If you are interested in the possibility of living in a UCLA-owned University Apartment managed by the UCLA Housing office, you must first submit an online application via the My Housing portal. You must submit the completed application and $30 application fee in order to be considered for a University Apartment. UCLA Housing can open the application at anytime. We strongly advise that you check the My Housing portal regularly and apply early. All applicants who have been accepted by UCLA Anderson can apply, however, there are not enough University Apartments to accommodate all requests. You will need to have your University Identification Number. Please note that UCLA Anderson is not involved in this process. If you need any further assistance please contact UCLA Housing directly at (310) 825-4271.
The selection and allocation process for University Apartments is dependent on whether you are applying for Single Graduate housing or Family/Mix use housing.
Single graduate housing is assigned based on a lottery system, and not by when you submit your housing application. The lottery is a campuswide lottery and includes all graduate students across all UCLA programs. Single graduate housing leasing is done on a contract basis yielding mass move outs throughout the summer. As a result, the lottery process can begin as early as mid-June and continue throughout the summer until all spaces have been contracted. You will be assigned a random priority number by the UCLA Housing office that will be used to determine your place on the housing list. You can view the single graduate housing timeline here.
Family and mixed use housing are also assigned using a lottery system. Please note that there are less family and mixed use apartments available than single graduate apartments so we strongly advise that you apply early. As stated above, there are not enough University Apartments to accommodate all requests. Family and mixed use rental agreements are month-to-month, therefore vacancies are incremental and offers are based on space availability.. Family and mixed housing assignments can begin in early June and continue throughout the academic year. You can view the family and mixed use timeline here.
Arrive Early
Although there are always apartments available, you'll have more options if you arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to look around. Many leases in the campus area begin on September 1. Returning undergraduates usually arrange housing before they leave for the summer, which means that some apartments will already be rented out.
Spend Time Exploring
One of the best ways to find a good apartment in Los Angeles is to spend time walking or driving around a neighborhood you like. Many landlords don't put listings in the papers, but instead put signs up in front of their buildings.
Consider Transportation
You should consider living either within walking/biking distance of campus or near a bus line. West L.A. is known for having great public transportation.
Ask Your Classmates
Your fellow classmates can be a great source of housing information. Many students have found housing and roommates through their class's Facebook group. You also can find roommates at regional UCLA Anderson mixers, A-Days, etc.
Note for International Students
When you first rent an apartment, the apartment manager will typically do a credit check to ensure that you can pay your rent. If you do not have a U.S. credit history, some rental management companies may ask for an additional deposit, which in some cases might be equivalent to several months of rent; or they may require a co-signer who has a good U.S. credit history.
