The massive plethora of dorms and differing cultures that each bring can feel confusing, so follow us on a journey through each residential building on the Hill.
De Neve Plaza. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Gardenia. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Starting with the dorms closest to campus, you’ll first notice De Neve buildings and Dykstra Hall. De Neve Towers holds deluxe dorm rooms, while De Neve West and De Neve East have plaza dorm rooms. On the other hand, Dykstra Hall, the oldest dormitory, only contains classics. Both areas are popular destinations for freshmen; if you live here, you’ll experience a vibrant social life that is created by their communal atmosphere. At the center of these residential buildings at the bottom of the Hill is De Neve Plaza, which leads to De Neve Dining Hall. The plaza is always bustling with students, and the closeness of each residential building makes this part of the Hill the most tightly knit. De Neve is also one of many dormitories with reservable study rooms, and you’ll also have access to De Neve Dungeon, a common area that serves as a study space and a recreational room. However, these areas’ proximity to Westwood Village and Gayley Avenue can be both a blessing and a curse, as they can become rowdy at night.
Hitch Suites. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Hitch Suites. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Saxon Suites. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Although Hitch and Saxon Suites aren’t as popular for first years, these buildings mirror an apartment complex with their own kitchens and living rooms. Students who prefer a reserved, more isolated living setup might enjoy this arrangement, though at the expense of not being able to greet new and familiar faces on their floors and throughout the building, which is something students from traditional dorms might experience more. Another con is the fact that these buildings, like classic dorms, are not air-conditioned.
Sproul Hall. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Sproul Hall. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Sproul Hall. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Sproul Landing. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Sproul, known for its proximity to a variety of food options and amenities, is located at the center of the Hill. Sproul Landing is the closest to Bruin Plate, the healthiest dining hall on campus, though students also enjoy eating at the food trucks and Bruin Cafe as well. Each residential building also has high quality study rooms open for reservation and are ideal for their proximity to the Bruin Fitness Center, or BFit, a gym in Carnesale Commons. Sproul Cove and Sproul Landing both contain deluxe dorms, whereas Sproul Hall contains classic dorms. Although Sproul Plaza is more spread out than the De Neve and Rieber buildings, you’re bound to find opportunities to meet other people and foster a sense of community. Walk down the stairs by Sproul Landing or along the side of Sproul Hall and you’ll find yourself near Covel Commons, which has the central Hill’s equivalent to a bustling plaza. In this area, you’ll be close to even more food options, including Epicuria and Cafe 1919. There are sometimes even casual outdoor concerts, though a caveat of being located at the center of the Hill is the noise.
Covel Commons. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Sunset Village. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Also within Covel Commons is Sunset Village. As it is home to solely plaza dorms, students living here experience a much quieter social scene compared to the other residence halls. This area is split into Courtside/Canyon Point and Delta Terrace, with all buildings surrounded by nature. A few key locations in Sunset Village include the mail center and the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, which has basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, as well as swimming pools.
Walking up what students call the “Death Stairs” takes you to Rieber Hall (classics), Rieber Vista (plazas) and Rieber Terrace (plazas). These buildings are on the older side, meaning you should prepare yourself to see less access to power outlets, more broken elevators and usually functional thermostats. On the bright side, proximity to the Feast at Rieber (a pan-Asian dining hall) and Rendezvous (Mexican and Asian options) gives you access to quick takeout food, along with food trucks at Rieber Turnaround. The outdoor seating across from each restaurant is ideal for sharing a meal, studying or hanging out.
Olympic Hall. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Olympic Hall. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Olympic and Centennial Halls are the Hill’s newest buildings, and they contain deluxe rooms. Olympic Hall has its own makerspace, which can be handy if you need to work on projects. It also has its understory and canopy, which are giant common rooms suitable for studying, each with varying levels of light. The reservable study rooms here are also the newest, and the Olympic dorms tend to be slightly more spacious than other deluxes. You’ll have to cross the street from Rieber Hall to get to Olympic, or simply walk further up the incline along De Neve Drive. However, your closest options for food are The Drey, a takeout facility with limited options, and the dining facilities at Rieber. Though this section of the Hill lacks a communal plaza, its sleek, modern atmosphere is sure to foster a comfortable home away from home.
Hedrick Hall. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Hedrick Hall. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Hedrick Summit. Photographed by Patrick Shao/BruinLife.
Finally, you’ve made it to the top of the Hill. Welcome! Hedrick Summit and Hedrick Hall are pretty removed from the rest of the Hill simply due to the distance, and freshmen make up the majority of their populations. If you’ve requested a classic dorm, you’ll likely live in Hedrick Hall, and if a plaza, Hedrick Summit. While you will take the longest hike and live the furthest away from others, Hedrick buildings are by no means socially dead—many students try to get to know people on their floor. Like the other residence halls, Hedrick Hall has bookable study rooms, and you’ll be close to the Study at Hedrick: a takeout dining facility with open study areas, including the Blue Room for late night cram sessions.
No matter where you live, the Hill will offer you a vibrant community and an unforgettable experience. Ultimately, part of your residential experience does rest in your hands. So immerse yourself in your new life as a Bruin, one step at a time!
