University of San Diego - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

For those who don’t have a car, or don’t want to be too far from campus, but do want to be free of campus living, there are plenty of apartment buildings right around the school. Students often feel the pinch of paying for apartments or houses, and “how much does this place cost” is often the first question out of a guests’ mouth. Many students feel that living off campus affords them the freedom they desire. Another large portion of students have grown attached to the “wandering around the dorm” social phenomenon and rightly don’t want to give it up too soon. For many others, the beach has been on their mind from day one.

The housing and residence life page on USD’s Web site has an exhaustive list of “right around the corner” apartments where students can stay close enough to walk, but far enough to do whatever it is that motivated them to move off campus. The general vibe on living off campus is that you live in San Diego, so you might as well live at the beach. Beach rentals can be high, but the cost of living on campus is often more expensive. Freshmen are required to live on campus, so it’s not a major concern for new students. However, it is important to start looking early if you want to move off campus as a sophomore. There are tons of beach apartments, houses, and cottages in Mission Beach and USD students flock there to pick the best spots. Many owners rent their apartments and houses out by the week during summer, and students can lock them up for the school year if they are on the ball. Pacific Beach is a nice spot to live as well. You can get a place a little further in from the water and save a few dollars. Beach life in both Mission Beach and Pacific Beach can be a life-changing experience.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

It is common practice after... It is common practice after freshman or sophomore year that students move off campus because of the cost, availability, and strictness of campus. While housing is guaranteed all four years, most students would rather live at the beach for comparable (or cheaper) cost. Parking is always an issue at USD, so living on campus is more convenient, but who wouldn’t want to wake up to waves as an alarm clock to round off the perfect San Diego college experience? 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

SD has housing for every taste and... SD has housing for every taste and budget, it just depends on how far you want to commute. A lot of kids live in Mission Beach. It’s totally worth it, especially when you are right by the beach. It’s not necessary, though. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Housing off campus is very... Housing off campus is very expensive, but so are the dorms, and off-campus housing offers more and gives you much more freedom. For me, it was worth it. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Housing off campus for a freshman... Housing off campus for a freshman is a big mistake. I know people who chose to live off campus for financial reasons, and they definitely wish they hadn’t. The friends you make in the residence halls are essential for the first year, but especially the first few weeks. I am still great friends with most of the people I met in the first few weeks, and I still live with the two girls I was randomly placed with as a freshman. If it is financially possible, live on campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

The beach is there. Go for it! 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

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