When to Start Your Off-Campus Housing Search for UCLA Students

Introduction

Finding off-campus housing near UCLA is a challenge given how competitive the Westwood market is. With the Fall 2025 quarter beginning September 25 and on-campus move-in happening September 17–20, students should plan well in advance to avoid scrambling for apartments. Understanding the best time to begin your housing search—and how to handle early or late searches—will give Bruins an advantage in landing the right place.

The Optimal Time to Search (Summer: June–August)

For UCLA students, the ideal time to search for housing is in the summer months leading up to the fall quarter. This timing is effective because:

• Landlords release most listings in early summer.

• Bruins returning from spring quarter can coordinate roommates and secure units together.

• Students can still find apartments in Westwood, Sawtelle, or Palms before the surge in demand.

By beginning in June, you’ll have enough options while still being close enough to move-in for landlords to confirm leases.

Early Search (Spring: April–May)

Some Bruins begin looking in April or May. While fewer listings may be available, the early bird approach ensures you’ll be on waitlists first and ready when new units are listed.

What to do if you’re searching early:

• Connect with potential roommates and decide on budget ranges.

• Contact landlords to ask when their units for fall will be listed.

• Use UCLA Universe to monitor off-campus listings and roommate groups.

Late Search (August–September)

Waiting until August or September makes the process much harder. Westwood apartments are often leased out by then, and demand is extremely high. Still, students can find housing if they’re flexible.

What to do if you’re searching late:

• Look beyond Westwood—consider Sawtelle, Palms, or Mar Vista for better availability.

• Be ready to sublease or take over another student’s contract.

• Keep application paperwork ready so you can sign immediately when a listing opens.

Why Timing Matters

UCLA’s later fall quarter start sometimes creates a false sense of security. However, by the time September rolls around, the best options are gone. Starting in early summer ensures affordability and choice, while waiting until late summer leaves you with fewer options and higher competition.

Conclusion

The optimal time to start your UCLA off-campus housing search is in June–August. If you start in spring, use the time to plan ahead with roommates; if you wait until late summer, expand your neighborhood search and prepare to act quickly.

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