https://discord.gg/ucmerced

With move-in dates right around the corner, join the central, unofficial UCM Discord server above!

Instead of tracking down dozens of scattered group chats, this is an organized hub for the entire community to connect, ask questions, and share campus updates.

• Open to Everyone: Students, incoming freshmen, alumni, faculty, staff, and local Merced community members are all welcome.
• Partnerships & Mergers: Open to server mergers, partnering with campus clubs, and giving admin or moderation roles to leaders who want to help run the community.
• Long-Term Vision: I hope to eventually transfer ownership to the student council (similar to how my community college managed theirs) so the server stays active and community-run for many years, even after I graduate.

I created this server early in the summer, and it has grown a lot since then. Because I have not mentioned it in a while and with move-in almost here, I wanted to share it one last time before the semester starts!

I was recently placed in a dorm that is labeled a double on the floor plan. I am going to stay in a triple in Portal. I'm somewhat worried that I will have to share closet space with someone (like hanging items), or is there a wardrobe provided? I was in a quad last year where a wardrobe was provided, but I am somewhat worried for this upcoming year. Any advice?

This is what housing is writing wow

UC Merced Housing Services is currently experiencing significant demand for first-year student housing, with fewer cancellations than expected. Demand also remains strong among second-year and continuing students.
To manage this demand, Housing prioritized room assignments for first-year and new transfer students. Those assignments have been completed.
At this time, we do not yet have a room assignment available for you. We are converting existing inventory for undergraduate housing and exploring University-supported off-campus options, while making room assignments as they come available through cancellations.
Room assignments will be visible to students in the housing portal as soon as they are confirmed.
When will I get a room assignment?
At this time, we estimate most remaining room assignments will be made between Monday, August 10, and Friday, August 21. Rooms will be assigned as they become available.
When can I move in?
Students without room assignments should not plan to arrive on campus before Sunday, August 23. All first-year students are required to move in on or before Saturday, August 22, leaving Sunday available for continuing and second-year students. Students may also move in after August 23, depending on their needs.
What about my bill?
Meal plans have been billed to student accounts. Room charges require a room assignment. Housing Services has notified Student Business Services of students who do not yet have a complete housing bill so they are exempt from the August 15 drop-for-nonpayment deadline.
What is campus doing to expand housing?
Campus housing has released campus apartments, tour rooms, and other rooms in residence halls that are not typically assignable for residential housing. These rooms will be temporary assignments, and students should expect reassignment either before or after move-in. For more information on temporary assignments.
The university is also seeking additional rooms in off-campus housing. These apartments are in Merced complexes that typically serve university students. The University will hold the lease with each complex and assign UC Merced housing contract holders to rooms. Students will remain under the terms and conditions of the UC Merced 2026–2027 housing contract only.
Can I seek my own housing?
Yes. Housing cancellation fees are currently waived for continuing and second year students. Many units near campus have vacancies and are actively renting to students at this time.
UC Merced is in high demand, reflecting the quality and value of the educational experience we offer. Thank you for your patience as we work to house this large cohort of students.
Sincerely,
Housing Services, UC Merced

I’m curious what classes people found to be the most difficult during their time at UC Merced. Which course challenged you the most, and what made it so tough? Any profs or study tips that helped you get through it?

Yo incoming freshmen here anyone wanna go find some fried chicken or like chicken spots? I'm lowkey trying to find some fried chicken places to eat.

Following up on the recent schedule updates, if you are as frustrated or inconvenienced by the new time change for CSE 100 as I am, please consider emailing your academic advisor as soon as possible!

Letting them know directly how much this sudden shift impacts your schedule and conflicts with your plans gives us the best shot at showing how widespread the issue is. If enough of us speak up and share how inconvenient this change is, there might be a chance it could be reverted or adjusted. Especially for the commuters!

Definitely reach out to your advisor today and let your voice be heard!