The UCLA Dorm Experience: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Communal Bathrooms on the Hill

Choosing where to live is a big deal, especially when you're heading to UCLA. Your dorm shapes 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 even a post office. The university offers a "4:2 guarantee," promising four years of housing for freshmen and two for transfer students. Most rooms on The Hill are now triples, designed with a bunk bed and a lofted bed with a desk underneath.

One of the most talked-about aspects of living on The Hill is the communal bathroom situation, particularly in the classic and deluxe residence halls. These shared facilities, one for each gender per floor, can be a major social hub, leading to random and hilarious conversations while brushing your teeth. However, they also come with their own set of challenges. Let's delve into the pros and cons of communal bathrooms in UCLA dorms to help you decide which housing option is the best fit for you.

Understanding the Different Dorm Styles

Before diving into the specifics of communal bathrooms, it's important to understand the four main housing types at UCLA:

Classic Residence Halls: These are the oldest and most affordable dorms, known for their social atmosphere.
Deluxe Residence Halls: A step up from the classics, these halls offer more space and amenities.
Plazas: These dorms offer private or semi-private bathrooms and a quieter environment.
Suites: The most apartment-like option, suites feature multiple bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a common living area.

The Classic Halls: Social Hubs with Communal Bathrooms

Classic halls like Dykstra Hall, Hedrick Hall, Rieber Hall, and Sproul Hall offer the quintessential college dorm experience. These buildings are known for being incredibly social. Since the rooms are smaller and there's no AC, students tend to leave their doors open, hang out in the hallways, and use the floor lounges, which means you meet a ton of people.

Pros of Communal Bathrooms in Classic Halls

Super Social: It’s almost impossible not to make friends in classic halls. The layout forces interaction, and the communal bathrooms become unexpected social spaces.
Most Affordable: Classic halls are the cheapest housing option on The Hill, making them a budget-friendly choice.
Strong Floor Communities: Floors in classic halls often become tight-knit groups, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Cons of Communal Bathrooms in Classic Halls

Cleanliness Concerns: While communal bathrooms are cleaned daily, they can get messy on weekends, especially with a large number of residents sharing the space.
Lack of Privacy: Sharing a bathroom with an entire floor means less privacy and potential conflicts over usage.
Noise Levels: Communal bathrooms can be noisy, especially late at night or early in the morning, which can be disruptive for light sleepers.

Insider Takes on Classic Halls

Dykstra Hall: Known for its lively atmosphere and its location at the bottom of The Hill, making the walk to campus a little easier.
Hedrick Hall & Rieber Hall: These are a bit further up The Hill, so be prepared for a walk. Rieber is pretty central on The Hill itself, giving you easy access to multiple dining options, including the popular Asian-themed dining hall, Feast.
Sproul Hall: This one is in a great central location on The Hill, close to a lot of amenities.

The Deluxe Halls: Balancing Comfort and Community with Communal Bathrooms

Deluxe halls like Sproul Cove, Sproul Landing, De Neve Holly, De Neve Gardenia, & the newest additions, Olympic & Centennial Halls are a popular middle ground. They offer the social vibe of a classic hall but with the comforts of a newer building, including air conditioning and more space.

Pros of Communal Bathrooms in Deluxe Halls

Social Atmosphere: Communal bathrooms still encourage floor bonding, even though residents may be more inclined to hang out in their rooms due to the added comfort.
Newer Facilities: Deluxe halls are more modern and generally feel cleaner than classic halls.
Great Locations: Sproul Cove & Landing are in a prime spot, central on The Hill & close to popular eateries like Bruin Plate (BPlate).

Cons of Communal Bathrooms in Deluxe Halls

Cleanliness Still a Concern: While the facilities are newer, communal bathrooms can still get messy, especially during peak hours.
Lack of Privacy: Similar to classic halls, sharing a bathroom with an entire floor can be a drawback for those who value privacy.
Potential for Noise: Noise levels can still be an issue, although perhaps less so than in the more crowded classic halls.

Insider Takes on Deluxe Halls

Sproul Cove & Landing: Widely considered some of the best dorms at UCLA, they have the perfect combination of modern amenities, space, & a central location.
De Neve Holly & Gardenia: These are great deluxe options located at the bottom of The Hill. Students rave about how spacious the rooms are, even as triples, & the big windows let in a ton of natural light.

Plazas: Prioritizing Privacy with Private or Semi-Private Bathrooms

If the thought of a communal bathroom sends a shiver down your spine, then a plaza might be the right fit for you. These dorms feel more like a hybrid between a traditional dorm & a hotel room. They're a significant step up in terms of privacy & comfort. Plaza buildings include De Neve Plaza buildings (except Holly), Sunset Village, Rieber Terrace, Rieber Vista, & Hedrick Summit.

Pros of Private or Semi-Private Bathrooms in Plazas

Increased Privacy: This is the main attraction. You'll either have a bathroom all to yourself or share one with the adjoining room (so, four to six people total). They're cleaned by staff once a week.
More Control Over Cleanliness: With fewer people sharing the space, it's easier to maintain a certain level of cleanliness and hygiene.
Reduced Noise Levels: Private bathrooms eliminate the noise associated with communal facilities, providing a quieter and more peaceful living environment.

Cons of Private or Semi-Private Bathrooms in Plazas

Less Social Interaction: It can be harder to meet people on your floor since everyone is more self-contained.
Higher Cost: Plazas are one of the more expensive housing options.
Responsibility for Cleaning: While the bathrooms are cleaned weekly, residents are responsible for maintaining them in between cleanings.

Insider Takes on Plazas

Sunset Village & De Neve Plaza: These are configured as smaller, low-rise buildings with courtyards, giving them a unique, charming feel compared to the high-rises.
Rieber Terrace, Rieber Vista & Hedrick Summit: These are high-rise buildings. Hedrick Summit is at the very top of The Hill, so again, be prepared for that walk! But the views can be incredible.

Suites: Apartment-Style Living with Shared Bathrooms

Suites, such as Hitch Village & Saxon Suites, are the closest you'll get to apartment living while still being on The Hill. They're perfect for people who have an established group of friends they want to live with.

Pros of Shared Bathrooms in Suites

Increased Privacy: You only share a bathroom with your suitemates.
Apartment Feel: It feels more like a home than a dorm room.
Living Room: The biggest perk is having a furnished common area with a couch & tables. It's a great space to hang out with your roommates & have friends over.

Cons of Shared Bathrooms in Suites

Least Social: If you're a freshman looking to meet a wide variety of new people, this might not be the best choice.
No Kitchen: It's apartment-style, but without the kitchen. You'll still be on a meal plan.
Can Feel Isolated: It's easy to just stick with your suitemates & not branch out as much.

Insider Takes on Suites

Hitch & Saxon are located a bit on the outskirts of The Hill. They are low-rise complexes with outdoor entrances to each unit, which adds to that apartment feel.

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