Apartment vs. Dorm UCSC

<p>So, I was accepted at UCSC.
I'm stuck deciding whether to room in the dorms, or live in an apartment. Being a transfer, I don't know anyone- so dorms seem like a solid choice. Although, I turn 21 this year and don't want to be stuck on campus.
Anyone have opinions?</p>

<p>My D was a transfer and enjoyed being on campus for her 1st semester there (she started in January). In general, transfers are NOT guaranteed housing, so I’d strongly suggest you get your request in ASAP.</p>

<p>My D loved living in Webb. It is a suite, where she shared a bedroom and had two other girls sharing the other bedroom. They had a joint living room, kitchen and bath. It was very conveniently located and it’s for non-freshmen. It’s a VERY popular choice. She did NOT buy a meal plan.</p>

<p>This year, I know several kids living in Cardinal Gardens & Sothers living in other housing across the street from USC. I know others who lived in Troy East apartments; all like their respective apartments. </p>

<p>There are not many dorm options for transfers at all. Some transfers do manage to live in dorms. Webb is one of the few places I’m aware of on campus that they SOMETIMES get housing. The housing office should be able to tell you the other options.</p>

<p>One option you might wish to consider is the new Gateway apartment building. I believe they still have space. It’s very near campus and will be brand new in the fall. It’s more expensive than the housing either of my kids are currently living in, but new is always nice. I know several kids (rising juniors and seniors) who are exciting they will be living there in the fall.</p>

<p>UCSC, not USC.</p>

<p>To answer your question, i would try to live in the on-campus apartments if possible. Off campus sucks. I know of a few transfers in the Crown apartments and they are having a blast. The dorms are not very popular with upperclassmen because you are always on close watch.</p>

<p>yeah go with the on campus apartments. plus there are shuttles that go straight down the hill to downtown so you can go party at the bars and come back (without a DD!) </p>

<p>im transferring to UCSD, and even tho its expensive im going to live on campus the first year</p>

<p>I’d go with the on campus apartments. People there are older, you’ll get to know your apartment mates REALLY well, and less regulation by CSOs (from my experience). The dorms are really hit or miss. A lot of freshman tend to stick with themselves, so you might just be the “old guy.” However, if you are really outgoing, then you might be the popular guy with access to alcohol.</p>

<p>I really like off campus though. Even though it kind of sucks to get to campus for classes, I’ve had such a great time so far (I switched from on-campus apartment to off campus house fall qtr).</p>

<p>I currently go to a UC and spent my first year in the dorms and my second year in the apartments. I met a ridiculous amount of people in the dorms, and like…no one so far this year living in the apartment. If it weren’t for the friends group I made my first year, I would be very lonely, haha. Granted, I was a freshman but still…go for dorms if you can. Aim for dorms that are targeted at older students/transfers if possible.</p>

<p>Or maybe on-campus apartments would be social? I’m not really sure (I got an off-campus apartment). Wherever you go, make sure it’s “social”.</p>

<p>Imagine if everyone else went into a situation making sure it was a social one, let alone a whole group of barley legals. To me, living with a bunch of eager to socialize freshmen sounds like a genuine nightmare. It would be god punishing me for all my sins.</p>