<p>I'm a 17 year old transfer, got accepted to UCLA and am most likely going to attend. I live in Camarillo so I'll be living on campus for at least the first year. I've done a ton of searching to learn more about the housing options, but I can't really get a good grasp of what's available and what would work for me.</p>
<p>Suites aren't an option for me, so it'll either be res halls or plazas. From what I've read, plazas are understandably less social than halls, but is the social scene dead? I want to live in a social atmosphere but I like to have some sense of order and don't want to get overwhelmed with <em>too</em> much going on.</p>
<p>So, I suppose my questions are:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Are transfers typically paired with other transfers? Do you think being 17 will make a big difference? I'll turn 18 in January so that "invisible barrier" won't be there for long.</p></li>
<li><p>Would you say that plazas are still social? Are they worth the money?</p></li>
<li><p>Which halls/plazas are the "best" in terms of nicer rooms/facilities/distance from main campus?</p></li>
<li><p>What was your experience like living on-campus, did you enjoy dorm life, would you have done anything differently, any tips you have?</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>Jailbait. (Joking, just don’t tell anyone…)
2,3,4. Apply for dorms, I’ve had one year of dorm experience and a summer of university apartment and the dorm was way more social. After you’re done with first year, get out of the dorms.</li>
</ol>
<p>Well if you are a transfer you’re going to be put with older people, so it’s gonna take some getting used to because obviously you wont be hanging out with your roomate outside of the room, especially if he/she has all older friends who like to go drinking etc…I’m not even sure you can request to stay in the freshman dorms. Either way there’s still off campus housing if you want it. Find someone your age to move in with.</p>
<p>Honestly, I’d tell you to look for a Co-op instead. It’ll be cheaper and those that are around the campus are really nice. You get to meet a bunch of different people from all walks of life/at different stages in their life. As a younger person, one of the older tenants will probably take you under their mentorship/protection.</p>
<p>If you are worried about the social scene, don’t. The best social life isn’t limited to the dorms/school. You’ll have easy access to Santa Monica, Century City, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, etc. And chances are, your new bestfriend will be a classmate or fellow club member rather than your roommate or neighbor.</p>
<p>rpicton: Whoa, awesome! Congrats man. But commuting? Bleckh, not in the books for me. I can’t stand spending so much time in the car, let alone over 2 hours of driving every day to get there and back.</p>
<p>guitarfrk: Girl, I think it’d be best if I was put with other freshmen. Maybe I need to talk to someone in housing and see if I can’t get “special treatment”.</p>
<p>That’s exactly what I don’t want though, being crammed with all the (older) transfers in a “socially dead” building.</p>
<p>^haha my bad. You write like a guy. ahah jkjk</p>
<p>I think that a lot of it depends on the kind of person you are. If youre very social, you are bound to make a ton of friends so matter where you live. You’ll always have frats, clubs, school events, dorm events, friends of friends and classes to meet people. I havent applied for housing yet, but if there is any place to write comments, then make sure to tell them your age and that you would be more comfortable with freshman. If that doesnt work out, us 19 year olds aint that bad :]</p>
<p>Yeah, that’s true. Beyond being in a place that’s not “socially dead”, my next concern is buildings - there’s so many of them! I’ve heard that for halls, Sproul is best, and then De Neve is a good plaza? :X</p>
<p>Co-Op is where you pay cheaper rent but you take on some maintence duties in the complex where you live (cooking, planning events, etc). It’s a rather good deal with more freedom.</p>
<p>Heads up though, all the dorms are a good walking distance AWAY from where your classes will be held. You will need flip flops/sandals/ and sneakers.</p>
<p>If you want a list of things to do once you get to LA, let me know. I can go on and on =)</p>
<p>Co-Op seems neat, I’ll definitely look into it. Not sure about cooking though, I might end up poisoning everyone!</p>
<p>I read you on walking - I got to take a look around campus this weekend and dang, it’s a sizable hike away. I’ll probably bring a bike, but then there’s getting it back up the hill… oh well, good exercise!</p>
<p>Thanks for the link Eshug1, I didn’t see that one. Good info.</p>
<p>The bike will be super useful for getting around LA but bikes aren’t allowed in all areas of the campus. I’d just cut down my gym hours and walk =)</p>
I think it’d be best if I was put with other freshmen. Maybe I need to talk to someone in housing and see if I can’t get “special treatment”.</p>