University of California, Merced

The campus is bounded by Lake Yosemite on one side and two irrigation canals run through the campus. The library and central power plant have been classified as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold structures in terms of their high-energy efficiency and low environmental impact. The campus is located about seven miles (11 km) north of downtown Merced in the middle of a cattle ranch.

Approximately 2,100 students currently live on campus in the Valley and Sierra Terraces and the Summits, which includes Tenaya and Cathedral Halls, 4.2 miles (6.8 km) away from the city of Merced. 

The most recent addition is Half Dome Hall, which completed the UC Merced's first residential square. The Summits includes cleaning services, study lounges, a market, and a game room. Student housing, as well as the dining commons, are closed during winter break. Much of the student life in the Residence Halls is led by the Resident Assistants and Lead Resident Assistants through various programs and activities.

The campus itself has attractions such as a gym or sporting events. There are approximately 200 student run clubs on campus. The surrounding area is pretty bland but Yosemite is only an hour or so away and San Francisco is only about two hours away. Therefore, during the week, students can find little things to do around or on campus and then go to San Francisco or Yosemite over the weekend.

Additionally, many students visit nearby Lake Yosemite which includes recreational swimming, fishing, and water skiing. Merced has several artistic venues which host plays, concerts, and art shows. These include The Mainzer Theater, The Partisan, Merced Multicultural Arts Center, and Playhouse Merced. 

Castle Air Museum is within close driving distance from Merced. Merced is known as the "Gateway to Yosemite" and it is common for students recreational use Yosemite National Park where they may hike, snowboard, rock climb, and camp overnight.

UC Merced guarantees housing to a select group of students. Completing the on-line housing application and meeting the deadline dates (application and reservation fee) is necessary.

• Incoming First-Year Students. First-year students admitted for the fall term who meet the housing application deadlines are guaranteed housing. 
• New Transfer Students. New transfer students are guaranteed their first year of on-campus housing.
• Regents Scholars. Regents Scholars meeting their respective application deadlines are eligible for a four-year on-campus housing guarantee.

Living on campus offers more that just a place to eat and sleep. In fact, a significant amount of experiential learning occurs in the residence halls. Students living on campus will be presented with opportunities to further develop valuable skills as they transition to the university and prepare for life thereafter.