Hey,
I got into UCI and will be attending Fall 2016. I am majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. I will be living on campus and, as many freshman are, I am curious about the freshman housing. To my understanding there is Mesa Court and Middle Earth. I am leaning toward Middle Earth solely because of location, but would like to compare both to help me and other incoming Anteaters decide what is our best fit. If you have lived in any, your opinion would be great. Also, If anyone has pictures of the rooms, please share!
Thanks!
I lived in MC last year and it was a great experience. I like how it is farther from campus, it feels like an oasis. A big thing to keep in mind is that MC will be finishing and opening their new towers this Fall, which will include a new dining commons and amenities for residents. I lived in a Phase 1 MC hall and liked how big the rooms were and the overall atmosphere of MC. I’ve visited some ME halls and they seem to be smaller and not as nice, it really depends on which phase you’re in.
I wouldn’t focus so much on location because your classes will most likely be all over the place freshman year rather than focused in one area of campus. Sometimes I had Math classes in Humanities and Humanities classes in the Engineering area of campus.
I’m currently living in ME and i absolutely love it. Yes, your dorms aren’t as nice here compared to MC, but there are just trade offs no matter where you decide to live. For me, the perks for ME won me over, along with the atmosphere here. I’ve never watched the LOTR movies, but I know that people who love them really like the themes here. I’m a bio major and I haven’t had classes in Humanities (closer to MC), but I’ve had many near ME in Engineering, Comp Sci, and Social Sciences, which are all within 5 minutes of ME. Your classes are going to be scattered around the campus core, but I feel like having classes near ME has really helped me especially when I wake up late. Next year’s MC housing will be different compared to this year, and the construction and Lot 5 Commons kept me from Mesa. Remember that if you do pick MC, you’re not guaranteed the new phase of dorms. In terms of space, I think MC has a bigger feeling room, but you can really customize your room in ME and make it your own. Honestly, if I were to have to make the same decision next year, I would probably still pick ME.
ALSO, keep in mind that ME has two dining commons (and food is VERY important to me). I love living within a 2 minute walk to Pippins! and Brandywine always has reallyyyyyy good specials and Late Night.
Hope this helps!
@brendans406 @panda97 thank you very much! I am still leaning toward ME.