Transfer Student Housing

Welcome to your new home at UC Berkeley!

Campus housing blends just the right balance of convenience and independence. You have easy access to exciting events, student resources, and the best environment to forge lasting connections in a community that supports your success. Amidst the exciting buzz of Berkeley, you’ll find your new home.

Did you know? More than one-third of entering transfer students choose university housing.

Our housing guarantee

New incoming transfer students starting in 2026–27 are eligible for a one-year housing guarantee, provided they meet all deadlines and conditions. Visit Housing Guarantee for all eligibility details and policies.

Campus housing for transfer students

As a transfer student, you can live in any of the campus housing locations for undergraduate students. Enjoy the classic college experience in one of our eight residence halls, or the extra independence that comes with our eight apartment complexes. Plus, you can live in a dedicated transfer space at one of our Transfer Hubs, or in transfer-only Anchor House Apartments. Discover an inviting home where you can create memories, share ideas, and grow alongside friends.

Transfer Hubs: Live with other transfer students on dedicated transfer floors called Transfer Hubs, in Martinez Commons, Blackwell Hall, and Unit 3. Transfer hubs provide built-in support and connection with other transfer students.

Apartments

Designed to offer the essentials of campus living with increased independence, apartments are open to transfer students, continuing undergraduate students, and graduate students. With convenient locations, amenities, utilities, and a kitchen for preparing meals, apartments provide a comfortable and supportive living environment to help you make the most of your Berkeley experience.

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.

Family Student Housing

Family student housing at University Village offers a welcoming community for both undergraduate and graduate students who have children or adult dependents, or who are married or partnered. This housing option provides a comfortable and supportive environment for you and your loved ones.

Enjoy the full college experience

Living in campus housing with other Berkeley students is one of the best ways for transfer students to dive into the university community and create immediate connections. When considering the cost of housing, remember that campus rates include a wide range of amenities and other advantages not provided by off-campus housing options.

What’s included with campus housing

All-inclusive amenities: Your utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, maintenance, mail service, on-site security, and access to community spaces are covered. You have laundry access either in your unit, building, or apartment.

Fully furnished and move-in ready: Skip the hassle of buying furniture so you can settle in stress-free. Campus housing furnishings include beds, desks, and more. In residence halls, most rooms are triples with bunk beds, plus a variety of options, including suites. Apartments come fully equipped with essential furniture and kitchen appliances for preparing your meals.

Berkeley Dining meal plans: In residence halls, your meal plan is included! In apartments, it’s easy to purchase an add-on meal plan.

Academic environment: With proximity to libraries and study spaces, plus on-site academic resources, you are in the ideal space for academic success. All residents have access to residence hall academic service centers.

Live-in support, 24/7: Dedicated live-in staff support your academic and social success. From resident advisors (RAs) to faculty in residence, Residential Life staff help guide your transition to campus life.

Ideal locations: You’ll be centrally located near campus, offering easy access to academic buildings, libraries, dining options, and campus facilities.

Bike-friendly and accessible transit: Bike storage is available in campus housing, and many communities are located near campus shuttle stops and public transportation.

Easy to apply: No credit checks or need for cosigners. No security deposit for undergraduate students (family student housing does have a deposit).

Convenient billing: Manage your housing installments in CalCentral, the same centralized portal you already use for enrollment and financial aid.

Housing for the academic year: You don’t have to take on a year-long lease or sublet your room if you’re away during the summer.

Independent contracts: You won’t be held responsible if a roommate or apartment-mate moves out or fails to pay their housing installments.

Financial aid applicability: If you receive financial aid, it will be applied to your housing costs. Your award amount varies based on the type of housing you choose, whether you live on campus or off-campus, in a residence hall or apartment.

Basic needs resources: If you are concerned about housing insecurity, please check the housing information provided by the Basic Needs Center. To find out more about your financial aid, please visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

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. Accept your offer of admission by June 1.

Apply for campus housing by June 2. This is the deadline for transfer students. When you’re ready, apply through the Housing Portal.

Offers are sent to transfer students beginning in mid June. 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 late July, you’ll receive roommate information.

Apply for Housing

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

Your resource: Transfer Student Centers

Transfer Student Centers, located on campus and at Anchor House, provide services to current UC Berkeley transfer students. You’ll find programs and services focusing on your successful transition to campus, your goals, and how you can build connections and a strong sense of community among your peers.

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.