University of California - MercedFacilities Summary

Written by Harini Kompella

Harini Kompella

Hometown

Santa Clarita, California

Major

Human Biology

View all previous student authors

UCM’s 21st-century campus has the latest technology and newest facilities. Everyone is impressed with how technologically equipped the library is—with printers, copiers, scanners, and computers—and with its architectural design. The gym encourages students to work out with its pristine equipment. Buildings such as the Kolligian Library and the Science and Engineering building are designed to be more eco-friendly, with window panels that bring in more natural sunlight. Even the laundry room has comfortable couches for students to chill in while waiting for their laundry. With the already impressive array of facilities available, students are ready for more, specifically in the athletic area. Many students would love to have a swimming pool or tennis court on campus, so they wouldn't have to drive to the neighboring community college to have access to such facilities.

With the student body growing, building more facilities is a priority to prevent overcrowding. For example, while the laundry room is well-equipped, it is not always easy for students to find a machine. Sometimes, students have to take their clothes back to their dorms and hope machines will be available later. Additionally, there are a limited number of study spaces. While the freshman halls provide lounges which are open to anyone, students wish there were more study-specific lounges (since people can also have events in these open lounges or simply watch movies). The new housing hall opening in the fall of 2010 is slated to have new study spaces and laundry facilities. The UCM staff is trying to keep up with the demands for new facilities as the need to accommodate more students arises.