Most have study and recreation areas. Two are for women only. All rooms in the apartments are singles, while the houses offer singles, doubles, and a few triples. House membership ranges from 17 to 151. Room assignments are based on house and USCA seniority.
Some houses have long waiting lists.
The USCA has long recognized the importance of its role in helping the less advantaged gain access to a university education and providing support for those of diverse backgrounds. Since the 1970s, many individual co-op houses have adopted specific cultural or ethnic themes to provide synergistic support around that theme. There is also a vegetarian theme-house called Lothlorien. Co-ops keep costs low by relying on members to run them. All residents are required to put in a few hours a week, usually five, to help maintain their house.