One of the best things about college is the amazing people from all walks of life that you meet. These past two years at UCLA have been memorable due in part that I have met some of the most inspirational people in my life today. It’s incredible just to think about how many amazing people I have met these past two years. You can meet people through your involvement in clubs, organizations, classes, events, and/or working. As I approach my third and final year, I had the decision of  whether I would live in the campus dorms or off campus apartments. Typically, undergrads live on campus for their first two-three years. During my first two years, I lived in the plaza named Sunset Village-Courtside. I absolutely LOVED it! At UCLA, there are three types of residential housing facilities: residence hall, plaza, and suites. It all comes down to your living style and preference. My number one advice to anyone choosing where to live is to think about how you like to live in your own home and take it from there. To me, my privacy and comfort were two of my top priorities when choosing where to live. The plaza offered both of those types of preferences and so I decided that living there would be the best option available to me.

There is a myth that the residence halls are more social than the plazas and suites. However, to me it is about what type of person you are and how you make the best out of your living environment. During my first year, everybody on my floor was a freshman and I can say that it was one the best experiences of college. We all bonded so closely and got along so well. It was good to know that I had fabulous and friendly neighbors. It’s always reassuring to know that your neighbor is your friend :). My second year, it was the same experience. There were always activities going on every week. It really comes down to how social YOU want to be.

As my second year was coming to an end, I had to decide whether I was going to reapply for housing. I decided that I was not and that I was going to look for an off-campus apartment. The luxury about living in an off campus apartment is that you get to choose your roommates. I had to think of people who I could rely on and trust to live with me (especially because we pay our own bills and rent!). A close group of friends came to mind. At last, me and three of my closest friends decided that we would live together. They are some of the most amazing people that I have met at UCLA. They are dedicated, smart, family oriented, bubbly, but most of all, trustworthy. Apartment hunting was stressful yet fun at the same time. Looking into apartments, the luxury, comparing prices, living environment, you name it! But the best part was that I was able to share this experience with the people who I was going to live with during my third year. Today marks a month until I move into my apartment (August 25th is the date!). I’m nervous and excited about what to expect! Decorating, cooking, grocery shopping, etc. Here is to the countdown until I move into my new apartment! 😀