New & Prospective Students

The Housing Experience

At UC Santa Cruz, all students are housed in small-scale residential communities, which provide close-knit living environments within the larger university. Live-in student and professional staff members provide orientation, support services, safety and crisis response, and a variety of social, educational, and cultural programs for residents.

First year students are generally assigned to live in their college’s residence halls. Residence halls have all-gender shared bathrooms and a combination of shared and private bedrooms. A variety of college apartment buildings are a living option for continuing students.

Common Housing Questions

When will I receive my housing assignment?

Your housing assignment will be sent to your UCSC e-mail account by mid-August (or mid-December for new winter students). The e-mail will include your hall name, room type, and roommate information (if roommates chose to disclose this info). Move-In information will also accompany your housing assignment.

What's included in the room?

Every room comes furnished with an extra-long twin bed (80"x36"), desk, chair, closet/dresser or wardrobe unit, and a bookcase or bookshelves. For more information on what's included, be sure to check out What to Bring and What Not to Bring to College.

Are there options for purchasing extra-long twin-sized bedding and other supplies for on-campus living?

This year, we've partnered with Dormify, the one-stop shop for college, to help you easily find everything you'll need for your room. From bedding + dorm bundles to storage essentials + trending decor, we've curated all of the school-approved items you'll need to make your transition to college easy. Start shopping + get ready for move-in day here: merrillucsc.dormify.com/move-in

How long is the housing contract?

The housing contract is valid for the entire academic year, however all residential buildings are closed for the winter break period. While belonging may remain, students will need to stay elsewhere during the Winter Break (refer to this housing calendar).

How do I get my mail, and what will my address be?

You will be able to receive mail and packages at your college's mailroom. You will receive your mailbox number after you arrive on campus to move into your room. Due to limited space, it is not possible to have mail sent to the University prior to your arrival. Packages and mail sent to the University prior to new student move-in will be returned to sender, so be sure to have it arrive after you do.

Can I make changes to my application after submitting it?

Students wishing to update their housing application/edit their preferences after submitting their application may make edits via the housing portal. You may contact the Housing Coordinator at crownmerrillhousing@ucsc.edu if you have questions.

For more Frequently Asked Questions related to housing, be sure to check out UCSC's Housing FAQ.

Important Reminders

Items to keep in mind:

• All future emails will be sent to your UCSC email address. If you need help logging into your new email, see How to Access UCSC Google Email.

• If you have any disabilities or need for special accommodation, please visit the Disability Resource Center website at drc.ucsc.edu and file a Housing Accommodation Form.