage space for your personal belongings. When it comes to electrical appliances, please consider energy efficient products. Learn more
How do I secure my "stuff" in my room?
When it comes to you securing your personal property, the phrase 'better safe than sorry' is always applicable. Consider leaving valuables (like expensive jewelry, etc.) at home. But for those things that you do bring to college, here are some security suggestions:
- Always lock your residence hall and or apartment door.
- Get a lock for your computer and/or laptop – you can lock it to the leg of your desk or bed post.
- Use a strong, sturdy lock for your bicycle. And secure it to a bike rack.
- Consider a personal safe for your small valuables.
- Look into renters insurance.
Should I get Renter's Insurance?
Yes, the University of California strongly recommends students obtain renters insurance. (read more)
Can I cook in my room?
For fire safety reasons, cooking equipment or other devices with exposed heating elements or excessive radiant heat (including, but not limited to: air fryer, coffee pot, induction oven, instant pot, hot plate, rice cooker, toaster, toaster oven, wax melters, etc.) are not allowed in residence rooms or other areas not intended for cooking. Microwaves are permitted in the residence hall bedrooms.
Are all the residential facilities smoke-free?
Yes, smoking is prohibited at UC Santa Cruz, including all university housing facilities and residences. In accordance with University policy, smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, the use of e-cigarettes, and the use of unregulated nicotine products is prohibited in all UC Santa Cruz facilities, on all University grounds, and on all University-owned and leased properties regardless of location. This policy applies to all indoor and outdoor areas, and is also applicable to all vehicles when on University property and to University controlled vehicles wherever in use. more»
Can I burn candles (incense or sage) in my room?
No smoking materials, including the items listed above, can be burned in any residential room or apartment. Because of the high risk of fire, halogen lamps and lava lamps are also prohibited.
Are pets allowed?
No pets (except fish in a 10-gallon tank or smaller aquarium) are allowed in the residential facilities.
Can I bring my guitar (drums, etc.) to campus?
Musical instruments are allowed in the residential facilities; however, amplification and drum sets are not permitted in the residential facilities. Instrument use must conform to established noise policies.
How do I get my mail and what will my address be?
You will be able to receive mail and packages either at your residential facility or at your college. You will receive your mailbox number when you arrive on campus to move into your room. It is not possible to assign a mailbox prior to arrival and the residential facilities do not have space to store items, so plan to have any packages arrive after you do. more»
Can I have overnight guests?
The housing contract allows a student to have a visitor stay in their room, with restrictions. Please talk to your roommate(s) about guests. Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests at all times. See the Terms and Conditions of residence for specific policy details.
Should I bring my bike?
If you like to ride, and don’t mind riding hills, then bikes can make getting around campus fun. Be sure to bring a high quality bike lock to secure it at the bike racks located on campus. UCSC Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has more information on bike safety programs and how to license your bike.
Can I bring my skateboard and in-line skates?
The use of skateboards, rollerskates, or in-line skates anywhere on campus is prohibited. This policy is enforced by the UC Santa Cruz Police Department and citations are issued.
Meal Plans
What meal plan options are available?
Slug Points Meal Plans are declining balance plans accepted at all campus dining halls and UCSC Dining-operated cafés, coffee bars, and markets. All students living in Residence Halls are required to have a meal plan and can choose the Slug Points plan that suits their preferences. Students sign up for their meal plan when they apply for housing. Learn more about residence hall meal plans.
Meal plans are not required for students living in campus apartments or ARCH communities; however, these students can purchase voluntary Banana Bucks and Flexi Dollars through the GET app or website. Learn more about voluntary meal plans
Services and Resources for Residents
Do the rooms have internet access?
Campus residence halls and apartments have internet access. Most locations have wireless access and other locations may have wired service. Locations with wired service require a personally-owned wireless router to get online. For information about computer standards, specifications, or other questions, visit the Residential Networking (ResNet) website at its.ucsc.edu/resnet.
Note: Apartments at Family Student Housing have University-provided cable modem service. The modems are provided via the Family Student Housing central office at no extra charge, one per household.
Do the rooms have phone service?
Phone service is not a standard feature in student rooms. Most students rely on their cell phone as their primary phone while in residence. Additionally, hall phones are located in common areas of each residential community and are available for any residential student to use to make or receive calls at no cost. A calling card is needed to make long distance/toll calls. For students who need special accommodations, a limited number of rooms (in fixed locations) are equipped with a landline (phone not included) and assigned annually according to applicant need and availability. These rooms must be specifically requested through the residential community housing office where you will be living.
Will my cell phone work on campus?
UCSC's wooded and hilly terrain makes cell phone reception a challenge; however, IT Telecommunication Services continues to work with a variety of wireless telephone providers to bring the campus the best connection in wireless technology. Micro cellular antennas (PDF) are installed at numerous locations on campus, providing coverage for major wireless providers. If your cell phone will be your primary phone contact, don’t forget to update your contact information in the Student Portal.
Who do I contact if I have a maintenance issue?
Maintenance staff are available for repairs in student rooms and throughout the residential buildings. If you have a maintenance issue in your room or apartment, submit a “CruzFix” request.
For maintenance emergencies that cannot wait until the next business day (ie: active flooding, water intrusion, entry doors not securing or opening, etc), please call:
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.: 831-459-7043
- After-hours/Weekends/Holidays: 831-459-4861
If you are having difficulties submitting a CruzFix request please email CruzFixHelp@ucsc.edu.
Are laundry facilities available?
Yes, all residential facilities are equipped with debit/credit card-operated washers and dryers.
Patrons can check the status of all equipment in the laundry room from their smartphones, identifying if a machine is available or how much time is remaining. Additionally, the equipment can send the user a notice when their laundry is done in the washer and/or dryer.
Are there ATMs on campus?
Bank of America, Bay Federal Credit Union, and Wells Fargo have on-campus automatic teller machines (ATMs) at Quarry Plaza. Some cafes on campus also have independent ATMs.
What about campus safety and security?
While the university community and the town of Santa Cruz are considered friendly and relatively safe communities, neither is immune to the realities of the world.
Campus Police and Fire Departments, Residential Community Service Partners (RCSPs), and Residential Life & Housing staff are available 24/7 to campus residents.
You should take precautions to safeguard your personal security and be aware of vulnerable situations. Keep your roommate and neighbors informed of your whereabouts and when you will be returning home. When possible, travel with a friend and check campus maps for the lighted paths. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your college staff or the police. Your careful attention to security is in everyone’s best interest.
How do I get around on campus?
UCSC is pedestrian-friendly and many students go to class, to eat, etc. on pedestrian paths. In addition, we have an extensive shuttle bus system, including a shared-ride service that provides on–campus wheelchair lift–equipped transportation for those unable to use the regular shuttle system. The university Transportation and Parking Services (known on campus as "TAPS") is responsible for parking and alternative forms of transportation. Visit the TAPS website for more information.
Can I purchase a campus parking permit?
Visit the Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) website for parking permit regulations and restrictions.
TAPS is also an excellent resource for information about Campus Shuttles, student ID cards for Metro bus use, carpools, vanpools, car sharing (Zipcar), ridesharing, bicycling, and other transportation information.
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Last modified: May 8, 2024 18.116.14.149