As a UC Berkeley graduate student, you are not only joining a world-class intellectual community, you are moving to one of the world’s most desirable places to live. During your time here, you can experience the best of the Bay Area: from hiking by the water or in the hills, to exploring our vibrant food scene and cultural offerings of Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, and beyond. Berkeley is about more than just academics, it’s about experiencing everything this dynamic region has to offer.
Why choose campus housing?
Start your Berkeley journey stress-free. In the Bay Area’s crowded housing market, UC Berkeley’s graduate student apartments offer a convenient and community-focused solution. Simplify your housing search with prime locations, independent housing agreements, and built-in amenities. You’ll live comfortably and connected with other grad students, where you can focus on your research and studies.
Hassle-free housing.
- No credit checks or cosigners required.
- Lower security deposit ($500) compared to off-campus housing.
- Convenient rent payments through CalCentral.
- Independent housing agreements: you won’t be responsible if an apartment-mate moves out early.
Flexible furnishing options.
- Both fully-furnished and unfurnished apartment options allow you to easily bring your own furniture or use ours on-site.
- Units include a kitchen for easy meal prep.
- Laundry access available in-unit or within the building.
Prime locations and community living.
- Apartments are located near campus and/or public transit for easy access to classes, labs, and the wider Bay Area.
- Live with a supportive network of fellow graduate students right in your own community.
- Options for a private room in shared apartments, a single-occupancy studio or one-bedroom apartment, or a private family apartment for couples and families.
Amenities included.
- Wi-Fi and most utilities are included.
- Secure building access and on-site support for a safe and comfortable living environment.
Graduate student apartments
If you are a single graduate student, you can apply for campus housing in one of our four apartment complexes designed for you. Our apartments provide a comfortable and supportive living environment to help you make the most of your Berkeley experience. Apartments include a kitchen for preparing meals so meal plans aren’t included, but you can easily purchase one through UC Berkeley Dining. For questions, check out our Single Student Graduate Apartments FAQ.
Ida L. Jackson House Apartments
Located only one block away from the campus on charming, tree-lined College Avenue. This complex for graduate students features single-occupancy bedrooms in shared apartments, plus a community courtyard, on-site study lounge, and proximity to cafés and public transportation.
Intersection Apartments
Modern, light-filled apartments with single-occupancy bedrooms in a variety of shared and private layouts. The building features an on-site fitness center and in-unit laundry. Located three miles from campus in Emeryville, the community offers excellent access to public transit and is within walking distance of shopping and restaurants.
Manville Apartments
Single-occupancy studio apartments located three blocks from campus in downtown Berkeley, near shops, restaurants, and public transportation. The complex includes spacious common areas with a community courtyard, lounge, and study spaces.
xučyun ruwway Apartments
A five-building complex offering modern amenities and easy transportation to campus. Apartments feature single-occupancy bedrooms with full-size beds, in-unit laundry, and community resources that include a state-of-the-art fitness center, study lounges, and expansive indoor and outdoor hang-out areas. Located in Albany on a direct AC Transit bus line to campus, the apartments are adjacent to a grocery store, cafés, and shops.*
Couples and family graduate apartments
If you are a graduate student living with a partner or family members, you can apply for Family Student Housing at University Village.
Housing for graduate student couples: If you are living with a significant other, you can live with your partner in two-bedroom, one-bath apartments in the West Village section of University Village. 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. For details, visit Family Housing Eligibility for Tenancy.
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.
How to apply for graduate student housing
Applications for graduate student housing begin mid-February and are processed on a rolling basis. Apply early to secure your preferred spot.
- How to Apply for Graduate Housing: Our guide to help you start your housing application and submit required documents.
- Graduate Housing Assignment Process and Offers: How our housing agreements and offers work, priority by location, and timelines.
- How to Read Your Offer: Graduate Housing: What’s included in your housing offer and ways you can respond. The deadline to accept your housing offer is usually within seven days of the housing offer date.
- Graduate Housing Renewals: How to renew your housing agreement each year and eligibility conditions for renewal.
- How to Apply for Family Housing: What to know about applying to live with a partner or family members at University Village.
- Housing FAQs: Find answers to common UC Berkeley Housing questions.
Pro tip: To increase your chances of receiving a housing offer, it can help to list “any room type, any location” as one of your housing preferences. Applicants may select up to six preferences and may modify their choices at any point before receiving or accepting an offer. Updates can be made by returning to the Housing Portal.
If you still need housing for the current term, please email graduatestudenthousing@berkeley.edu.
Third-party managed campus housing
Third-party managed campus housing are residential communities located on university-owned land but operated independently by nonprofit organizations under long-term ground leases. Third-party housing facilities are not managed or operated by UC Berkeley Housing, and students must apply through separate admissions processes directly with the organization. Visit their website for further information.
International House: The International House Berkeley is a global community of undergraduate and graduate students, visiting scholars, and researchers from the United States and more than 70 countries. Through shared living, 150+ intercultural community events, and leadership programs, residents develop the cross-cultural understanding, lasting friendships, and global perspective needed to thrive in an interconnected world.
Living in off-campus housing
Many graduate students choose to live in off-campus rental housing in the City of Berkeley or one of the surrounding communities. UC Berkeley Off-Campus Rental Services is a university office that provides resources and listings to help you find off-campus housing. If you choose to find private housing on your own, be sure to take advantage of their free advising and rental resources.
If you want to live in San Francisco, be sure to check out the Academe at 198, a residential apartment community in San Francisco for graduate and professional school students.