Dear undergraduate students,
If you’re starting to think about where to live next year, whether on- or off-campus, this message is for you.
The Division of Student Affairs and the ASUC have partnered to offer information, resources, and tips for you as you begin this process. Although Berkeley’s housing market is tight, there are lots of resources to help and plenty of time to find a place to live.
On-Campus Housing
If you would like to live in campus residence halls or apartments next year, the application deadline is Feb. 15.
- Benefits to campus housing: convenient locations, academic-year contracts (meaning you don’t have to pay rent over the summer), furnished units, professional live-in staff — and no security deposit, cosigners, or credit checks required.
- If you entered Berkeley as a transfer student in 2023/24, you can apply to live in our newest apartment building, Helen Diller Anchor House, opening this fall.
- Continuing students receive campus housing offers beginning in March, with multiple rounds continuing through April. Learn more about applying for on-campus housing.
Off-Campus Housing
- Cal Rentals, UC Berkeley’s free off-campus housing listings service, is a campus office staffed by professionals who know Berkeley’s rental market inside and out. In addition to the listings, you can meet with Cal Rentals staff by calling 510-643-6544 or emailing calrentals@berkeley.edu.
- Berkeley Housing Assistance Program (BHAP) — Launching March 1, a new service, co-established by the ASUC Office of Senator Grottel-Brown and Berkeley Housing, will offer students one-on-one support with navigating the off-campus housing search. A team of students, managed and trained by the Cal Rentals office, will be available to answer questions and concerns.
- ASUC Digital Housing Resource Pamphlet — Comprehensive resources for off-campus housing, including basic needs, legal assistance, and the City of Berkeley Housing Authority.
- Cal Rentals’ top tips for the off-campus housing search.
- Student Housing Fair — Save the date, April 10, for this annual event that brings together campus resources, off-campus landlords, and building representatives.
- Student Legal Services Tip Sheet on Leasing — For questions about leases, security deposits, credit checks and more.
- If you plan to share housing with friends or roommates, check out the Cal Rentals tip sheet “Seeking with Friends.”
When to Begin Your Off-Campus Housing Search
If it’s your first time searching for off-campus housing in Berkeley, you may be wondering where to start. Here are some top tips from the staff at Cal Rentals, based on student feedback.
- Allow 6 to 8 weeks for your search.
- According to Cal Rentals staff, the ideal time to look for fall housing is from the end of April through early July when there tends to be more availability and more advantageous lease terms.
- Note that, beginning July 1, a new state law will take effect requiring that most landlords can charge no more than one month’s rent as a security deposit.
- If you’re interested in a co-op, get on a waitlist as soon as possible as the process can take up to a year. The Berkeley Student Cooperative, known as co-ops, includes buildings that offer various accommodations, including rooms, houses, and shared apartments.
Financial Aid & Housing
The cost of attendance varies based on your housing type, which means if your housing situation changes, expect your financial aid awards to also change. This includes a prorated adjustment to your grants and scholarships that aligns with your housing type changes.
If you are planning to change your housing option or want to see how your financial aid will change, log into CalCentral to update your housing status.
Housing: By Students, For Students
Sincerely,
Stephen C. Sutton, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Kailen Grottel-Brown (he/him/his)
ASUC Senator
This message was sent to all undergraduate students.