Theme Halls 2025-26

Academic Excellence – Black Scholars

The Academic Excellence Black Scholars House is a first-year experience living learning community that explores the interconnectedness of scholarship and personal identity across the Black diaspora within the context of the University. Students residing in the Academic Excellence Black Scholars House will learn to successfully navigate the university environment while embracing scholastic achievement and individual identity. A dedicated Academic Excellence Black Scholars House Programmer will foster community through engaging academic, social, political, and wellness programming. By exemplifying leadership through service and building a strong community, these students will develop the foundation for academic success throughout their college careers. All residents of this house are encouraged to enroll in Thrive @ UCI, a course that supports student success within the University setting.

Campuswide Honors Collegium

This hall is committed to providing students with an atmosphere conducive to study and academic excellence. It is reserved for students in the Campuswide Honors Collegium. Special admission requirements apply.

Gender Inclusive – Open House

This hall strives to be an inclusive and non-judgmental community where diversity and the exploration of identity are celebrated. While all residents are welcome, Open House is intended as a safe and affirming environment that recognizes unique needs and challenges to the LGBTQ community. Residents of any sexual orientation or gender identity (including, but not limited to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, transgender, and queer) are encouraged to apply, as are allies and supporters of the LGBTQ community. In conjunction with Student Housing and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center, collaborative programs will foster community, encourage self-expression and create an atmosphere of openness and learning. In order to best serve its residents, Open House is the only hall in Mesa Court with gender-inclusive roommate assignments, allowing for students to request a roommate of any gender identity/expression.

General Interest

This theme is perfect for residents who have a broad interest in learning about a wide-array of topics. General Interest halls support students’ overall transition to college by exploring areas such as academic success, interpersonal growth, values clarification, time management, wellness, getting involved, managing conflict, and self-expression in order to assist students in building a solid foundation for collegiate success.

Outdoor Adventure

Add to the adventure of your first year at UCI by embracing outdoor exploration of the world around us! Build community as you share incredible experiences in the outdoors—guided trips, paddling and rock climbing. Develop wellness practices and leadership skills while connecting with the great outdoors. Our team of adventure ambassadors have a year of unique, adventurous, and epic experiences ahead! No prior experience needed.

Sierra – Community in a Diverse Society

Sierra is a one-of-a-kind, living-learning community located within Mesa Court. All residents of Sierra Hall are enrolled each quarter in “University Studies 21 A/B/C: Critical Thinking, Ethics and Just Communities,” a one credit class, for the entire academic year.

The Sierra program offers first-year students an in-hall, year-long class with an opportunity to build their own community, make connections, friends, and find a unique home away from home. The in-hall class builds skills in conflict resolution, active listening and problem solving in a safe environment. Student and professional staff provide mentoring, in class activities and assist in weaving the curriculum into daily hall living. The Sierra program has a rich history at UCI and a network of over 2,400 program alumni. More available on the Sierra Program Page.

Sustainability Hall

The Sustainability hall brings together students who have an interest in environmental issues, sustainability, and eco-friendly living. Residents will learn about the interaction of economic, social, and environmental issues that impact current and future generations, and they will have opportunities to practice and promote resource conservation and greener living on campus and beyond. Opportunities to engage in dialogues about global climate change, policy, environmental justice, and leadership will be a central programming theme. Residents will also have an opportunity to apply for EarthReps Ambassadors positions (paid student staff position within Student Housing).

Questions? Contact Mesa Court at (949) 824-6177 or mesacourt@uci.edu.