UCLA Campus Apartments: A Complete Student Guide

Ong Ogaslert
Oct 2
3 min read

Introduction

Living at UCLA offers one of the most unique college experiences in the country. While on-campus dorms are a starting point, many students eventually seek UCLA campus apartments or nearby off-campus housing to enjoy more independence and flexibility. From Westwood Village to Sawtelle and Brentwood, options vary widely in price, convenience, and lifestyle. This guide provides Bruins with essential strategies for securing the right apartment while avoiding the common pitfalls of Los Angeles rental life.

1. Budgeting for UCLA Campus Apartments

Rent in Westwood and surrounding neighborhoods is among the highest in Los Angeles.

Tips for budgeting effectively:

Rent ranges. One-bedroom apartments near UCLA typically run $2,000–$3,000, while shared housing is about $1,000–$1,500 per person.
Other monthly costs. Utilities, internet, groceries, and transportation can add $300–$500.
Roommates. Sharing apartments is the most effective way to reduce costs for UCLA campus apartments.

2. Lease Agreements and Contracts

Leases in Los Angeles are legally binding and often complicated.

Key things to know:

Standard leases. Most are 12 months, even if you only need housing during the school year.
Deposits. Security deposits typically equal one to two months’ rent.
Clauses to review. Look for subletting rules, maintenance responsibilities, and penalties for breaking leases.

UCLA’s Student Legal Services offers free support for lease review.

3. UCLA Campus Apartments: Roommate Compatibility

Roommates are a vital part of the UCLA student housing experience.

Best practices for roommate success:

Set clear expectations about chores, bills, and quiet hours.
Write down agreements to prevent conflict.
Use UCLA housing groups and UCLA Universe Housing to find trusted matches.

4. Safety in and Around Westwood

Safety is a key consideration when choosing UCLA campus apartments.

Tips to keep safe:

Tour neighborhoods during both day and night.
Look for apartments with controlled access, cameras, and secure parking.
Stay aware of UCLA’s safety escort services and rideshare discounts.

5. Avoiding Housing Scams

The Los Angeles housing market attracts scammers targeting students.

Red flags to avoid:

Landlords requesting deposits before you’ve toured.
Listings priced well below market averages.
No written lease agreement offered.

Stick to verified platforms like UCLA Universe Housing for legitimate listings.

6. Hidden Costs of UCLA Campus Apartments

Rent isn’t the only expense Bruins face.

Examples of hidden costs:

Parking permits for on-campus garages or private lots.
Utilities not covered in rent (gas, electricity, water, trash).
Furniture purchases for unfurnished units.
Shared streaming services or Wi-Fi bills.

Budgeting an additional 10–15% monthly can help prevent financial strain.

7. Timing the Housing Search

The best UCLA campus apartments are claimed quickly.

Best time to search: Begin during winter or spring quarter for fall move-in.
If early: Tour neighborhoods and create a budget.
If late: Look into subleases from Bruins studying abroad.

8. Lifestyle vs. Academic Needs

Where you live impacts both academics and social life.

Close to UCLA. Convenient, but higher rent and limited space.
Westwood Village. Central to dining and social life, but noisy.
Sawtelle or Brentwood. More affordable options with quieter surroundings.

Conclusion

Finding the right UCLA campus apartments takes planning, budgeting, and awareness of rental challenges. By starting early, reviewing leases carefully, and choosing roommates wisely, Bruins can secure housing that supports their academic and personal goals while making the most of the Los Angeles lifestyle.

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