Finding your place to live at UC Irvine is a huge part of shaping your college experience — whether you’re a freshman settling into your first dorm, a master's student diving into research, or a PhD candidate preparing for the moment you’ll wear your doctoral regalia. UC Irvine’s housing system offers a rich mix of themed residence halls, suite-style dorms, and graduate apartments that support your academic and personal journey.
This CAPGOWN guide walks you through some of the most popular undergraduate and graduate housing options at UCI — including Mesa Court, Middle Earth, Arroyo Vista, Campus Village, and Palo Verde. We’ve included fun facts, real Reddit opinions, and CAPGOWN insights to help you find the best fit.
Mesa Court – Freshman-Focused & High-Energy
Address: 4053 Mesa Rd, Irvine, CA 92697
Mesa Court is the classic first-year experience at UCI, offering suite-style living, social events, and a strong residential community. With close access to the Anteatery and the ARC, it’s an ideal starting point for incoming undergrads.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Suite-style rooms that balance privacy and community.
- Steps away from the Anteater Recreation Center and dining halls.
- Programming that helps new students transition to college life.
Fun Fact: Mesa Court includes 29 residence halls grouped into three towers: Loma, Mesa, and Torre, each with unique social identities and events.
r/UCI Says:
“Mesa Court is super social — lots of floor bonding and fun events.”
“Good mix of quiet study and social life. You’ll definitely meet people here.”
Middle Earth – Themed, Central & Community-Driven
Address: 529 E Peltason Dr, Irvine, CA 92617
Middle Earth is perhaps UCI’s most iconic housing complex, with its Tolkien-themed names and strong sense of community. Located right near Ring Road, it’s perfect for students who want to be at the center of it all.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Each hall has a whimsical name (like Gondor, Hobbiton, Rivendell).
- Extremely walkable — next to the UCI Student Center and libraries.
- Weekly events and strong hall pride.
Fun Fact: Middle Earth was one of the first housing areas built on campus, and its Tolkien references have made it a fan favorite since the 1970s.
r/UCI Says:
“Middle Earth is the BEST. You’re close to everything and the themed halls are actually fun.”
“It’s quirky in the best way. Lots of personality and super friendly.”
Arroyo Vista – Themed Houses & Learning Communities
Address: 1000 Arroyo Dr, Irvine, CA 92617
Arroyo Vista offers upper-division students a more personalized living experience with themed houses — including multicultural halls, fraternity and sorority housing, and academic-focused communities.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Houses range from cultural themes to pre-law, STEM, and leadership.
- More independence while still having support.
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Tighter-knit communities and shared kitchens.
Fun Fact: AV is home to 42 individual houses, many of which participate in university events like house competitions, mentorship nights, and community service..
r/UCI Says:
“Arroyo Vista is the best if you’re looking for a specific niche. Themed houses make it super easy to find your people.”
“Loved living here as a sophomore — more freedom, but still close to campus.”
Campus Village – Apartment Living with Campus Perks
Address: 1063 W Peltason Dr, Irvine, CA 92617
Campus Village is UCI’s primary apartment-style housing for continuing students. It offers one- to four-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, perfect for those looking to transition from dorms to independent living.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- In-unit kitchens and furnished apartments.
- Laundry, lounges, and study spaces all on-site.
- Great for upperclassmen who want more freedom.
Fun Fact: Campus Village hosts annual festivals like “CV Live” with live music, food trucks, and giveaways — a favorite among returning students.
r/UCI Says:
“Campus Village is super convenient if you don’t want to go off-campus but still want apartment life.”
“CV is solid. Not luxury, but affordable and functional.”
Palo Verde – Graduate Housing with Peace & Proximity
Address: 7000 Palo Verde Rd, Irvine, CA 92697
Palo Verde is one of UCI’s main graduate student housing communities, offering quiet, spacious apartments perfect for students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. It’s especially popular with international students and families.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Quiet, walkable, and close to labs and libraries.
- Family housing options available.
- Great community support, including grad-only events.
Fun Fact: Palo Verde hosts regular academic writing workshops, wellness activities, and even family movie nights — all organized by graduate student housing staff.
r/UCI Says:
“Palo Verde is peaceful. If you’re serious about grad school, it’s ideal.”
“It’s not fancy, but it’s affordable and close to everything you need as a grad student.”
Final Thoughts?
UC Irvine offers one of the most unique and community-driven housing systems in the UC network. From whimsical freshman dorms like Middle Earth to quiet graduate enclaves like Palo Verde, there’s a space that meets your needs — academically, socially, and emotionally.
When it’s time to graduate, CAPGOWN is here to help you celebrate the journey with style. We offer UC Irvine bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral regalia — designed with comfort, tradition, and authenticity in mind. Wherever you lived, we’re proud to help you cross the stage with pride.
