At UC Berkeley, we offer a supportive and welcoming community for students who are married or partnered, or have children or dependents. Family student housing at University Village is designed to meet the unique needs of students balancing academics with family life, providing a comfortable, convenient living space where you can thrive both as a student and member of your family.
University Village
University Village is UC Berkeley’s 58-acre family housing community for UC Berkeley students with partners and families. With spacious apartments and townhouses in a park-like neighborhood, University Village offers supportive resources, a diverse, tight-knit community, and convenient amenities. Located in Albany, 3.5 miles from campus via a direct AC Transit bus.
Eligibility for family student housing
Family housing is for undergraduate and graduate students who are married or partnered or who have children or adult dependents. Priority is given to students who have children. Qualifying postdoctoral and visiting scholars may also apply. For details about eligibility, visit Family Housing Eligibility for Tenancy.
Graduate student couples program
Many graduate students live with a significant other, which is why UC Berkeley Housing offers family housing apartments to graduate student couples. There is no need to be married, in a domestic partnership, or to have children, but at least one member of the couple must be a UC Berkeley graduate student. Details at Family Housing Eligibility for Tenancy.
Benefits of family student housing
Living in family student housing allows you to focus on your studies while having the comfort and support of a family-friendly community. It’s a great way to balance your academic goals with your responsibilities at home.
Spacious living: A variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options provide ample space for you and your family to live comfortably in our apartments and townhouses.
Community support: Join a tight-knit community of students with similar family responsibilities that offers support and connection.
On-site amenities: The Village has its own laundry rooms, community center, recreational facilities, and child care center to make daily life easier.
Convenience: The location offers abundant social spaces and easy access to nearby parks, playgrounds, coffee shop, and grocery store, creating a balanced environment for both study and family life.
Direct bus line to campus: Your Cal 1 Card student ID offers unlimited rides on all AC Transit buses, providing easy access to UC Berkeley’s academic resources and student services on and off campus.
Student parent resources
Child and Adolescent Programs: Explore University Village childcare offerings on the UC Berkeley Graduate and Family Living website.
Student Parent Center: A centralized multi-purpose campus resource that supports the holistic success of UC Berkeley students who are both engaged scholars and devoted parents.
Child Care Program: Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP)
The Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP) provides early childhood services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for UC Berkeley student parents, faculty, staff, and the larger community. Applications to the program are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year.
On-site at University Village: ECEP offers childcare and preschool at five locations, including the recently remodeled Childhood Development Center at University Village.
Furniture rental
University Village units are not furnished, but you may rent furniture through CORT Furniture Rental.
Apply for family student housing
Apply through our Housing Application portal any time to be put on the family student housing wait list. Visit How to Apply for Family Housing for details about applying to University Village.
Learn about the housing process and offers
Family Housing Assignment Process and Offers: Read about rental agreements, offers, and the wait list process for family housing.
How to Read Your Offer: Family Housing: How to read your housing offer and ways to respond.
Family Housing Renewals: How to easily renew your rental agreement for University Village each year.
Tenancy and policies
Eligibility and Conditions of Tenancy: Confirm your eligibility for family housing and different apartment preferences based on your family type and size.
Family Housing Relocation: Read these relocation policies to determine if you are eligible to relocate and learn more about the relocation process.
Family Student Housing FAQ: For questions about applying, offers, apartments, and living at University Village.
Village Resident Manual: Read the family student housing conduct policies overseen by UC Berkeley Graduate and Family Living.