Download Printable Housing Guide (PDF) - UC Santa Cruz ...

Freshman Guide 

Living at UCSC 

Welcome to UC Santa Cruz 

Congratulations on Being Affiliated with 

Merrill College, Cultural Identities and Global 

Consciousness 

To help prepare you to apply for housing and to live 

on campus, we offer this housing guide containing 

important information about your college, housing 

options, and answers to many commonly asked 

questions about campus housing. 

It is our goal to provide you with an academically and 

socially supportive environment that will help you build 

a strong connection with the campus and get the most 

out of your UCSC experience. We look forward to 

having you as part of our campus community! 

REFERENCE LINKS 

UCSC Housing web site housing.ucsc.edu 

View this Housing Guide online at housing.ucsc.edu/guide/merrill 

University of California, Santa Cruz – Housing Guide Page 1



Your College 

Merrill College is committed to connecting students to 

the academic resources and social activities of the larger 

university while having the support and security of our 

smaller scale community. Whether you are studying 

computer engineering, politics, or music, you will find 

your home at Merrill College. 

Merrill College is a stimulating and innovative college 

where our students, faculty, and staff represent numerous 

cultural groups and nationalities. Merrill’s goal is to 

stimulate respect for all world cultures as well as the 

individual heritage of each Merrill student. 

Merrill students develop a sense of community, social 

consciousness and social responsibility— both locally 

and globally. They come to appreciate how people 

from the most diverse cultural backgrounds can work 

together. The social atmosphere at Merrill College is 

friendly, focused, engaging and accepting. We take 

steps to assure the continuity of this vision. Merrill 

will remain, within the larger campus, a community of 

people who promote the right of individual cultures to 

explore their own issues of global impact. 

The Merrill Experience 

Merrill College offers a 

variety of educational 

and extracurricular 

opportunities. Classroom 

Connection links 

community experience 

to university education 

by placing students in 

internships for credit in area schools. Merrill hosts 

KZSC radio station, the Peace Corps program, Merrill 

Pottery Co-op, and the Lionel Cantú GLBTI resource 

center. The Merrill Activities Office provides programs 

and events, including banquets, workshops, performers, 

speakers, exhibits, and dances. 

Merrill Student Government (MSG) is composed 

of approximately 12 students who organize college 

activities and support campus student organizations 

with their events. MSG serves as the voice for 

Merrill students’ concerns or interests to the Merrill 

Administration and other campus constituencies. It 

allocates funding that supports social, cultural, and 

educational activities that benefit Merrill College and its 

students. The College Programs Coordinator acts as the 

staff adviser to the organization. 


College Web Site merrill.ucsc.edu 

College Map housing.ucsc.edu/guide/images/merrill/map.gif 





Campus Life - A Time and Place of Growth and Discovery 

At UC Santa Cruz, all students are housed in smallscale 

residential communities, which provide closeknit 

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. 

Freshmen are generally assigned to live in their college’s 

residence halls. Residence halls have common bathrooms 

and lounge areas, and a combination of shared and 

private bedrooms. The specific room options available to 

you will be covered later in this guide. Our college also 

has apartments that will be an option for you in your 

subsequent years. 

The Housing Application 

When you complete your online housing application 

you will have the opportunity to rank preferences for 

various room and theme options. This will give us an 

idea of the type of housing you are most interested 

in. You will also be asked to complete a Lifestyle 

Questionnaire. Roommate assignments are based on the 

questionnaire so it is in your best interest to answer the 

questions as fully, thoughtfully and honestly as possible. 

Specific roommate requests may be met as long as they 

are mutual. 

Your Housing 

Experience 

Assigning rooms and 

roommates is not an easy 

task. Your roommates 

may or may not become 

your best friends, but will 

surely be remembered 

simply because of the 

experiences you will share. We will do our best to find 

you compatible roommates, but please do not assume 

they will share all your lifestyle preferences. Regardless 

of where you live, remember one thing: much of what 

living on campus really offers is what you and students 

like yourself bring to it. 

Your attitude toward, and your enthusiasm for, your new 

living situation is the real key in determining what your 

new life will be like. We do promise one thing… given 

the opportunity, we will do all we can to make you feel 

welcome and at home. 





Residence Hall Living 

Merrill College has four residential buildings set amidst 

redwood trees and a central lawn. Most students live in 

coed halls or floors, in which members of all genders 

live in the same hall or floor, while bedrooms are singlegender 

spaces. Single-gender female floors are also 

available. 

Renovations will be taking place at Merrill College 

during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years. 

Students living at Merrill in fall 2013 will be the 

first to enjoy the renovated rooms with new carpet, 

paint, windows and lighting. Renovation work will be 

structured so that residences will remain open and in use 

during the academic year. 

Merrill Renewal Project housing.ucsc.edu/construction/merrill/index.html 





Merrill College Room Options 

Triple 

Loft bed with 

dresser 

Dresser 

Desk 

Single 

Large Triple 

Double 

Bed 

Desk 

Wardrobe 

Desk 

Wardrobe 

Dresser 

Bunk Bed 

Desk 

Wardrobe 

Bed 

Closet and 

Dresser 

Desk 

Bed 

Closet and 

Dresser 

Closet and 

Dresser 

Desk 


What to Bring housing.ucsc.edu/what-to-bring 

Merrill College Virtual Tours housing.ucsc.edu/tours/merrill 





Housing Options and Themes 

In addition to room options, there are also a variety 

of housing themes and options for those who are 

interested. Based on academic pursuits, hobbies, 

individual backgrounds, and lifestyle preferences, 

these living/learning options complement a student’s 

experience in residence. 

Academic Focused Community 

Study intensive area (supplemental application required). 

All-Female 

This is an option for female students who prefer to live 

on an all-female floor. Male students are welcome as 

visitors; however, they cannot spend the night or use the 

bathrooms on these floors. 

Coed Community 

Students of different genders live on the same floor 

and share a commitment to cooperative living through 

respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are 

single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and 

designed for ample privacy. 

Coed GLBTIQQ Supportive 

Safe and open living environment for students who 

identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, 

queer, questioning or allies. 

Gender Neutral 

Gender neutral rooms are an option for students whose 

gender identification and/or gender expression varies 

from the standard paradigm, as well as any student 

sensitive to the concerns of transgender people. Gender 

neutral rooms allows for same-gender or other-gender 

identities to live together regardless of biological sex. 

Students wishing to live 

in a gender neutral room 

who do not self-select a 

roommate on their housing 

application will be assigned 

a roommate based on 

answers provided on the 

Lifestyle Questionnaire and 

follow up interviews. 

Indigenous Peoples 

This themed living option is for American Indian 

students and their allies and has programs with the 

American Indian Resource Center, Native American 

faculty, and regional tribal leaders. Activities include 

a trip to the American Indian Film Festival, guest 

speakers, and the opportunity to dialogue about current 

global indigenous rights issues. This is a substance-free 

living space. 

Quiet/Study Intensive 

Students who prefer quiet atmosphere. 24/7 quiet hours. 

Sober Living 

Student lives with another student in recovery who is 

alcohol, marijuana and other drug free. 

Substance-Free (Coed) 

Although all university residences are smoke-free and 

incense-free environments, students wishing to live 

in an environment free of alcohol (regardless of age), 

fragrance, smoke, tobacco, and other substances are 

encouraged to consider this housing option. Residents 

in the substance-free area agree not to possess or use 

any substances. 

Indigenous Peoples http://housing.ucsc.edu/indigenous/index.html 





UC Santa Cruz Dining 

Our dining program is as much a part of your college 

life and experiences as academics. Students find 

mealtime an opportunity to meet friends, visit and 

relax, study, and, of course…eat! All students living in 

campus residence halls and apartments have a meal plan 

included in their housing contract. 

With the convenience of five all-you-care-to eat dining 

halls situated throughout the campus, you’re never far 

from satisfying your cravings. Your student ID card, 

which also functions as your meal card and bus pass, 

may be used at any of the dining halls. 

Deliciously Sustainable 

We strive each day to prepare delicious, fresh menus 

throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner including your 

in-between hunger attacks! Our ever rotating menus 

will keep you from getting bored and yet we will look to 

always keep your favorites available. 

Our program is nationally recognized as a leader in 

sustainability and this means plenty of local and organic 

selections available to you. A wide selection of vegetarian 

and vegan options are available throughout the day and 

night, and we work closely with the campus Student 

Health Center to develop meals for those with restricted 

diets. Our staff continually strives to meet your needs. 


Campus Eateries Map housing.ucsc.edu/guide/dining 

Menus housing.ucsc.edu/dining/menus 

Nutrition housing.ucsc.edu/dining/nutrition-wellness 

Meal Plans housing.ucsc.edu/meal-plans 





Frequently Asked Questions 

When will I receive my housing assignment? 

Your housing assignment, including roommate 

information, will be sent to your UCSC email account 

by mid-August (or mid-December for new winter 

students). 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 book shelves. 

Is a housing contract for the full academic year? 

How do I get my mail 

and what will my 

address be? 

You will be able to receive 

mail and packages either 

at your residential facility 

or at your college. You 

will receive your mailbox 

number when you arrive 

on campus to move into your room. It is not possible 

to assign a mailbox prior to arrival and the residential 

facilities do not have space to store items, so plan to have 

any packages arrive after you do. 

Yes. Once you submit your application and it is 

confirmed by the university, your housing application 

becomes a legally binding contract that is valid for the 

entire academic year. 

When will I get my bill? 

Each student has a university billing account with UC 

Santa Cruz. An invoice is posted on your Student Portal 

each month there is activity. The first housing bill for 

fall quarter is generated in late August. For new winter 

admits the first bill is generated in December. 


More FAQs housing.ucsc.edu/faq 

College Addresses www.ucsc.edu/about/address 

What to Bring housing.ucsc.edu/what-to-bring 





Housing Policies 

Many students living in the residential buildings 

make two important discoveries: first, they have more 

individual freedom than before; and second, the intense 

academic demands and shared living arrangements 

require more self-control and individual discipline than 

ever before. 

It is our goal to provide a safe, secure and educational 

community for all residents. In that spirit, this list is 

compiled to highlight some of the policies, rules and 

regulations (this is by no means a complete list). All 

of these are in conjunction with the university policies 

stipulated in the UC Santa Cruz Student Policies and 

Regulations Handbook, Terms and Conditions of 

residence, and the College Handbook. 

Alcohol 

Federal and state laws, as well as university policy, 

prohibit alcoholic beverages from being sold, furnished, 

possessed by, or given to any person under the age of 

21. In addition, no possession or transportation of open 

containers or consumption of alcoholic beverages will be 

allowed in public areas by any person, regardless of age 

or college affiliation. Kegs or other “common source” 

containers holding alcoholic beverages are not allowed 

on campus. 

Candles, Incense, 

or Sage 

No smoking materials, 

including the items listed 

above, can be burned in 

any residential room or 

apartment. 

Drugs and Drug 

Paraphernalia 

The university adheres to all federal and state laws as 

they pertain to illegal substances. Delivering, furnishing, 

transferring, manufacturing, using, and possessing 

illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited 

at the university. Additionally, the university does 

not recognize the privileges associated with a medical 

marijuana card. Violation of these laws and policies 

will result in judicial action at the university level and 

may result in police and local, state, and/or federal 

intervention. 

Animals and Pets 

No pets (except fish in a 10-gallon or smaller aquarium) 

are allowed in the residential community. 


Student Policies Handbook deanofstudents.ucsc.edu/student-conduct 

More Policies for Residents housing.ucsc.edu/policies 





Housing Policies 

Fire Safety 

Any person who willfully tampers, covers, restricts, 

or breaks any public or private fire alarm apparatus 

or any fire fighting equipment or gives, transmits, or 

sounds any false alarm of fire is guilty of a misdemeanor. 

Any such violation could result in disciplinary action 

and a maximum fine of $500 and six months in jail. 

Extinguishers and alarms are for your use, should the 

need arise. The cost of refilling a misused extinguisher, 

as well as any damages resulting from the extinguisher 

being discharged, will be charged to the person or 

persons responsible. 

Harassment 

Physical and verbal harassment will not be tolerated by 

students, staff, or faculty and is prohibited on the UC 

Santa Cruz campus. If any form of harassment occurs, 

notify a staff member immediately. It is the policy of the 

university that the working and learning environment 

shall be free of harassment, including any form of sexual 

harassment. 

Inappropriate Behavior 

Any students who are a danger to themselves or other 

community members, or who refuse intervention for a 

situation harmful to themselves or others, may be asked 

to leave and/or be restricted from the residential area. 


Noise Policy 

Due to the nature of our 

living spaces, it is very 

easy to disturb classes and/ 

or your neighbors with 

music or other noise. To 

preserve academic and 

community standards, 

noise levels must be held 

to a minimum at all times and students will be expected 

to adhere to the college’s quiet hours: Sunday-Thursday 

10pm-8am, Friday-Saturday 12 midnight-10am. It is 

the responsibility of each resident to make sure his/her 

activities are not disturbing to others. 

Smoke-free Environment 

In accordance with University policy for a smoke-free 

environment, smoking is prohibited in all indoor spaces 

at UC Santa Cruz, including all university housing 

facilities and residences. Additionally, the no smoking 

policy includes exterior stairways, decks, patios, and 

balconies. Through December 2013, smoking outside 

is permitted only in designated areas, at least 25 feet 

away from all buildings and air intakes, and not in any 

wooded or bush areas. 

NOTICE: Effective January 1, 2014, smoking is 

prohibited in all UC Santa Cruz facilities, on all 

University grounds, and on all University-owned and 

leased properties regardless of location. Smoking, the 

use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of 

unregulated nicotine products (e.g. “e-cigarettes”) is 

strictly prohibited. This smoke-free policy applies to all 

indoor and outdoor areas. 

Student Policies Handbook deanofstudents.ucsc.edu/student-conduct 

More Policies for Residents housing.ucsc.edu/policies 



Rates for University Housing 

2013-14 Room & Meal Plan Rates 

Students assigned to residence halls must choose either the 7-Day or 

5-Day meal plan. Price is per person. 

Residence Halls 

SINGLE 

ROOM 

7-day meal plan 

DOUBLE 

ROOM 

SMALL 

DOUBLE * 

LARGE 

TRIPLE 

TRIPLE 

ROOM 

QUAD 

ROOM 

Monthly* $1,801 $1,626 $1,360 $1,397 $1,353 $1,360 

Quarterly $5,403 $4,878 $4,080 $4,191 $4,059 $4,080 

Academic Year $16,209 $14,634 $12,240 $12,573 $12,177 $12,240 

5-day meal plan 

Monthly* $1,756 $1,581 $1,315 $1,352 $1,308 $1,315 

Quarterly $5,268 $4,743 $3,945 $4,056 $3,924 $3,945 

Academic Year $15,804 $14,229 $11,835 $12,168 $11,772 $11,835 

*Flexi Dollars are not included in monthly amounts shown. Initial 

monthly payment of each quarter will include an additional charge of 

$50 for Flexi Dollars. Flexi Dollars are not eligible for payment plan. 

Questions? Contact Campus Housing office: (831) 459-2394 


Meal Plans housing.ucsc.edu/meal-plans 

Billing and Payment housing.ucsc.edu/payment-plans 





Next Steps 

Now that you have learned about the different housing 

options available, take these next steps to complete your 

online housing application/contract. 

You must use a registered CruzID (UCSC email address) 

and Blue password (email password) to log into the 

housing application. To activate your CruzID and Blue 

password, please visit cruzid.ucsc.edu. 

Log in to Student Housing Online (studenthousing. 

ucsc.edu) to apply for housing and rank your preferred 

housing and meal plan options. 

Once your housing application is confirmed by the 

university, the application becomes a legally binding 

contract that is valid for the entire academic year. If your 

plans change and you are no longer interested or able 

to live in university housing, you must login to Student 

Housing Online (studenthousing.ucsc.edu) to cancel 

your housing application/contract. 

Contact Information 

The Campus Housing Office is responsible for your 

application/contract records and room-and-board 

billing. Contact us if you have questions about your 

housing contract, meal plans, payment plans or billing. 

The housing office at each community is in charge 

of roommate assignments, contract changes, and the 

management of the community’s housing office. We will 

help you with needs or questions related to housing or 

student life. 

Campus Housing Office 

Phone: (831) 459-2394 

E-mail: housing@ucsc.edu 

Web: housing.ucsc.edu 

Merrill College 

Phone: (831) 459-2675 

E-mail: crownmerrillhousing@ucsc.edu 


Disability Related Housing Accommodations housing.ucsc.edu/disability 

UCSC Housing web site housing.ucsc.edu

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