UCLA Campus Housing: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Choosing where to live is a crucial decision for any student. For those heading to UCLA, the question of housing goes beyond just finding a place to sleep; it's about choosing a lifestyle. With over 48,000 students, UCLA offers a diverse range of housing options, each catering to different personalities, budgets, and priorities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UCLA campus housing options, both on and off-campus, to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Introduction

Finding the right housing option at UCLA requires careful consideration of factors like budget, lifestyle, and proximity to campus. Whether you're a first-year student seeking the convenience and community of on-campus dorms or a graduate student desiring the independence of off-campus apartments, UCLA and its surrounding neighborhoods offer a variety of choices. From the vibrant atmosphere of Westwood to the trendy vibe of Sawtelle, there's a housing option to suit every student's needs.

On-Campus Housing: Convenience and Community

UCLA Housing Services offers a variety of on-campus options to suit every student's style. On-campus housing at UCLA includes utilities, 24/7 security, furnished rooms, and convenient access to dining halls, recreation centers, and academic support services. These options are ideal for students who prioritize convenience, community, and easy access to campus resources.

Undergraduate Housing: Residential Halls

On-campus housing, primarily in residential halls, includes a meal plan option. There are four main on-campus categories.

Classic Residence Halls: These traditional dorms, featuring shared bathrooms on each floor, are typically the most economical on-campus option and therefore popular among first-year students. Examples include Dykstra, Hedrick, Rieber, and Sproul Halls, which foster strong social environments and maximize proximity to campus resources. A classic double room may cost around $1,300 per month over nine months (according to UCLA Housing data).
Deluxe Residence Halls: Deluxe residence halls provide larger rooms with air conditioning. Examples of such halls are Sproul Cove, Sproul Landing, and Holly. These options provide excellent amenities while remaining close to campus life.
Plazas: Plazas offer greater privacy than classic dorms. These buildings typically offer private bathrooms and air conditioning. Some buildings, like De Neve and Sunset Village, are broken up into smaller buildings, with courtyards and grassy nooks between buildings.
Suites: To maximize privacy, suites like Saxon and Hitch offer a living room and shared bathrooms between two rooms. They provide more solitude to students who prioritize quietness and comfort. Modern furnishings make these suites appealing options. Suites and plaza options range from $1,700 to $2,000 per month (according to UCLA Housing data).

Graduate Housing: University Apartments

Graduate housing is generally located off-campus, either in Westwood or in the Palms area. Graduates who live off-campus are still eligible for on-campus dining at an extra cost. UCLA also offers university apartments that are located throughout the surrounding Westwood apartment area and are within walking distance from the campus. Please see Housing on eligibility and rates.

Off-Campus Housing: Independence and Flexibility

Many students prefer nearby neighborhoods for more independence, flexibility, and space despite UCLA providing ample on-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Off-campus housing offers a variety of options, from shared apartments to private studios, allowing students to tailor their living situation to their individual needs and preferences.

Popular Neighborhoods

Westwood: Just steps from campus, Westwood is an idyllic student hub, which is walkable and full of eateries, gyms, and shops. Expect shared units starting at around $1300/month while one-bedroom apartments range between $2,200-$3,000 for rent. This attracts graduate students and working professionals. Le Conte Avenue, Landfair Avenue, and Lindbrook Drive contain small apartment buildings, student housing complexes, and co-living suites ranging in rent from $1600-2200 per month, with furnished options that include utilities as the norm.
Brentwood / S.Colby Ave: If you're seeking modern student-friendly housing near the UCLA campus, this Colby Ave property provides the ideal blend of comfort and convenience. Fully furnished spaces and thoughtful features create an effortless living experience in West LA for UCLA students. Location: 1515 Colby Avenue in Sawtelle is an ideal spot, close to UCLA, cafes, and Japanese restaurants. Rent: Starting at $1,265. Furnishing Options: Our units can be provided furnished or unfurnished, providing maximum flexibility. Amenities: Include sleek exterior designs, open concept floor plans, luxurious fixtures, and premium appliances. Special Offer: Now offering a $250 Look & Lease Bonus when signed before July 31 (please contact our leasing office for details).
Sawtelle: Trendy and food-centric, Sawtelle offers modern buildings and an eclectic cultural mix, making it the perfect location for students seeking something social yet distinct from campus life. Coliving spaces typically range between $1,400-$1,800/month.
Wilshire Corridor: For those seeking apartment-style living with style. Luxury high-rises feature amenities like rooftop lounges and fitness centers for residents to take advantage of. Ideal for those seeking high-rise living.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

West Los Angeles (West LA)

West Los Angeles, commonly referred to as West LA, is one of Los Angeles's premier neighborhoods on the west side. Situated between Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Culver City, West LA makes for an attractive living option for students, young professionals, and anyone needing quick access to beaches as well as major employment centers. Renters often select West LA as the perfect balance of lifestyle and location, offering access to everyday essentials like grocery stores, cafes, gyms, and local restaurants while still being minutes from the coast. You can get around easily without a car thanks to public transportation. Metro bus routes and Expo Line stops nearby are just two examples. Drivers can take advantage of the quick access to the 405 or 10 freeways to get to UCLA, Santa Monica College, and Silicon Beach offices. West LA apartments span an array of styles and price points, from classic courtyard buildings to contemporary furnished apartments with roommate accommodations that cater specifically to roommate arrangements. Many rentals also cater to students by offering flexible leases and coliving options that make shared living more accommodating. This neighborhood is a popular and practical choice for those looking for West LA Apartments or West LA Homes for Rent. It's also a great option for students who are searching for housing close to major campuses.

Other Neighborhoods

Those neighborhoods offer more affordable and bus-accessible living. Westwood remains the go-to choice, while Sawtelle and Brentwood provide plenty of charm as alternative student communities that allow more independence while remaining close to campus life.

Culver City: Since the 1920s, Culver City has been a hub for TV and movie production, which means you never know who you may see around town when you leave your West Los Angeles abode. Most options here are around 8 miles from the university, so you will want to have access to a vehicle, or you can use public transportation. If your search for a place to live while you're in school includes the desire to be around TV and film studios, Culver City is a great option.
Santa Monica: Santa Monica is only 7 miles away from UCLA. If you choose to live here, you can quickly access the university while still enjoying the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There is also plenty to do in your free time, including amusement parks and an outdoor gym that opened in the 1930s.
Venice: If you're in the middle of a search for a place in Los Angeles, CA that allows you to enjoy the beaches and scenery, Venice is a wonderful choice for housing or apartments. Housing in this area can be a little costly because of the demand, but you will be able to enjoy the outdoor gym, the skating rink, and all the other attractions of the area.
Silverlake: If your UCLA University housing search includes the desire to enjoy locally owned artisan coffee shops and other regional attractions that are specific to this area of Los Angeles, Silver Lake is the ideal spot for you. The distance between Silverlake and UCLA is a little long (41 miles), so you'll need to make preparations to drive yourself or take advantage of public transit.
Downtown Los Angeles, CA: Finally, Downtown Los Angeles is a diverse area of more than 85,000 people. This is the part of LA that most tourists want to visit when they come to town, but you can find residential options here while you're enrolled at UCLA. Be sure to take full advantage of all the neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, and attractions that make Downtown LA one of the most sought-after areas in the world.

Important Considerations for Off-Campus Housing

Safety: While apartments located in unsafe neighborhoods may be relatively inexpensive, the safety of the neighborhood should be your primary concern when looking for an apartment. Westwood, and West LA in general, are safe areas but it is always good to be cautious. Aim for listings within or close to UCLA's campus patrol area or police beat zones.
Transportation and Proximity to Campus: If you do not plan to purchase a car, it is very important that the apartment have public transportation nearby. Please see the âTransportationâ webpage for more information.
Utilities: Utilities, such as gas, electricity, and water and trash may be included in the price of the apartment. If the utilities are not included in the rent it is a good idea to ask the landlord how much the utilities usually cost per month. It is typical that water and trash will be included in your rent but usually gas, electricity, television and internet typically will not be included. Budget for extras such as parking (Westwood parking ranges from $150-$250/month) and utilities (typically between $50 and $150).
Terms of the Lease: A lease is a contract granting use or occupation of a property. Be sure to read everything before you sign a lease! Typically leases are 12 months in length but this is sometimes negotiable with the landlord. When you sign a lease, you are agreeing that you are responsible for the rent payments for the ENTIRE lease term. If you are a UCLA student the Student Legal Services will review your lease with you BEFORE you sign.
Security Deposit: Most landlords will require a security deposit which usually runs the same as one month rent, although they do vary. If your rent is $900/month then it is likely your deposit will be an additional $900 in addition to your first monthâs rent. Some landlords will allow you to break your deposit into payments (over 2 to 3 months) but you have to request it. Legally, you should receive your remaining deposit back within 21 days of leaving your apartment unless there is more damage to the apartment than basic wear and tear. Again, Student Legal Services is there to help you with any issues you have with landlords, security deposits, etc. so please contact them with any questions or to make an appointment.
Roommates: Due to the high cost of living in Westwood, and LA in general, it is very common that students share rooms or at least have another roommate to share the cost of the apartment and utilities. Be selective when choosing your roommates since you will be living with them for a while â make sure you learn as much as you can about their lifestyle and habits (waking time, sleeping time, alcohol, smoking, cleanliness, party/study habits, etc.) and your adjustment to living with roommates will be a lot easier. Some apartment complexes (like Tripalink) offer roommate matching services as part of their furnished lease agreements, along with move-in-ready amenities.

Short-Term Housing Options

Finding short-term housing near UCLA can be tricky, especially with the high demand in Westwood and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you're attending a summer session, completing a clinical rotation, or just need a temporary place before a long-term lease, knowing your short-term options as a UCLA student can help ease your housing search.

Top Short-Term Housing Options

UCLA Summer Housing: UCLA offers limited summer housing in dorms and university apartments for enrolled students. These options are convenient but highly competitive, so apply early through UCLA Housing.
Subleasing from Other Students: Many Bruins sublet their rooms during summer or winter break.
Furnished Apartments with Month-to-Month Leases: Several furnished apartment complexes in Westwood offer flexible lease terms. These are ideal for visiting students, interns, or exchange students staying a few months.
Co-Living Spaces Around Westwood: Companies like Tripalink and Roomi provide co-living arrangements with short leases, furnished rooms, and utilities included. Many are walking distance to campus.
Airbnb and Monthly Rentals: Some Airbnb hosts near Westwood offer discounted monthly rates for students. Choose âmonthly staysâ when searching and look for Superhosts near campus.
Short-Term University-Affiliated Hotels: UCLA partners with hotels like UCLA Guest House and Tiverton House, which offer short stays for students, visiting scholars, and families.
Suburban Host Programs or Homestays: Some West LA families rent rooms to students for a few weeks or months. This can be a cozy and budget-friendly short-term solution, especially for international students.
Graduate Housing Temporary Accommodations: Graduate and professional students can access short-term rooms through university-managed graduate housing optionsâcheck with your specific department or grad housing office.

Avoiding Scams

Stick to trusted platforms, verify listings, and never send money before seeing the property or signing an official agreement. Avoid scams by renting from UCLA-approved vendors or platforms that have earned recognition.

Additional Factors to Consider

Social Vibe: On-campus housing provides a more inherently social experience, while off-campus living allows more freedom.
Budget & Billing: Costs associated with living on campus typically cover utilities and meal plans, while off-campus living may incur furniture, utilities, parking, and commute costs.
Flexibility: Suites or deluxe halls may allow flexible leasing arrangements; off-campus leases often commence in September and run the full year or academic year.
Room Type: Decide whether shared bathrooms will do, or whether a private suite would better meet your needs.
Proximity: On-campus housing is typically within walking distance to classes; off-campus housing may require a car, scooter, or UCLA shuttle services to reach them.
Application Timing: Applying early, especially for on-campus housing, can begin as early as March.
Tour Options: Tour options exist both physically and virtually at UCLA. Virtual tours of buildings such as Rieber and Saxon Suites can be taken.

Living in Los Angeles

Southern California is a land of contrasts, with sunny beaches, wild-west deserts, lush gardens, and snow-capped mountains. Los Angeles represents a wide variety of cultures and traditions; featuring large communities of Armenians, Chinese, Iranians, Japanese, Koreans, Latin Americans, Russians, Thais, and other ethnic groups. LA is also a starting point for sightseeing and excursions to San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Las Vegas. Santa Monica, a well-known beach community, has a 22-mile-long bicycle path where you can bicycle, inline skate, jog, and walk. Venice Beach is legendary for its iconic beach boardwalk, street performers, colorful murals, and quirky shops. Malibu, north of Santa Monica on the historic Pacific Coast Highway, is home to many Hollywood celebrities.

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