Graduate students are housed at the Verano and Palo Verde apartments. Freshmen are typically assigned to live in either the
Middle Earth or Mesa Court residence halls, while non-freshmen undergraduates live in the Campus Village, Arroyo Vista, or Vista
Del Campo housing complexes, or in one of the many apartment complexes off-campus. Because of increasing enrollment in recent
years, on-campus housing is not guaranteed for non-freshmen students, besides transfer students. However, plans for two-year
guaranteed housing are in motion due to the opening of the latest on-campus housing complex, Vista Del Campo, and the
construction of another housing complex, Vista Del Campo Norte.Due to its location in a preplanned suburban community, general student apathy, reputation as an academic or commuter school,
and lack of emphasis on athletics, UCI has had a reputation as a quieter college town. While it is true that life at UCI can be
said to be somewhat different from the traditional idea of American college life, there is still plenty of entertainment and
recreation on campus and in the area.The recently completed Anteater Recreation Center boasts several new recreational and sporting facilities and is popular among
students (and some faculty). The campus is within driving distance of local attractions such as the Irvine Spectrum, and South Coast Plaza shopping malls, as well as some of Southern
California's most popular beaches and surfing spots at Newport and Huntington Beach.Also popular among those who know where to find it is the only pub on campus: the Anthill
Pub and Grille, a self proclaimed "swill-free zone" which is run by the Associated Graduate Students. Located on the third floor
of the Student Center, the Anthill boasts an impressive collection of microbrew
beers, ciders, and wine as well as a knowledgeable staff. The pub has become a favorite location for students and some faculty to
have a drink while talking, watching TV, or shooting pool between or after classes. A pint of beer typically runs $3, while a
pitcher costs around $8. Somewhat fitting for UCI's sober reputation, the Pub is not open on weekends or during the summer.UCI also holds a medieval theme fair known as Wayzgoose in April, which includes (among other things) student booths, live
bands, (lots of) food, a car show, and students dressed in cardboard armor whacking each other with fake swords. The event is
open to the public and also functions as an open house for incoming and prospective students.