How to Find Affordable UCLA Student Housing

Ong Ogaslert
Oct 10
3 min read

Introduction

Finding affordable UCLA student housing in Los Angeles can feel like a full-time job. Between Westwood’s bustling atmosphere, competitive rental prices, and limited availability, it takes strategy and timing to land a good deal. Whether you’re an undergraduate moving off-campus for the first time or a graduate student seeking independence, this guide covers how to find affordable, convenient, and comfortable housing near UCLA.

1. Understanding the UCLA Housing Market

UCLA is located in Westwood, one of the most desirable parts of Los Angeles. The area combines student life with a lively mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

Popular areas for UCLA students include:

Westwood Village: Walkable, close to campus, surrounded by cafes and stores.
Brentwood: Quiet, upscale, with great public transit options.
Santa Monica: Coastal living for students willing to commute.
Beverly Hills adjacent: Central, safe, and great for graduate students.

Each area offers a unique mix of affordability and lifestyle balance.

2. Budgeting for Affordable UCLA Student Housing

Rents near UCLA can be steep, but smart budgeting helps make it manageable.

Average monthly costs:

Shared rooms: $1,200–$1,800
Studios: $2,200–$2,800
One-bedroom apartments: $2,800–$3,500
Utilities & Wi-Fi: $100–$200

Cost-saving strategies:

Consider shared rooms or multi-bedroom apartments to reduce expenses.
Look for apartments east of Sepulveda Blvd — typically 10–20% cheaper.
Use student discounts for public transportation instead of paying for parking.
Check UCLA’s off-campus housing resources for vetted listings.

Students can also use UCLA Universe Housing, which lists verified apartments, subleases, and roommate opportunities near campus.

3. Affordable UCLA Student Housing: Lease and Legal Insights

Leasing in Los Angeles comes with its own set of rules and expectations.

Before you sign:

Verify what utilities are included in rent.
Understand your lease duration (most are 12 months).
Ask about maintenance responsibilities and parking availability.
Review policies on pets, guests, and subleasing.

UCLA’s Off-Campus Housing Office can review your lease and help you identify any hidden clauses that could cost you later.

4. Finding Roommates and Shared Apartments

Roommates are one of the easiest ways to cut costs in Los Angeles.

How to find the right roommate:

Use UCLA Universe Housing to connect with verified students.
Discuss lifestyle habits (cleaning, guests, noise) before committing.
Create a written roommate agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
Tour the apartment together to ensure everyone agrees on the choice.

Popular roommate-friendly buildings are often located on Veteran Ave, Gayley Ave, and Wilshire Blvd, offering walkable access to campus.

5. Safety and Neighborhood Considerations

Safety is always a priority, especially when living off-campus in LA.

Tips for staying safe:

Choose well-lit streets and buildings with secure access.
Avoid isolated streets when walking home late.
Register for UCLA Bruin Alerts for safety updates.
Keep valuables locked and avoid sharing location details online.

Neighborhoods like Westwood Village and Brentwood are among the safest for UCLA students, combining security with convenience.

6. Avoiding Rental Scams

Because of high housing demand, UCLA students are sometimes targeted by fake listings.

Avoid scams by:

Never paying deposits before touring.
Avoiding landlords who refuse in-person meetings.
Using trusted platforms like UCLA Universe Housing.
Verifying property ownership through Los Angeles County records.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is — always verify before signing anything.

7. Timing Your Housing Search

Timing is everything in the Westwood housing market.

Best times to search:

December–March: Best selection for fall move-ins.
April–June: Competitive, but with some new listings.
July–August: Only last-minute subleases or higher-end options remain.

Starting early gives you flexibility to compare locations and negotiate better rates.

8. Balancing Lifestyle and Commute

Each neighborhood offers its own perks for UCLA students.

Westwood Village: Walking distance to classes, lively community.
Brentwood: Quieter, more residential — ideal for focused study.
Santa Monica: Coastal lifestyle, higher rent, but great quality of life.
Beverly Hills adjacent: Safe and stylish, with quick access to West LA.

If you rely on public transit, look for apartments near Wilshire Blvd for easy access to UCLA via bus routes.

Conclusion

Living in affordable UCLA student housing doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or convenience. With early planning, shared living, and the right resources, you can secure housing that fits your budget and lifestyle. Los Angeles offers a wide range of neighborhoods for every type of student — the key is to start your search early and use trusted student networks for the best results.

Visit UCLA Universe Housing as a great resource to meet roommates and find off-campus housing at UCLA Universe Housing