Navigating UCLA Microfridge Rental Options and On-Campus Housing
Choosing the right housing and amenities is a crucial part of the UCLA experience. This article provides a comprehensive guide to UCLA's on-campus housing options and microfridge rental program, equipping students with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
On-Campus Housing Options at UCLA
UCLA offers a variety of on-campus housing options, each with unique features and benefits. The four main categories are Classics, Deluxes, Plazas, and Suites. Understanding the differences between these options is key to finding the best fit for your needs and preferences. Sonia Wong from the Daily Bruin podcast "Bruin 101" breaks down these options, offering valuable insights for prospective and current students.
Classics
Classics are the most affordable housing option, located in Dykstra Hall, Hedrick Hall, Rieber Hall, and Sproul Hall. These halls feature double and triple rooms, meaning two or three students share a room. A defining characteristic of Classics is the communal bathroom shared by the entire floor. Notably, Classics do not have air conditioning in individual rooms.
Deluxes
Deluxes, situated in Gardenia Way, Holly Ridge, Sproul Cove, Sproul Landing, Olympic, and Centennial buildings, also offer double and triple rooms. A significant advantage of Deluxes is the presence of air conditioning in each room. However, like Classics, Deluxes also utilize communal bathrooms shared by the floor.
Plazas
Plazas, found in De Neve Plaza, Hedrick Summit, Rieber Terrace, Rieber Vista, and Sunset Village, provide a wider range of room types, including single rooms (referred to as "pods"), as well as double and triple rooms. Plazas are known for having the largest room sizes and include air conditioning. Bathroom options vary, with some rooms offering a shared bath (between two rooms) and others providing a private bath. Single pods often share a communal living room with five to six other rooms and share a bathroom among pod members.
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Suites
Suites, located in Hitch Suites and Saxon Suites, consist of double and triple rooms where two rooms share a common living space and bathroom. While Suites offer increased living space, they do not have air conditioning.
The MicroFridge Rental Program
UCLA Housing offers a MicroFridge rental program to provide students with a convenient and space-saving appliance that combines a microwave and a mini-refrigerator. This program is especially useful given the limited availability of microwaves in dorms, as noted by Sonia Wong.
Eligibility and Availability
Renting a MicroFridge from UCLA Housing is exclusively available to students residing in on-campus housing. While UCLA Housing aims to fulfill most requests, the availability of units is limited, and therefore, a MicroFridge cannot be guaranteed for every resident.
Request Process and Lottery
The MicroFridge Rental Request operates as a lottery system, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Each room (or bedroom in Hitch and Saxon Suites) is entitled to one entry into the lottery. Students must agree to the terms and conditions outlined by UCLA Housing to participate.
Cost and Payment
The total cost for renting a MicroFridge for the academic year is $258.00. If a room is selected in the lottery, the charge will be split evenly among all roommates who submitted a rental request by the specified deadline. The charge will be posted to the student's BruinBill, the regular term bill, by September 30. Late requests are not accepted.
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Important Dates and Deadlines
In the past, the MicroFridge Rental Request became available around August 21. Selected students could expect delivery of their MicroFridge around September 21. At the end of the academic year, typically around June 12, renters are responsible for cleaning the unit before vacating their on-campus housing. The MicroFridge can then be left in the room for inventory and pick up by UCLA Housing.
Roommate Considerations
When multiple roommates request a MicroFridge, the cost is divided among them if their room is selected in the lottery. This encourages communication and coordination among roommates to decide whether to participate in the rental program.
Additional Insights on Housing Experiences
Personal experiences from UCLA students provide further context for choosing the right housing option. Kyla Ventura, Wendy Minn, and Sonia Wong shared their experiences on the "Bruin 101" podcast, highlighting the pros and cons of different housing types.
Roommate Dynamics
Kyla Ventura's experience underscores the importance of roommate compatibility. After an initial mismatch, she found a better fit in Sunset Village with a roommate who was a good match. Wendy Minn emphasized the positive experience of going random and forming close bonds with her roommates in a deluxe triple. Sonia Wong, also going random as an international student, appreciated the shared space and cleanliness of the plaza triple with a shared bath.
Bathroom Preferences
The bathroom situation is a significant factor for many students. Kyla Ventura noted that having a private bathroom wasn't ideal, as it felt dirtier due to less shared responsibility. Sonia Wong preferred a shared bath (between two rooms) over a communal bathroom due to concerns about hygiene. Wendy Minn found the communal bathrooms in Centennial to be exceptionally clean due to the smaller number of residents sharing them.
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Location and Amenities
Location and amenities play a crucial role in the overall housing experience. Kyla Ventura appreciated the convenience of living in Rieber Terrace, with its proximity to laundry facilities, an ice machine, and The Study. Sonia Wong emphasized the importance of amenities like a microwave, highlighting the challenges of sharing a single microwave across an entire building. Wendy Minn, who opted for a university apartment on Gayley Avenue, valued the ability to cook for herself and the proximity to South Campus.
Residential Assistants (RAs)
Residential Assistants (RAs) are valuable resources for on-campus residents. They provide support, address concerns, and enforce housing policies. RAs typically get their own room on the floor and receive free housing for the year. Kyla Ventura found her RAs helpful in directing her to the appropriate resources when she encountered problems.
Coping with Housing Challenges
Students develop various strategies for coping with the challenges of on-campus living. Sonia Wong mentioned that students living in suites without air conditioning often use fans to stay cool. She also emphasized the importance of establishing a cleaning schedule and shower schedule when sharing a bathroom with roommates.
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