Housing Options Near UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Finding the right housing is a crucial part of the college experience. For students attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a variety of housing options are available, ranging from on-campus dormitories and university-owned apartments to numerous off-campus apartments and houses in the surrounding neighborhoods. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of these options, helping students make informed decisions about where to live during their time at UCLA.

On-Campus Housing

UCLA offers a range of student housing, including on-campus dormitories primarily for undergraduate students and off-campus university apartments predominantly for graduate students.

Undergraduate Housing

On-campus undergraduate housing consists of residential halls. A meal plan is usually included in the cost of on-campus housing. UCLA also has university apartments located near the Westwood apartment area and within walking distance of campus.

Graduate Housing

Graduate student housing is typically located off-campus, either in Westwood or the Palms area. While living off-campus, graduate students can still access on-campus dining at an additional cost.

Family Housing

UCLA provides over 1,100 off-campus housing options for families, designed for married students, students in same-sex domestic partnerships, and single parents. These unfurnished units come with a complete kitchen and access to amenities such as swimming pools for adults and children, a childcare center, and a deluxe playground. Parking is not guaranteed, requiring submission of valid vehicle registration for assignment of a garage space or parking spot. Due to high demand and limited availability, early application submission is crucial for securing family housing.

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Off-Campus Housing: An Overview

Many students opt to live off-campus for increased independence, more space, and potentially lower costs. There are numerous apartments, houses, and co-living spaces available in the neighborhoods surrounding UCLA.

Advantages of Off-Campus Housing

More Affordable Rent: Sharing costs with roommates can significantly reduce expenses, and you avoid mandatory meal plans.
Every Decision is Your Own: You have the freedom to furnish your space, choose your meals, and live independently.
Flexible Leases: Short-term rental options are available, allowing you to move to different neighborhoods based on your preferences.
Close to Amenities: Living near restaurants, grocery stores like Trader Joe's and Ralphs, and other amenities enhances convenience.
Invite Friends: Off-campus apartments allow you to host friends and family, offering more privacy than dorms.
Live with Pets: Many off-campus options are pet-friendly, a perk not available in UCLA residence halls.
More Storage Space: Off-campus apartments often provide spacious closets and pantries.

Popular Neighborhoods for UCLA Students

Several neighborhoods near UCLA are popular among students, each offering unique characteristics and housing options.

Westwood

Westwood is immediately adjacent to the UCLA campus, making it a prime location for students seeking convenience. The area offers a vibrant student atmosphere and is filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. You can find apartments within walking distance of UCLA. The area west of campus is dense with apartments ("North Westwood Village"). The campus evening vans and security escort program operate in this area. Expect high rents, though sharing helps keep costs down. Aside from campus, the nearest services are in Westwood Village, just south of campus.

West Los Angeles

West Los Angeles (West LA) is a broader district offering a range of housing options, including family housing and single rooms for rent. Compared to Westwood, West LA provides a more spacious and residential atmosphere. Apartments south of Wilshire drop in price and are close to the free UCLA Campus Shuttle located at the UCLA Wilshire Center (pick up at Midvale Avenue and Ashton Ave). West LA extends south of Westwood and west of Veteran Avenue (1.5 to 5 miles from campus). Much of this area is within walking or biking distance from campus. East of the 405, students may find rooms to rent. Apartments are clustered near Santa Monica and Olympic Boulevards. The area west of the 405 is popular with students. It has many small apartments, slightly less expensive than those in Westwood, and good bus access to campus along Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard.

Brentwood

Located just east of the UCLA campus, Brentwood offers a more tranquil, suburban living experience. Brentwood is two miles west of campus, separated from it by the Brentwood VA complex and the 405 Freeway. You might find rooms or guest houses in the country-like roads in the northern section of Brentwood, but most apartments are in the triangle bordered by Wilshire, San Vicente Boulevard and Bundy. This area has been hard hit by condo conversions, but there are still many apartments to rent or share. The main street in Brentwood is San Vicente Boulevard. Buses to campus are on Wilshire, Montana and Sunset Boulevard.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an iconic beach city west of the UCLA campus. It's four to seven miles from campus, and features a large number of off-campus apartment complexes, making it a suitable option for students seeking a more relaxed and coastal lifestyle. You can also rent or share some off-campus housing listings with your classmates to get discounts for group booking! Santa Monica’s main attraction is Downtown, consisting of the 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place (a mall), and the Santa Monica Pier. Additionally, there are boutique shops and upscale restaurants lining Montana Ave, although there is plenty of retail and restaurants throughout Santa Monica.

Bel Air

Known for its luxurious estates and high-end amenities, Bel Air is a desirable option for faculty members and students seeking high-quality off-campus housing.

Pacific Palisades

North of Santa Monica and the UCLA campus, Pacific Palisades offers a picturesque and serene living environment. Affordable housing options are available in the area. Centered along Sunset Boulevard as it winds its way to the Pacific, most of this neighborhood is in the hills and canyons overlooking the ocean. There are apartment shares and rooms in homes here.

Culver City

Culver City boasts a significant presence of TV and movie production, with its trendy vibe and numerous newer apartments, making it an attractive option for students and creatives. You can use the Expo Line to get to UCLA.

Venice

Favored by part-time UCLA students, Venice is known for Venice Beach. Living there allows one to enjoy a Bohemian beach life, but with a longer commute.

Read also: Student Housing at CSU Pueblo

Silver Lake

Silver Lake's distance and higher cost of living make it less appealing to students, but it is a vibrant and artistic area. The commute to campus, especially without a car, can be challenging and time-consuming.

Mid-City

Mid-City is a bit further from UCLA than other popular student neighborhoods, such as Santa Monica, Culver City, or West LA. But UCLA university housing is affordable in this area, if you have a car, driving to school will be more convenient.

Rancho Park

Located southwest of the UCLA campus and close to the 405 freeway, Rancho Park offers lots of affordable UCLA off-campus housing options and is ideal for students with cars. Stunning furnished or unfurnished two story newer modern style contemporary showpiece in beautiful Rancho Park with its gorgeous tree-lined streets known for its fall foliage.

Key Considerations When Choosing Off-Campus Housing

When searching for off-campus housing near UCLA, several factors should be taken into account to ensure a comfortable and successful living experience.

Safety

Prioritize safety over price when choosing your UCLA university housing. While Westwood and West LA are generally secure, ensure the housing has adequate security measures like 24/7 security, CCTV, and controlled access. It is generally a good idea to avoid walking alone at night.

Transportation

If you don’t own a car, renting apartments near public transit is necessary. Look for UCLA student housing near bus stops to ensure a shorter commute, which translates to more time for classes and other activities.

Utilities

Clarify whether the rent includes utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and trash. Some apartments cover these basics, but you may need to budget extra for TV and internet.

Lease Terms

A lease is a legally binding contract, so read it carefully before signing. Most UCLA off-campus housing contracts are for 12 months, but terms can sometimes be negotiated.

Security Deposit

Landlords often charge one month’s rent as a security deposit. Some may allow you to pay this in installments. By law, any refunds from the security deposit must be issued within 21 days after you move out, minus any costs for repairs beyond normal wear and tear.

Roommates

Splitting rent with roommates is a common practice in the pricey neighborhoods near UCLA. Choose roommates wisely and discuss schedules, habits, and house rules early on to ensure a harmonious living arrangement.

Parking Availability

If you plan to have a car, verify parking options at the apartment complex. Many UCLA off-campus housing options offer car parking spots.

Furnishing Options

If you rent an unfurnished apartment, you’ll need to budget for furniture. Some purpose-built student housing offers furnished units at higher rates. Check what's included, such as a mattress, desk, etc. Temporary furniture rental services can be a practical solution for short stays.

Cost of Living Near UCLA

The cost of living at UCLA varies depending on whether you choose to live in a residence hall or off-campus. As a California resident, the estimated cost of living in a UCLA Residence Hall is approximately $43,137 per academic year. Living off-campus costs around $44,974 per academic year. For non-California residents, there is a nonresident supplemental tuition fee of $37,602 per academic year. These costs include tuition, food, housing, transportation, health insurance, and other expenses.

Estimated Expenses for UCLA Students

UCLA Apartments Cost:
- UCLA on-campus apartments: $14,744 to $20,962 per year
- UCLA off-campus housing: $19,888 to $20,500 per year
UCLA University Fee: $15,700 (Nonresident Supplemental Tuition: $37,602)
Food:
- Groceries: $50 - $100 per week
- Dining out: $20 - $50 per meal
Entertainment:
- Movie tickets: $10 - $15 per ticket
- Fitness memberships: $20 - $50 per month
- Other entertainment expenses: $50 - $100 per month
Transportation: Public transportation: $857-$1,646 per year
Miscellaneous:
- Books and supplies: $1,680 per year
- Personal expenses: $2,362 per year
- Health Insurance: $3,579 per year

Transportation Options

Navigating Los Angeles traffic can be challenging, so consider alternative transportation options such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking. Many UCLA university apartments are conveniently located close to campus and public transit.

Public Transit at UCLA

The Bruin U-Pass transit program allows students to commute to campus or travel throughout Los Angeles County without a car for free. The transit agencies included in this program are:

Antelope Valley Transit Authority
Foothill Transit
LADOT
Long Beach Transit
Metro

Resources for Finding Housing

Several online resources can assist you in your search for UCLA off-campus housing. Websites like uhomes.com and Uloop.com offer listings of apartments, roommates, sublets, and dorms in and around Los Angeles, CA. These platforms allow you to search and refine your search based on your preferences and needs.

Featured Housing Options

Several apartment complexes and co-living spaces near UCLA offer unique amenities and living experiences. Here are a few examples:

Westwood Village Apartment Homes: Located at 1033 Hilgard Ave, Westwood Village, CA 90024, offering furnished and unfurnished studios and 1-bedroom suites.
eight70870 Hilgard Avenue: Offers short-term rentals with 1 to 6-month lease terms.
Luxe Villas: Located at 11640 Mayfield Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049, offering furnished co-living studio suites and unfurnished 1 and 2-bedroom apartments.
Wilshire Margot: Located at 10599 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, offering furnished co-living studio suites and unfurnished 1 and 3-bedroom apartments.

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