Decoding the Hill: A Comprehensive Review of UCLA's Classic Dykstra Hall and Other Dorms
Choosing a dorm at UCLA is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your social life, your daily routine, and your overall first-year experience. UCLA's on-campus housing, known as "The Hill," is a self-contained community with its own dining halls, gyms, and post office. With the university's "4:2 guarantee," most rooms are triples, fostering a social environment. This article delves into the details of Dykstra Hall, a classic residence hall, while also providing insights into other housing options available at UCLA.
Understanding the Classic Residence Hall Experience
Classic residence halls offer the quintessential, old-school college dorm experience. These halls are known for being the most affordable, the most social, and often the most energetic.
Buildings
Dykstra Hall, Hedrick Hall, Rieber Hall, and Sproul Hall.
The Vibe
Energetic, social, and primarily filled with freshmen. Communal bathrooms serve as social hubs, facilitating random and hilarious conversations.
Pros
- SUPER Social: The layout promotes interaction, making it almost impossible not to make friends.
- Most Affordable: This is the cheapest housing option on The Hill.
- Strong Floor Communities: Floors in classic halls often become tight-knit groups.
Cons
- No Air Conditioning: This is a significant drawback, especially during the warmer months.
- Smaller Rooms: Rooms can feel cramped, especially as triples.
- Communal Bathrooms: While cleaned daily, they can get messy on weekends.
- Can be Loud: The high level of activity can make it a noisy environment.
Dykstra Hall: A Deep Dive
Dykstra Hall, part of the classic series of dorms, is renowned for its lively atmosphere and prime location at the bottom of The Hill. It is an excellent place for those who love socializing.
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Location and Accessibility
The location of Dykstra Hall is unmatched. It is possibly the closest dorm to the general campus and the frats, and it is located right above the De Neve dining hall, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND Late Night, and the Grab-and-Go dining option which serves breakfast and lunch. Its proximity to Bruinwalk significantly reduces walking time to and from class. The location is very close to campus and can get to the south side of campus with in 10-12 minutes. It's the closest to campus, but honestly the furthest from dining halls (except De Neve). Being connected to the lobby allows you to go to the De Neve dining hall without stepping outside, which is convenient.
Room and Amenities
Most rooms in Dykstra Hall are triples, with some doubles and occasional singles. The rooms themselves are small but have enough room to fit 3 people to live in. They come with a desk, bed, and closet space. Two closets are built in cabinets, and the third one is under the lofted bed.
Social Experience
Dykstra Hall provides an amazing social experience for first-year students. The building facilitates social environments, and it can be loud on Thursday-Saturday nights. Students often congregate in the floor lounge to study and socialize. Many lasting friendships are formed based on relationships built in the lounge. The higher floors have great city views, and on a clear day, you can even see the ocean. It is a perfect place for all who love socializing.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Dykstra has communal bathrooms with the boys' restroom on one side and the girls' restroom on the other. The bathrooms are cleaned once a day, and trash is taken out throughout the day. However, there are days when it goes uncleaned due to a lack of staffing, so it can get dirty at times. There are 6 showers and 6 toilets.
Challenges
The nickname "Dirty Dykstra" exists for a reason. The rooms can be small, with dust behind/below the beds, and the carpets may be old. The boys' bathroom has had several incidents involving feces and piss -- absolutely wear bathroom sandals. There's no air conditioning so during the spring and beginning of summer it gets very hot and sometimes humid in the room. It was very stuffy and humid. The laundry machines were constantly broken.
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Alternative Housing Options on The Hill
While Dykstra Hall offers a classic dorm experience, UCLA provides a range of housing options to suit different preferences and needs.
Deluxe Residence Halls
Deluxe halls offer a balance of social vibe and modern comforts.
Buildings
Sproul Cove, Sproul Landing, De Neve Holly, De Neve Gardenia, Olympic & Centennial Halls.
The Vibe
Social but more relaxed. Students are more inclined to hang out in their rooms.
Pros
- Air Conditioning: A significant advantage, especially in warmer months.
- More Space: Rooms are noticeably larger than classic halls.
- Newer Facilities: These buildings are more modern and generally feel cleaner.
- Great Locations: Sproul Cove & Landing are centrally located.
Cons
- More Expensive: You pay more for the extra comfort.
- Still Have Communal Bathrooms: Might be a drawback for those seeking privacy.
Insider Take
- Sproul Cove & Landing: Considered some of the best dorms due to their modern amenities, space, and central location.
- De Neve Holly & Gardenia: Spacious rooms with big windows, great study spaces, and access to a maker's space.
The Plazas
Plazas offer more privacy with private or semi-private bathrooms.
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Buildings
De Neve Plaza buildings (except Holly), Sunset Village, Rieber Terrace, Rieber Vista, & Hedrick Summit.
The Vibe
Quieter and less overtly social.
Pros
- Private or Semi-Private Bathrooms: A major attraction.
- Spacious Rooms: Roughly the size of deluxe rooms with extra storage space.
- Air Conditioning: Standard in all plaza buildings.
Cons
- Less Social: Harder to meet people on the floor.
- Pricier: One of the more expensive housing options.
- "Death Steps": Rieber Terrace & Vista require conquering the "Death Steps" to get to campus.
Insider Take
- Sunset Village & De Neve Plaza: Smaller, low-rise buildings with courtyards.
- Rieber Terrace, Rieber Vista & Hedrick Summit: High-rise buildings.
The Suites
Suites offer an apartment-style living experience on The Hill.
Buildings
Hitch Village & Saxon Suites.
The Vibe
Very independent, with each suite being its own little world.
Pros
- Living Room: A furnished common area with a couch & tables.
- More Privacy: You only share a bathroom with your suitemates.
- Apartment Feel: Feels more like a home than a dorm room.
Cons
- Least Social: Might not be the best choice for freshmen seeking to meet new people.
- No Kitchen: Apartment-style, but without a kitchen.
- Can Feel Isolated: Easy to stick with suitemates and not branch out.
Insider Take
- Hitch & Saxon are located on the outskirts of The Hill, with outdoor entrances to each unit.
University Apartments
For upperclassmen and some transfers, university-owned apartments in Westwood are a great option.
Gayley Heights
Pros
Prime location, new amenities, a gym, a study lounge, and great views.
Cons
Some rooms can be small, and apartments have either 6 or 8 people.
Choosing the Right Dorm
The "best" dorm at UCLA is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
- Classic Hall (e.g., Dykstra): Ideal for social butterflies who don't mind sacrificing comfort for friendship and affordability.
- Deluxe Hall: Offers a balance of social life and modern comforts, especially AC.
- Plaza: Best for those who prioritize privacy and having their own bathroom.
- Suites: Suitable for established friend groups seeking a more independent, apartment-like feel.
Conclusion
Living in Dykstra Hall can be an amazing and rewarding experience, especially for those seeking a social and engaging environment. Its prime location and communal atmosphere make it a popular choice for first-year students. However, it is essential to consider the downsides, such as the lack of air conditioning and the potential for noise and cleanliness issues. UCLA offers a variety of housing options on The Hill, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. By carefully evaluating your priorities and preferences, you can choose the dorm that best suits your needs and ensures a memorable and fulfilling college experience.
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