Housing and Utilities

The Housing and Utilities page provides a quick overview of some of the different housing resources and tips that students employ to find housing in neighboring communities, as well as links for setting up your utilities. While some students choose to live in University Apartments, many students prefer to live off-campus in privately-owned housing. Below is useful information and links to aide in your relocation process to the Los Angeles area.

Student Neighborhoods

 
To help with your move to the Los Angeles area, the map below highlights the different communities around the UCLA Campus. For specific information on where our students live make sure to also view our VeryApt UCLA Anderson Housing Guide.

University Housing

 

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.

Privately Owned Housing

 
Many MSBA students opt to rent off-campus, privately owned housing in the popular and convenient neighborhoods of Brentwood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Westwood and the South Bay area, which includes a number of different communities. UCLA is located in Westwood, but Brentwood, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles are fairly close to campus. Two-thirds of UCLA's students choose to live within five miles of campus, half of that number within a mile. The VeryApt UCLA Anderson Housing Guide has more detailed information available on its website, which provides descriptions of Los Angeles neighborhoods, cost information and current student feedback.

House-Hunting Tips

 

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.

Utilities

 
Once you decide where to live and have signed a rental agreement, you will then need to set up your utilities. Below are links to some of the local utility companies that you can explore further.