Explore UCLA housing options: Dorms, apartments, and more

Introduction to Finding Your Home at UCLA

If you're headed to UCLA, the question of where and how you want to live should not just be "Where should I live?" but rather "What kind of life do I want?" On one side lies UCLA on-campus housing for convenience and community purposes, while off-campus apartments in Westwood or further away may provide more independence and options.

With over 48,000 students, UCLA provides numerous housing paths, each tailored to individual students based on personality, budget, and priorities, whether they be first-year students looking for ease or transfer students desiring flexibility.

On‑Campus Housing Options: Suited to Every Student's Style

UCLA Housing Services (Guild & Executive Offices) Offers Options that suit every student's Style. Four main on-campus categories vary in terms of space, amenities, and price for students looking for student accommodation on campus.

1. 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. Some examples are Dykstra, Hedrick, Rieber, and Sproul Halls, which foster strong social environments and maximize proximity to campus resources.

2. 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 can provide excellent amenities while remaining close to campus life.

3. Plazas

Plazas provide 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.

4. 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.

On-campus housing at UCLA includes utilities, 24/7 security, furnished rooms, and convenient access to dining halls, recreation centers, and academic support services. UCLA Housing provides current rates: a classic double room may cost $1,300/month over nine months, while suites and plaza options range from $1,700 - $2,000 per month (All data via UCLA Housing).

Off-Campus Housing Options: Freedom, Variety, and Choice

Though UCLA provides ample on-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students alike, many students prefer nearby neighborhoods for more independence, flexibility, and space.

Here is a selection of neighborhoods near UCLA where both students and professionals prefer living:

Westwood Village: Classic Student Hub

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.

Brentwood

This is known to attract graduate students and working professionals. This quiet community features spacious, tree-lined streets that provide privacy. However, one-bedroom units typically cost in the range of $2,500+.

Sawtelle (Little Osaka)

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.

Palms & Mar Vista

These neighborhoods offer more affordable and bus-accessible living. One-bedroom units often fall within the range of $1,800-$2,400, while there are numerous shared options below that.

(Source: pexels.com)

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.

UCLA Off-Campus Rental Market: What to Expect

Popular Streets & Complexes

Le Conte Avenue, Landfair Avenue, and Lindbrook Drive: These three streets 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.

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.

Cost Comparison: On‑ vs Off‑Campus

Tripalink’s 1515 Colby Ave Apartments

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).

Considerations When Selecting On-Campus or Off-Campus Housing

1. Social Vibe: On-campus housing provides more of an inherently social experience, while off-campus living allows more freedom.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Room Type: First, decide whether shared bathrooms will do, or whether a private suite would better meet your needs.
5. 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.

Tips for an Easy UCLA Housing Journey

Applying early, especially for on-campus housing, can begin as early as March.

Tour options exist both physically and virtually at UCLA. Virtual tours of buildings such as Rieber and Saxon Suites can be taken.

Avoid scams by renting from UCLA-approved vendors or platforms that have earned recognition.

Budget for extras such as parking (Westwood parking ranges from $150-$250/month) and utilities (typically between $50 and $150).

Check for safety: When renting near UCLA, aim for listings within or close to its campus patrol area or police beat zones.

Consider roommate matching services: Some apartment complexes (like Tripalink) offer roommate matching services as part of their furnished lease agreements, along with move-in-ready amenities.

Final Thoughts

UCLA housing that suits nearly every personality, budget, and stage of student life. From lively residence halls to off-campus apartments with private bathrooms, each option provides something different. Ultimately, your decision depends on what matters to you most: community or independence, affordability or amenities, and structure or flexibility.

When looking for reliable off-campus listings (including furnished student apartments), consider reliable platforms such as Tripalink, the UCLA Student Housing website, or Westwood student housing networks.