<p>Here is my opinion about Dykstra based on what i've read on the internet, pictures i've seen, and what i've heard from people who go to UCLA.</p>
<p>Dykstra is known as the most popular res hall on campus. One primary aspect to this is the fact that there are dorms on both sides of the hallway. In other res halls like Rieber and Hedrick, your dorm door will face an empty wall. Yes Dykstra is the oldest (est. 1959) but i'm sure that the construction of other res halls didn't follow too long after its opening. So basically, no matter which res hall you go to, it's going to be old. </p>
<p>As far as plazas go, yes by word of mouth i've heard they're not as social as the res halls mostly because you have your own bathroom so it's not really needed for you to go out of your dorm unless you have the effort to meet people. And plaza rooms are bigger than res hall rooms but the res hall rooms are the same size in every res hall. Bathroom wise...i stayed at Rieber over the summer for six weeks and the bathrooms aren't gross. They clean it every week so it's not like porta-potti status. It looks relatively clean. There's just things about living in a communable bathroom you have to get used to. I admit, there might be a puddle left by someone who just took a shower in one of the shower stations which is disgusting but i always wear flip flops anyway when i go to shower. (this is crucial! you must always wear flip flops when you take a shower to avoid athlete's foot or something) And as far as studying goes, there are tons of places on campus and in the residential area of campus to study. </p>
<p>People keep talking about the dorms as if they're a mile away from campus. This is the truth: the residential halls, plazas, suites, etc.... the whole residential area is right across the street from campus. If you look at the map, it's not that far from the rest of campus. Actually, the residential area should be included at the thought of the word "campus." And since all the residential buildings are in the same place, it's going to take everyone about the same amount of time to get to class, though maybe those in Hedrick might have to leave a few minutes earlier. So be thankful that Dykstra isn't as far as Hedrick. But honestly, it's not even a big deal. It's liveable. If people couldn't survive in res halls, then no one would live there at all. </p>
<p>As far as air conditioning goes, the res halls have an advantage because they're high rises so if you open up the window, a lot of air will come in. If that's not good enough, bring a fan. </p>
<p>I want to move out of Dykstra as well, but mostly because my friend and i agreed to room together so i'm going to try to room with him in Rieber. But if i don't get there, then i'm more than happy to stay in Dykstra. With the whole ghost thing too, i think that's just an urban legend. It's probably nothing because people still live in the hall right? I've seen pictures of Dykstra hall from face book groups and it does look REALLY social. It seems to me many dykstra residents have pride in their hall and it actually looks like everyone in the hall bonds together.</p>
<p>In my opinion, i think freshmen SHOULD try res halls. You only get the chance to live in dorms for a few years of your life; take advantage of it! Res halls are social and you get to meet and bond with so many people. It really can open your outlook on life, which is probably why living in a dorm is often required in many colleges. Plazas are nice, i admit. But i'm saving those for sophomore year when i actually CAN say that i survived living in res halls. Good luck with your decision!</p>
I also believe they don’t have A/C in Dykstra but don’t quote me on that.</p>