Welcome to your new home at UC Berkeley!
Campus housing blends the perfect balance of convenience and independence. Amidst the exciting buzz of Berkeley, you’ll find your new home. Get started by exploring your housing options.
Did you know? About 96 percent of entering first-year students choose university housing.
Our housing guarantee
Incoming first-year students are eligible for a two-year housing guarantee, provided they meet all deadlines and conditions. Visit Housing Guarantee for all eligibility details and policies.
Campus housing for first-year students
First-year students can live in one of seven campus residence halls, all of which will provide an inviting home where you can create memories, share ideas, and grow alongside friends.
Residence Halls
Every residence hall features something unique while offering all the essentials: live-in staff, community spaces, academic centers, utilities, Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, secure buildings, and more. Plus, residence hall contracts include a standard Blue and Gold meal plan. First-year, transfer, and continuing undergraduate students can live in residence halls.
Are you a transfer student? Explore our transfer student housing.
Living with family? Students with children or adult dependents, or who are married or partnered, are eligible for family student housing.
Get your best start at Berkeley
Start building your Berkeley family by living in a residence hall. You’ll join a vibrant community of like-minded students from all over the world, connecting through shared spaces and experiences.
All-inclusive amenities: Your furnishings, utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to community spaces and services are covered. We take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most: your education and building lasting relationships.
Meals included: Dining commons are located nearby or on-site. Residence halls include a Blue and Gold Meal Plan from UC Berkeley Dining, with upgrades and add-ons available for extra flexibili†y.
Convenient locations: You’ll be centrally located, offering easy access to academic buildings, libraries, dining options, and campus facilities. Everything you need is just steps away.
Live-in support, 24/7: Dedicated live-in staff support your academic and social success. From resident assistants (RAs) to faculty in residence, Residential Life staff help guide your transition to campus life. Maintenance and housekeeping in common areas are included, too.
Academic environment: Campus housing supports academic success by providing convenient access to academic support resources like academic study centers, on-site tutoring sessions, mobile print stations, and tech support.
Service and recreation centers: Each residence hall unit has a laundry center, mail services, a recreation room, and community lounges. Most locations include a fitness center or access to one nearby.
Secure access: Each building has secured entry with trained residential safety staff and 24/7 support.
Bike-friendly and accessible transit: Bike storage is available in campus housing, and many communities are located near campus shuttle stops and public transportation.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Here’s what to know. For application instructions, visit How to Apply for Housing: Undergraduate Students.
Accept your offer of admission before you apply. Once you accept your offer to UC Berkeley and create your CalNet ID, you will be able to apply for housing.
Apply for housing by May 2. This is the housing offer guarantee priority deadline for first-year students. When you’re ready, apply through the Housing Portal. In addition to meeting the deadline, students must pick “any room size, any location” as one of their housing preferences in their application to receive the offer guarantee.
Offers are sent to first-year students beginning in late May. Be sure to accept your housing offer by the deadline stated on the offer, usually within about five days of receiving it. If the initial housing offer is not accepted by the deadline, the housing guarantee no longer applies.
By early August, you’ll receive roommate information.
Want to explore more?
- Watch video tours of rooms and apartments.
- Hear from UC Berkeley students about how they found community in campus housing.
- Find the latest Housing Rates.
Learn about the housing process and offers
- How to Apply for Housing: Undergraduate Students
- Undergraduate Assignment Process and Offers
- How to Apply with a Roommate
- How to Read Your Offer: Undergraduate Housing
Theme programs for first-year students
Want to take your experience to the next level? Join a smaller, vibrant community in your residence hall with our eight Theme Programs. These unique living and learning programs bring together students who are passionate about an identity, interest, or academic area. Enjoy tailored activities like off-campus excursions, workshops, faculty dinners, study groups, social events, and more, all designed to enrich your college journey.
Our commitment: More rooms than ever before
UC Berkeley is committed to building new housing so students can live on campus for two years or more.
- Three new buildings completed in the last five years.
- Two new buildings are on the way over the next four years.
- 2400+ new beds added since 2018.
- 2700+ new beds expected by 2028.