UCHA Co-op
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FAQ
Q1: What is a Co-op?
Q2: What is the UCHA Co-op like?
Q3: Do you offer tours?
Q4: How do I apply and how early?
Q5: How are students admitted to the UCHA (Co-op)?
Q6: How late can I apply?
Q7: What payments do I need to make to complete the admissions process?
Q8: Whom do I make payments out to? And where do I send it to?
Q9: What guarantees me a spot?
Q10: How do I send my application fee or reservation fee payments?
Q11: Can I apply for space on arrival?
Q12: What is the membership fee?
Q13: Can I use financial aid towards payments?
Q14: How is the student billed that does not attend UCLA?
Q15: What if I want to leave mid-quarter?
Q16: When do I make my room and board payments?
Q17: When do I get my deposit?
Q18: When do I check-in, and can I come in earlier/ later than this date? Also, can I check out after the official check-out date?
Q19: What type of room will I get and when?
Q20: Can I get parking?
Q21: How far away is the UCLA campus from the Co-op?
Q22: What is the difference between the three buildings?
Q23: What kind of meal plan do you offer?
Q24: What type of foods do you serve?
Q25: Are the rooms furnished?
Q26: What kind of a chore shift would I have to do?
Q27: Is it possible to rent a single or double or be with my friend?
Q28: What size beds do you provide?
Q29: What size are the rooms in UCHA?
Q30: What is "BUMP"?
Q31: What is "QPH"?
Q32: Do you offer airport pick-ups?
Q33: How do I get to the Co-op from LAX airport?
Q34: Could I change my arrival date?
Q35: What if I cannot make it during the check-in hours?
Q36: Where are you located?
Q37: How far away are you from Santa Monica College?
Q38: Are there separate floors or wings for men and women?
Q39: Are personal appliances (like a radio or TV) allowed in the room?
Q40: Is there a place where I can keep my valuables?
Q41: Is there an area where residents can keep food or fix their own snacks or meals?
Q42: How are your bath and shower facilities?
Q43: Can I send my packages to UCHA before arrival?
Q44: If I don't get in the quarter I want to, do I have to re-apply?
Q45: Is there any internet service in the rooms / on UCHA premises?
Q46: Are pets allowed?
Q47: How do I give you authorization by credit card?
Q48: What if I do not get admission for the quarter I applied for?
Q: What is a Co-op?
A: A Co-op is where people come together with a common cause or idea and share their resources towards achieving this end. In Co-ops, members work together and share in all the organizations responsibilities so that costs can be kept low. The resulting profits are used to benefit the members by increasing facilities and maintaining low costs. There are different types of Co-ops in the USA and around the world besides housing Co-ops, such as day-care, credit unions, food, dining co-ops...etc.
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Q: What is the UCHA Co-op like?
A: The UCHA Co-op is a member-run organization that offers Housing to UCLA and other full-time students. It consists of over 400 students from the United States and around the world. All members who live here participate in the functioning of the organization by contributing approximately 4 hours per week of their time in various departments of the organization. The benefit of this is that as a result, the UCHA is able to offer affordable room and board rates to students needing Housing.
Some examples of these departments are: Food service, facilities (i.e. maintenance and clean-up), bathroom cleaning, social activities, office etc. All chore assignments are flexible, and are based around a students schedule. All students living at the UCHA Co-op are considered members of the Association, and are encouraged to volunteer their ideas as well as their time in improving the organization and to make it a fun living environment.
The UCHA Co-op provides basic facilities to students such as food and utilities. In addition, all rooms are equipped with a bed, closet, curtain, desk and desk chair. Members are required to bring all personal items, or they may purchase them in shops nearby.
The UCHA Co-op is located within walking distance of the UCLA campus in cosmopolitan Westwood.
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Q: Do you offer tours?
A: Yes, we do offer tours on a regular basis. Please call 310 208 8242 for current tour times.
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Q: How do I apply and how early?
A: Just fill out an application and attach it with the minimum
payments i.e. US$35.00 application fee ($1,000.00 deposit fee is not
required until the day of check-in by the member). The application fee may be paid by cash, money order, or bank draft which needs to be included with the application. You may also write the number of your credit card at the back of your application, along with the expiry date and the amount you want debited. Also be sure to indicate if you want your application processed "express". We do not accept wire transfers. You can send the application by:
Fax: (310) 824-0112
E-mail: uchaweb@earthlink.net, or
Regular mail to: 500 Landfair Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 USA
As for how early - As applications are received on a rolling basis it is not possible to predict a good time except to say it is always good to apply as early as possible and at least two months prior to the start date of the quarter you want admission for. However, these predictions vary each year/quarter and while the UCHA does not offer any guarantees of space availabilities, feel free to apply or inquire of vacancies (even at the last minute) if interested in housing. Prospective residents may also apply to be on the waitlist in the event UCHA is full and has no spaces to offer.
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Q: How are students admitted to the UCHA (Co-op)?
A: Admission is generally on a rolling basis, but priority is given to UCLA students.
Prospective residents are required to turn in the application with the
$35 fee. If approved, UCHA (the office of the Executive Director) will
contact (write or E-mail) the applicant informing of his/her admission
and requiring confirmation from the applicant by payment of the
reservation fee. This fee, while non-refundable, will be credited
towards the first room and board payment of the quarter and will need to be paid
by the due date as specified by UCHA. On receipt of the reservation
fee, UCHA will inform applicant of his/her reservation, and specify the
official check-in date. On the date of check-in, the newly admitted
member is required to make payment of the deposit, membership fee, and
any early check-in charges (if any) as well. Applicants who are not offered admission are placed on a waitlist for the remainder of the quarter. Admission consideration is only for a quarter. If you are not offered admission the quarter you applied, but would like to be considered for a subsequent quarter, then you would need to send a seperate email request confirming that you want your file forwarded for the next quarter's admission consideration. An application is considered valid for only one academic year. If you were unable to obtain admission within that year, you would need to send in a new application for the following academic year (no new application fee need be sent/paid).
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Q: How late can I apply?
A: The UCHA has no application deadlines and admission is
on a rolling basis (i.e. vacancies filled on a first-come, first-served basis), but priority is given to UCLA students. All
applicants
are advised to apply early at least 2 months before the quarter you want admission for, especially if you are seeking Fall
admission. However, feel free to inquire of vacancies even at the last minute. Usually an application
will take 2-4 weeks for processing (depending on the time of year). You could also ask for an
application to be processed "express" which will be done within three business days. The express
fee is $20.00 and is in addition to the $35.00 application fee.
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Q: What payments do I need to make to complete the admissions process?
A: Prior to check-in, you should have made the following payments:
Application fee (US$35.00-Non-Refundable),
reservation (room and board) fee ($500.00 Non-refundable).
The $1,000.00 deposit and the $150.00 (Non-Refundable) member-fee will need to be
paid at the time of check-in along with any early check-in charges.
For check-ins (within two weeks) prior to the official check-in
date, there is a charge of US$25.00 a
day until the official check-in date. For any check-ins beyond two weeks (prior to the official check-in date)
payment will be on a weekly pro-rated basis.
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Q: Whom do I make payments out to? And where do I send it to?
A: All
non-cash payments should be addressed to "UCHA". Our mailing address
is: 500 Landfair Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Also, for payments
by credit card , you could either call the office and give the credit
card information or simply send an email specifying the number,
expiration date, last three digits of the security code (found on the reverse of the card) and the amount you want debited.
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Q: What guarantees me a spot?
A: A place can only be considered guaranteed, once you have met the following criteria a) been officially admitted, b) you have paid the reservation fee by the due date and c) you are in receipt of official confirmation from the UCHA
(in writing) stating that we have reserved a place for you (Please note: Any verbal assurances are not to be accepted, and UCHA will not at any time consider such claims as valid either).
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Q: How do I send my application fee or reservation fee payments?
A: You could make your reservation payment by cash, credit card, travelers' check or money order/bank draft. If you wish to pay by credit card, you would need to fax/email us authorizing the UCHA to debit your card and specify the amount, expiry date, card# and security code (last three digits found at the back of the card).
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Q: Can I apply for space on arrival?
A: No, and we strongly advice you against doing that. Spaces are competitive and you need
to get official confirmation in writing prior to arriving.
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Q: What is the membership fee?
A: At UCHA, residents are members of the organization. This one-time, non-refundable fee, is used for various member related
activities and services such as social events, to fund and maintain the computer lab, movie nights, the member
year book, etc.
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Q: Can I use financial aid towards payments?
A: The UCHA does not work with financial aid offices of any college. Students are responsible for contacting their respective aid offices and paying their bills to the UCHA by its due dates.
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Q: How is the student billed that does not attend UCLA?
A: Non-UCLA students (or students attending UCLA professional schools)
may check-in at any time during the week in accordance with their
respective school schedule. However, as the UCHA co-op structures its
quarterly schedule around the UCLA undergraduate school schedule, so is
the billing period. As such, while non-UCLA students may come in
mid-quarter, such students would be responsible for rents (room and board) in accordance
with the regular co-op billing cycle. If the non-UCLA member's school
schedule should end mid-quarter of the co-op billing period, such a
member would still be responsible for room and board payments until the end of the UCHA
co-op quarter.
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Q: What if I want to leave mid-quarter?
A: All contracts are for one quarter (approximately eleven weeks), and
automatically renewable unless canceled. Residents are responsible
for the entire quarters room and board payments regardless of the actual days spent at
UCHA. In addition, there will also be a $100.00 breach of contract
fee, for non-fulfillment of the contract and quarterly chore
requirements, if you choose to leave early.
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Q: When do I make my rent (room and board) payments?
A: While members (residents) are responsible for the entire quarters room and board payments you are billed in three monthly
installments,due on the first working day of each month. It is according to the following schedule:
1st month: US$500.00, 2nd month: US$500.00, 3rd month: Balance room and board payment due. The third room and board payment depends on the room/building you are in.
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Q: When do I get my deposit?
A: Approximately three weeks after you move out. You will need to contact the Accounts department for specific information.
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Q: When do I check-in, and can I come in earlier/ later than this date? Also, can I check out after the official check-out date
A: Usually, you would check-in on the official check-in day of each quarter. However, if
you needed to check-in mid-quarter or at any other time, that may be possible, but you need
to first confirm the date with the office. Payments after the check-in week will be on a pro-rated basis as per the official (UCHA) rate sheet. Any check-ins prior to the official check-in date will be costed @$25/day.
Please note you may check-in only after
receiving written confirmation of a space for
you. All check-ins need to be during official hours: M-F 12:00PM - 8:00PM.
We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, so, please call or email to confirm holiday schedule.
Regarding check-out, you may stay during the breaks if you are a continuing member. If you are not, then there is a daily per-diem charge. However, you may not stay past the official check-in date of the next/new quarter. If you do, you are deemed to be staying for the new quarter and will be charged/responsible for the entire (new) quarter's stay.
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Q: What type of room will I get and when?
A: UCHA is a student cooperative; hence, all room selections are made by each member
according to their individual seniority. When you check-in however, you will be
assigned a temporary room based on what's available at the time of chck-in, until you pick your permanent room. These selections are
usually made during the second or third week of
each quarter (as per the UCLA calendar) during the official
process called "BUMP". Bump is a special day when students
gather to select the rooms of their choice (See Q:30 for details).
These selections are made according to each member's preference and seniority,
where the most senior members are called upon first to make their selections
followed by members of lesser seniority. You may opt for the cheapest room or one that is more expensive depending on your personal budget or preference, and depending on what's available to choose from when it's your turn to select. Members may also improve their chances by group bumping which means teaming up with other senior members. If you group bump, the seniority of your group is averaged. Seniority is defined as the
number of days a member has actually lived at the UCHA co-op. Most new
students usually live in a triple the first quarter of their residence at the co-op. The office does not pre-book rooms or co-ordinate preferences. It's a random process until Bump.
For more information please see "Bump."
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Q: Can I get parking?
A: The UCHA does offer a limited amount of Parking spots to members. However, all (parking) assignments are competitive and are issued based on a member's seniority in the organization. These spots are issued at "Bump." Once you obtain a spot it remains yours until you give it up or decide to change location. Any spot obtained from the waitlist however is temporary and is issued only until "Bump" when a member will need to compete to retain it or obtain a different but permanent spot. If you are unable to obtain a spot at Bump, then you may re-apply to be on the temporary waitlist. As such, new members should expect to obtain parking on campus or park on the streets around the first two quarter's of their residence at the UCHA, until such time as they are able to compete for and obtain a permanent spot. The quarterly parking fee at the UCHA is $150.00. For details on private parking facilities in the area, prospective residents are advised to search the internet.
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Q: How far away is the UCLA campus from the Co-op?
A: The UCLA campus is approximately five to ten minutes walking distance from the Co-op.
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Q: What is the difference between the three buildings?
A: The Co-op has three buildings Hardman Hansen (HHH), Essene and Robison.
HHH is a seven story building which is centrally located, housing the
cafeteria, mail room, main office, computer room and student store.
What's distinct about Essene is that most of the rooms have their own bathroom.
Robison is a cultural landmark and is a collection of apartment-styled entry ways to the individual rooms.
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Q: What kind of meal plan do you offer?
A: During the quarter,we offer 19 meals per week (Monday through Friday: Breakfast (6.30am to 9.30am), Lunch (11.30am to 1.30pm), Dinner (5pm to 7pm), and
Saturday/Sunday: Brunch (9am to 12pm) and Dinner (5pm to 7pm). Meals are a part of the quarterly room and board charge (i.e. rent) and are not separated. We do not permit members to prepare their own meals instead of participating in our meal plan.
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Q: What type of foods do you serve?
A: As UCHA is culturally diverse , we try to cater to wide variety of
tastes. Some of the more popular dishes served are: spaghetti and meat
balls, pasta, hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, soups and salads, pizza, lasagna, steamed rice,
boiled vegetables, curry, egg rolls, etc. UCHA also serves a variety of cuisines from Asia and other parts of
the world. All entrees are prepared by a full-time professional staff.
However, we also accept the contribution of individual members to the
overall menu.
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Q: Are the rooms furnished?
A: All rooms are furnished with a writing desk, bed, closet, curtains and a bookshelf. All personal items
such as bed sheets, pillowcases, towels etc. need to be brought by you.
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Q: What kind of a chore shift would I have to do?
A: All first quarter members are required to help-out (do their chore requirement) in one of three areas: Kitchen,
Facilities (includes Maintenance and Clean-up) and Security. A member may transfer to a different crew (i.e. Office, Co-op store, social etc.) thereafter.
Explanation of Shifts:
Kitchen: The kitchen is open for service from 6:00am each morning
(starts at 8:00am on the weekends) till 10:00pm each night (ends at 9:00pm on the weekends). Members
will select a specific day and time (at check-in), to work in any four-hour time slot (i.e. shift) each week. The time slots available are based on the needs of the department. You may continue to do your chore at the same time each week unless you need to change your time or crew. Working in
the kitchen usually entails helping in serving food, washing dishes, pots/pans,
preparing salad items and a variety of clean-up projects(i.e.
mopping,sweeping etc). All students work under the direction of a
supervisor popularly known as the KC (Kitchen Chief).
Facilities: Here too each member works under the direct
supervision of the manager or supervisor for the day. Projects include
fixing and assembling furniture, painting, and assisting the full-time
staff with a variety of miscellaneous duties. Duties also include: Sweeping/Mopping the
public areas of all three buildings,emptying trash,vacuuming etc.
Security: All shifts are in the evening/early morning
(i.e. 11:00pm to 6:00am) and crew members work largely
unsupervised. Duties include patrolling the buildings and monitoring the
presence of non-members. Additionally, crew members may be requested to
work extra hours at special events.
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Q: Is it possible to rent a single or double or be with my friend?
A: As rooms are given out on a seniority basis, all singles, and
most of the doubles are taken by the members who have been here a
longer time. It takes approximately two years to have a reasonable chance of competing for a single, and approximately two quarters to have a reasonable chance of getting a double. Usually a new member moves into a triple until they have
enough seniority to Bump to the room of their choice. If you want to live with a friend in a double or in any other room, you will need to check-out your chances during the formal process (i.e. at Bump). The admissions office does not involve itself in securing a specific room for a resident. It is all confirmed through the official Bump process and is upto the individual resident to secure the room or roommate of their choice at "BUMP." (see Q30: for more details).
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Q: What size beds do you provide?
A: Beds are usually twin size. The approximate mattress size is: 38"x77". Please note we also provide bunk beds that are similar in size.
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Q: What size are the rooms in UCHA?
A: Room size varies depending upon the building you live in. However, the average sizes are:
Triple - 11'x20'.4"
Double - 10'.8"x18'.2"
Single - 7'.6"x6'.10"
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Q: What is "BUMP"?
A: Bump is the day a new resident obtains his/her permanent room. On an
assigned date (Usually the second or third week in a new quarter), all
new members (and those old members who would like to try a different
room), assemble in the cafeteria, where they are called upon one-by-one, and according to their seniority (i.e. days they have been living at UCHA), to select
their new room. At this event (i.e BUMP) there will be a display of all
rooms that are open for selection.
Members may improve their seniority by teaming up with more senior
members (e.g. If you team-up with a member who has been living here for
one year, then, you will both have an average of six months seniority
each). It is not possible to assess one's chances for getting a room of your choice, as it depends on a variety of factors such as the number of residents participating, the amount of senior Co-opers competing, and the resulting vacant rooms open for selection. But on average it takes approximately two years to get a single. Obtaining a double is a bit easier (approximately two quarters), but again, it depends on the competition (at each Bump). This event is held every quarter (except summer), and you don't have to Bump a second time unless you want to change a room, be with a friend in a different room, or you are required to for not meeting the membership standards in a quarter. Depending on space/room availability, and with the consent of both parties, you may apply to live with a member of the opposite gender (possibilities will vary each quarter). This event is solely organized by the membership committee, and
they entertain questions and inform students of details regarding the process during the week of this
event.
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Q: What is "QPH"?
A: QPH is an acronym for Quarter Project Hours. In addition to a members weekly chore contribution, you are required to do a project (equivalent to 4 hours) once every quarter. Examples of such projects are painting a hallway, participating in a clean-up project or special event or simply contributing an additional four hours in the department where you already do your weekly chore shift.
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Q: Do you offer airport pick-ups?
A: No, unfortunately, we do not. However, there are many options available
to passengers at the airport. Please inquire at the airport information
booth.
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Q: How do I get to the Co-op from LAX airport?
A: As the Co-op does not provide transportation most people usually hire a cab (approximately
$40.00 and around 25 minutes), or take the shuttle van (around 1 hour, depending on traffic)
from the airport. Look for the blue "Van Stop" sign outside the
baggage claim area and tell
the airport employee that you need a shuttle to UCLA or Westwood. There are
many van companies with cost ranging from $15 to $25.
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Q: Could I change my arrival date or quarter of admission?
A: Yes, once approved, you can change your arrival date, so long as you inform the office prior to the change and come during our check-in office hours, which are Monday through Friday 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Also, please be informed, there will be an additional charge for early arrival. The price will vary depending on the arrival date.
If you want to transfer your admission for a different quarter, that may be possible as well. In this case you would need to email the admissions office and formally request that your admission be forwarded to the next quarter of your choice. The confirmation of your request will depend on space availabilities for that quarter. No space can be considered reserved until you are in receipt of official confirmation from the office of the Executive Director in writing.
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Q: What if I cannot make it during the check-in hours?
A: If you are unable to make it during the official check-in times, you
would need to check into a nearby hotel/motel and come in on the next
day open for business. For details on nearby living options, please
visit the online UCLA Housing Office Hotel/Motel directory.
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Q: Where are you located?
A: We are on the corner of Landfair at Ophir in Westwood, one block from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Remember, the Co-op address is 500 Landfair Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024. This is the address you would be arriving at to officially check in.
Map / Directions
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Q: How far away are you from Santa Monica College?
A: We are about 45 minutes away by bus (depending on traffic) and about 20 minutes away by car (depending on trafic).
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Q: Are there separate floors or wings for men and women?
A: No. All our halls are gender-mixed. It all depends on how each
member ends up selecting a room. The bathrooms however are used by members individually.
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Q: Are personal appliances (like a radio or TV) allowed in the room?
A: Yes. Personal appliances are allowed in the room provided that they are not cooking devices
(ovens, microwaves, hot plates etc. are not allowed).
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Q: Is there a place where I can keep my valuables?
A: At UCHA, while we provide a closet and writing desk, we do not
provide safes, lockers, etc. Students that require such facilities
would need to bring their own or seek professional services that may be
available in the neighborhood.
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Q: Is there an area where residents can keep food or fix their own snacks or meals?
A: No. Unfortunately we do not allow members to prepare their own food.
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Q: How are your bath and shower facilities?
A: While some rooms have attached baths, most rooms share bathrooms in the same
hallway. On average four rooms will share two bathrooms. However,
while residents of a hallway share the common bathrooms, each bathroom
is occupied one member at a time.
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Q: Can I send my packages to UCHA before arrival ?
A: UCHA does not take any responsibility for handling packages of
prospective residents. As such, you will need to make sure that you
are here and officially checked-in prior to the arrival of your
package.
Our mailing address is 500 Landfair Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
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Q: If I don't get in the quarter I want to, do I have to re-apply?
A: An application is valid for only one academic year (Fall through Summer). All files are automatically forwarded (for consideration) within that period. If you didn't get in within that duration, then yes, you would need to send in an updated application (for the new academic year). No new application fee is needed if already paid, and you were on the waitlist. Returning members do not need to pay a new application fee either if you are returning within one year of having previously lived at the Co-op.
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Q: Is there any internet service in the rooms / on UCHA premises?
A: Yes, there is a wireless internet service on its premises. It covers most common areas (i.e. lobby, patio, A-Wing lounge, study rooms) and a majority of rooms (mostly in Hardman Hansen Hall) at UCHA. The project is a work in progress, and as such some areas don’t receive the wireless signal as yet.
In addition to the above, the UCHA has a fully operational computer room (approximately 12 stations) that provides internet / print services to members.
Residents are able to utilize these facilities upon registering for it.
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Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Sorry, no pets are allowed on UCHA premises.
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Q: How do I give you authorization by credit card?
A: All you need to do is send us a fax or an email stating that you authorize the UCHA to debit your card. Also, state the card number, expiry date, security code number (last three digits) and the amount you want us to debit (For security purposes you may also send the card details in two seperate emails).
Example (of statement): I hereby authorize the UCHA to debit my card #...., expiry #....Security code # (last three digits only)....for the amount of $....
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Q: What if I do not get admission for the quarter I applied for?
A: An application is considered active for only one year (Fall through Summer). However, admission consideration is only for a specific quarter. If you did not gain admission for the quarter you initially applied for (regardless of if you were placed on the waitlist), then you would need to send in a written (email) request to have your file considered for another quarter (or next quarter). If you were not sucessful in gaining admission within the same academic year (Fall through Summer), then you would need to send in a new application for the next academic year.
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