Helpful Housing Resources
UCLA Housing Websites:
- For university housing on- and off-campus: UCLA Housing and Hospitality Services Graduate and Family Student Housing
- For help in finding an off-campus, privately-owned apartment: Community Housing Office
- For apartment listings off-campus targeting UCLA students: The Daily Bruin Classifieds
Non-UCLA Rental Websites:
- Fee-for-service listing agency that students have found useful: westsiderentals.com. Single accounts cost around $60 for a 60-day subscription.
- Other apartment listings: Apartments.com, losangeles.craigslist.org, www.rent.com
Privately-owned Housing
Arrive Early
Although there are always apartments available, you'll have more options if you arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to look around. Many leases in the campus area begin on September 1st. Returning undergraduates usually arrange housing before they leave for the summer, which means that some apartments will already be rented out. You won't have time to deal with finding housing, setting up a bank account, getting a driver's license, and arranging for utility installation during Orientation, so make sure you've settled in before then.
Spend Time Exploring
One of the best ways to find a good apartment in Los Angeles is to spend time walking or driving around a neighborhood you like. Many landlords don't put listings in the papers, but instead put signs up in front of their buildings.
Consider Transportation
Because many students will not receive parking permits, you should consider living either within walking/biking distance of campus or near a bus line. West LA is known for having great public transportation.
If you live in Westwood or on its outskirts, you will not be eligible for either a carpooling or a parking permit. It is rare that single parking passes are given to first-year students. Carpool parking passes with individuals living outside the Westwood area are easier to obtain. If you live in the following zip code areas, you cannot apply for a carpool parking permit: 90024, 90049 (south of Sunset Blvd. and east of the 405 freeway), and 90025 (north of Santa Monica Blvd. and east of the 405 freeway).
Note that the South Bay area is a considerable distance from UCLA and will require significant driving time on crowded freeways. Please see "Parking and Transportation" in this section for more information.
Ask Your Classmates
Your fellow classmates can be a great source of housing information. Many students have found housing and roommates through the class Google Group page. You also can find roommates at regional UCLA Anderson mixers, A-Days, etc.
Apartment Lease
You will often need to make a deposit (usually the equivalent to one-month's rent) for the apartment of your choice. Also note that most leases are for one year. International students need to have a checking account prior to looking for an apartment, or have a certified check or cashier's check issued by a bank.
Note for international students: When you first rent an apartment, the apartment manager will typically do a credit check to ensure that you can pay your rent. If you do not have a U.S. credit history, some rental management companies may ask for an additional deposit, which in some cases might be equivalent to several months of rent, or a co-signer who has a good U.S. credit history.
University Housing
If you are interested in a University housing assignment, please read the following information carefully. Step 1 is mandatory if you want to be considered in the campus-wide housing assignment process for all UCLA Graduate students. Step 2 is optional, but will increase your chances.
1) Submit your UCLA housing application, preferably by the priority date in early May (TBD). PLEASE NOTE: You can still apply after this date if your UCLA ID number is not yet active. To be considered for a space at UCLA housing facilities, you must submit an online application. This will enter you into the campus-wide housing lottery along with other incoming graduate students who are seeking UCLA housing. All those who have been accepted by UCLA Anderson can apply. You only need to have your University Identification Number. Please follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the My UCLA Housing Online Services Webpage
- Select "Single Graduate Housing Application" or "Family Housing Application" according to your needs;
- Enter your UCLA logon ID and password (If you have not yet created one, please look in the "UsefulLinks" box on the right of the screen and click on "Sign up for a UCLA Logon ID");
- You will need your University Identification Number (UID) to complete the application.
UCLA Housing allocates these spaces and will follow up with you directly. Please note that UCLA Anderson is not involved in this process. If you need any further assistance please contact UCLA Housing directly at 310-825-4271.
2) Apply for a special allocation UCLA Anderson housing assignment by Friday, May 10. PLEASE NOTE: You cannot apply for this option unless you have submitted your tuition deposit.
Every year, UCLA Anderson is given a very limited number of housing spaces that it can award directly to incoming MBA students apart from the campus-wide lottery. If you would like to increase your chances for a housing assignment and be considered for one of these spots, complete the UCLA Anderson Housing Survey included in the April 28 Admit Blast by Friday, May 10. The MBA Admissions Office will inform you if you have been chosen for a special allocation assignment on May 24. If you no longer have the April 28 Admit Blast in your inbox, you can find it in the email archives.
