Stevenson students pride themselves on creating and living in a close-knit community. For most students, their personal sense of the Stevenson community grows outward: starting on their floor, moving to others in their house and eventually the whole college. To help with the adjustment to life here, we do not separate students by class level, but instead assign both upper class students and first year students throughout the eight houses. It is important to remember that while your house will likely grow to have special meaning for you, by winter quarter it is common for students to participate in activities throughout the entire college.

Each of our houses at Stevenson is a site for cross-cultural exchange and learning.  Our programming emphasizes issues of difference and identity. Individual houses and the college Programs Office offer year-round opportunities for students to participate in residential and academic programs that share and celebrate the increasingly diverse heritage of our students. Some programs, such as College Nights, Events on The Knoll, in the Stevenson Events Center, and at our popular Stevenson Coffee House, bring the college community together. Other events, including speakers, movies and discussions, offer students the opportunity to learn more about themselves and each other.

There are eight separate residence houses at Stevenson College. In each of our two quads, four houses face each other across a central plaza. The two residential areas have come to be known as "Upper Quad" and "Lower Quad". There is no general advantage to living in one house or quad over another, though individuals may develop personal preferences over time.

Each house contains single, triple, large triple, and quad rooms. Single rooms are somewhat more expensive than the others and generally go to seniors and juniors. Most students live in triple rooms, which house 3 students. If you are a new student, you will most likely live in one of these.

Housing Specifics:

Mixed Gender Floors

Unless otherwise specified most students will be assigned onto mixed gender floors. Students live on a mixed gender floor in neighboring rooms on the same hall or floor and share a commitment to cooperative living through respect and consideration for one another. Bedrooms are single-gender spaces while the bathroom is shared and designed for ample privacy.

Single-Gender Floors

Residents of a single gender live on these floors. Guests of all genders are welcome as visitors; however, bathrooms are designated to the single gender of those living on the floor.

Substance Free Living

All living at Stevenson is expected to be completely substance free for all students under the age of 21 and limited for those 21 and older, what this means is:

• No smoking or use of any tobacco products is allowed on UCSC campus as a whole.
• No use of or possession of marijuana or of any other illegal drugs.
• No drinking of or possession of alcoholic substances unless you are 21 years of age.
• Presence on the floor while intoxicated is not allowed.

Any student found in violation of these expectations may be subject to loss of housing

• In addition residents are responsible for the actions of their guests, and their adherence to all of the above provisions.  If a guest is in violation the host will be adjudicated.

Theme Communities

R.PAATH: Rosa Parks African American Theme House:

R.PAATH is a student-initiated themed living option for all UCSC students whose interests span historical, present-day, and future experiences of predominately Black/African American peoples. R.PAATH is a community that is culturally sensitive and promotes cultural intelligence through organizing, living, studying, and socializing with staff passionate about political, cultural, popular, social, and economic issues of the African Diaspora (supplemental application required).

Diversity and Social Justice House:

The Diversity and Social Justice House is dedicated to providing opportunities that promote mutual respect and acceptance of the diversity of our students. This house actively creates and promotes positive community that embraces different cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. We sponsor programs and activities that bridge the gap between similarities and differences amongst our students in the Stevenson community.

       LGBTQ&A floor:

         The LGBTQ&A floor is a safe and open living environment for students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning or allies. This community is located within the Diversity and Social Justice House.