Student Housing UCLA: Westwood and Beyond

Student housing UCLA is some of the most competitive in the country. Westwood fills up fast — many students lock in their fall apartments as early as January or February. Whether you're a first-year moving off campus or a transfer student planning your first year in LA, knowing the neighborhoods and realistic price ranges makes the process much less stressful.

Browse available listings at Off-Campus Universe — the go-to platform for UCLA off-campus housing.

Where UCLA Students Live Off Campus

Westwood Village is the closest and most convenient — walkable to campus and surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and the Village itself. It's the priciest option per square foot. Palms and Mar Vista, about 2 miles west, offer significantly more space for the same monthly budget and a quick commute via the free Bruin Bus or a 10-minute bike ride. Culver City has grown popular with grad students who want a neighborhood feel with good transit access. Century City is nearby but skews toward professionals rather than students.

Typical Costs for Student Housing UCLA

A shared room in Westwood runs $1,400–$1,800/month. In Palms or Mar Vista, shared rooms typically fall in the $1,100–$1,400 range. Studios start around $2,000 in Westwood and $1,600 in Palms. Most leases are 12 months, but summer sublet turnover is high in Westwood — creating short-term openings between June and September that can be a good entry point into the neighborhood.

Practical Tips for UCLA Off-Campus Housing

• Start your search in November or December for the following fall — Westwood goes fast

• The free Bruin Bus connects off-campus areas to campus — check the route map before committing to a location

• Parking near campus is expensive and limited — plan around transit, biking, or scooters

• Always verify whether utilities are included — older Westwood buildings often bill gas and electric separately

For a full overview of UCLA neighborhoods and off-campus student life, read the Off-Campus Housing Guide: UCLA.

Find your next apartment at Off-Campus Universe.

This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by University of California Los Angeles.