New students: signing up for housing

We recommend signing up for housing as soon as you decide to attend UCSB. It is highly recommended that you start your campus housing application once you intend to come to UCSB, though you may have to formally submit your Statement of Intent to Register before applying. If you choose not to live on campus, see further information below about the local housing market.

On-Campus Housing

San Clemente Villages (single graduate students)

Not glamorous, but cheap (about $200 per month cheaper than equivalent off-campus options) for the area and extremely convenient location. Most students live here the first 1-2 years. Can do 2bd or 4bd apartments. All ESAs and other service animals are welcome, but unregistered pets are not allowed. As of 2024, the housing in SCV is only guaranteed for incoming (first year) graduate students if they apply by the deadline (usually around May 15th, but the website linked here will have the definite deadline each year). Rooms should be assigned by early August. Early move-in can be requested. Be sure to check the housing application website frequently for updates on application deadlines. Applications for transferring students are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis, but depending on the time of year is usually accommodated. For more information, check housing’s webpage here.

Family Student Housing

Family housing is easily the most affordable option in the area. Students with any long term partner can qualify (no need to be married or have children). If you are not yet a student, you can apply and your application will be added to a waitlist (according to application date) once you are accepted to UCSB. This is highly encouraged due to estimated wait time. Small caged animals such as hamsters, turtles, small birds, and fish are always allowed, and exceptions can be made for service or emotional support animals. There is a waitlist for Family Housing so be sure to sign up as soon as possible  (around 12-18 months for families with children, and 18-24 months for families without). You can join the waitlist at any time. For more information, check housing’s webpage here.

Off-Campus Housing

If you are waitlisted or do not wish to live in campus housing, there are options for apartments or rooms for rent in Isla Vista, Goleta, and Santa Barbara. The housing market changes rapidly, and most places are looking for tenants who are ready to move in ASAP, so we recommend starting your housing search about a month out from your desired move-in date. Check out UCSB's rental website, which mostly has listings in Isla Vista but some other areas as well. Other options can be found on Apartments.com, Facebook, or Craigslist, but be cautious, as scammers are prevalent in this competitive market. See section below for tips on avoiding housing scams.

Co-op housing is another option. Co-op housing is run by the members of that house and all members are elected to positions to delegate responsibilities, such as treasurer, food shopper, gardener, etc. Chores are shared between members of the house. Monthly rates range from $790 to $1498 depending on what room configuration and house are chosen.

Tips on avoiding housing scams:

1. Watch this video on local scams: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1um_Ab3zOpaEe4WHjhE0Pa8JbdEr9d3k6/view 
2. Ask if you can tour the place in person; if they say no, that's a massive red flag. If there's an open house date/time listed, that's encouraging! If you are moving from out of state or country, check out this list of volunteers who are willing to tour a place in person for you!
3. Lease from a bigger company or licensed realtor (and check out their website first to confirm)
4. If you prefer to lease from an independent landlord (aka a regular person with a few extra properties), look up the address and confirm their name is on the property records as the owner (scammers are smart and may have done this, this is NOT foolproof)
5. Another plug for going in person: a scammer likely doesn't actually have access to the property. Do not sign a lease or put down a deposit if the landlord cannot show you the property!

Current students: housing crisis resources

Unfortunately, given the current housing crisis that Goleta/Santa Barbara is facing, it is not unheard of that graduate students (not necessarily in the materials department), face homelessness for varying periods of time. If you fear you are at risk of or are currently in such a situation, we recommend reaching out to financialcrisis@sa.ucsb.edu as soon as possible. UCSB has a “Rapid Rehousing” program that offers emergency housing for students facing housing instability/homelessness. Of particular interest is the “Transitional Housing,” where temporary housing is offered for up to 25 days for students who lack safe and stable housing, and free meal plans and case management are also included. There are also emergency grants and case-dependent support also available, more information for which can be found here.