University of California - Santa Cruz
- Off-Campus Housing

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While nearly everybody moves off campus after sophomore year, living off campus is, by no means, entirely convenient. Santa Cruz was built as a small town that wasn’t prepared to withstand or support a large university. Although the town has expanded, there can still be a housing crunch at times. When students happen to stumble across a good house in Santa Cruz, they tend to stay with it for the rest of their time here. The most expensive and competitive houses are the ones that run along the bus line to campus. Otherwise, a car and an on-campus parking pass, while also expensive, may come in handy.

Most UCSC students prefer living off campus because of the added freedom that comes along with it. Students feel like they are part of the community of Santa Cruz if they live downtown. Campus is on a hill far above the city, so on-campus students don’t have the same connection to the actual town as students who live off campus. On campus, you may be close to class, but off campus is closer to the parties, the bars, more quality restaurants, and the better beaches. Most importantly, living off campus is, believe it or not, cheaper than living in the dorms. Don’t get the wrong impression, though—it is really expensive to live in Santa Cruz, and some people say it is the least-affordable town in the United States. You have to spend some time searching for a good place, and many people explore numerous living options before settling down. On the other hand, some people find affordable housing really easily to come by. Often, the houses you can find in Santa Cruz are nice, sometimes close to the beach or the bars, or are situated in really great neighborhoods. Just don’t get too comfortable and forget to go to class.

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Off-Campus Housing at University of California - Santa Cruz

Mylynn

Molecular Biology '15

3.1

B-

Right by the Beach

There is many off campus housing availability but the key idea is to keep looking and look early. A lot of houses and apartments are out for rent. The city bus is a convenient way of transportation for off and on campus. It is a lot cheaper to live off campus then on campus especially if you are sharing the cost with friends. And the campus has a lot of help during the month of housing sign ups.

Apr 11, 2012

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Off-Campus Housing at University of California - Santa Cruz

rkirihar

Biology '13

3.1

B-

Look for Housing Early!

Students mainly live in houses instead of apartments off-campus. Depending on where you live, it may be a couple minutes' walk to the base of campus or you may have to take the bus. I feel safe walking home while it's light outside, however, there aren't many street lamps so I just call someone to pick me up or I drive to campus when I have late classes. If you have any trouble looking for off-campus housing, the school has a website that helps you look for a house or roommates. If not through the school, there are many other websites that students commonly use. Be sure to look for housing early or ask your friends if they are moving out, so you can take their place. Plan Ahead!

Apr 08, 2012

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Off-Campus Housing at University of California - Santa Cruz

aslater

Psychology '13

3.8

B+

Oh the Apartments!

Unfortunately everytime I have looked for apartments they are few. They are more available depending on when you are looking for places to live. Parking is a pain because they are trying to promote a green area and use the bus systems more than driving. Very safe area! Cons its easier to find a place to live if you have a larger group of people to live in a house. If you are just looking for a place with 3 people it is not always the easiest. Apartments are mostly in walking distance of a bus stop which is great!

Mar 15, 2012

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

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