Student Housing in Oakland
Oakland's vibrant student housing scene offers the perfect blend of urban energy and academic community. With 29 housing options strategically located near major institutions like Laney College, Samuel Merritt University, and Merritt College, you're never far from campus. The city pulses with a genuine college-town atmosphere where thousands of students shape the cultural landscape. Explore eclectic neighborhoods packed with affordable cafes, trendy restaurants, and late-night spots that cater to student budgets and schedules. From live music venues in Jack London Square to craft breweries and casual eateries throughout the area, entertainment is always within reach. Public transportation via BART and AC Transit makes getting around seamless, connecting you to campuses and beyond without needing a car. Oakland's diverse student housing landscape—from modern apartments to shared houses—ensures options for every lifestyle and budget. Whether you prefer being steps from campus or in a bustling neighborhood, you'll find a community of peers navigating the same experience. Living here means joining a thriving student culture where affordability meets accessibility, and your college years become unforgettable.
Housing Overview
- Location
- Oakland, CA
- Properties
- 24 listed
- Total Beds
- 0
What to Know About Oakland
Key highlights for students considering Oakland
29 student housing options near campus offer diverse choices
Multiple universities nearby create vibrant academic community
Excellent public transit access throughout Oakland area
Diverse dining scene with affordable options for students
Vibrant nightlife and entertainment venues in downtown areas
Competitive housing costs compared to nearby Bay Area cities
Student Life in Oakland
# Student Life in Oakland, California Oakland offers an exciting, vibrant environment for students attending institutions like Laney College, Samuel Merritt University, Reach University, College of Alameda, and Merritt College. The city's diverse culture, rich history, and progressive community create an inspiring backdrop for academic pursuits. Students thrive in neighborhoods like Lake Merritt, known for its beautiful park and accessible public transit, and Uptown, buzzing with restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. Temescal is another popular choice, offering affordability and a creative atmosphere. With 29 student housing options available, finding suitable accommodation is manageable for most budgets. Oakland's job market is robust, with opportunities in tech, healthcare, retail, and service industries. Part-time work is readily available, particularly in the thriving food and beverage scene. The Bay Area's economic vitality means competitive wages for student workers. The social scene is exceptional. Lake Merritt hosts concerts and festivals year-round, while venues like The Fillmore showcase live music. Street fairs, farmers markets, and neighborhood gatherings reflect Oakland's tight-knit community spirit. The city's food scene—from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants—is world-class. Cost of living is higher than many college towns but lower than San Francisco. Strategic budgeting and shared housing help offset expenses. Public transportation via BART and AC Transit connects students efficiently across the region. Oakland's authentic, multicultural character distinguishes it from typical college towns. Students experience genuine urban living while building connections in a city that celebrates creativity, activism, and community engagement.
Explore Oakland
Student Housing in Oakland
The Dorms At Woodminster Terrace
The Dorms At Woodminster Terrace is a 30-unit student housing community built in 2007, located at 3510 Mountain Blvd in Oakland, CA, approximately 1.3 miles from Merritt College. The property features fully furnished units with full kitchens, and offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance, a fitness center, community lounge, game room, business center, bike storage, and controlled access.
Atlas Apartments
Atlas Apartments is a 633-unit apartment community located at 385 14th St in Oakland, CA, approximately 5.7 miles from Merritt College. Built in 2020, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance, air conditioning, fitness center, clubhouse, controlled access, and a convenience store on-site.
Common Webster
Common Webster is a 60-unit apartment community located at 1515 Webster St in Oakland, CA, approximately 5.6 miles from Merritt College. The property offers fully furnished units with in-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens, and air conditioning. Amenities include high-speed internet, controlled access, an elevator, community lounge, and individual leases.
Fourth Street East Apartments
Fourth Street East Apartments is a 330-unit apartment community located at 150 4th St in Oakland, CA, approximately 5.5 miles from Merritt College. Built in 2018, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance, fitness center, business center, dog park, EV charging stations, and in-unit features such as air conditioning, dishwasher, and balcony patios.
Common Macarthur
Common Macarthur is a 12-unit apartment community located at 873 32nd St in Oakland, CA, approximately 6.3 miles from Merritt College. Built in 1970, the property offers fully furnished units with in-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens, air conditioning, and garage parking. Additional amenities include high-speed internet, bike storage, balcony patios, and a BBQ grill.
MacArthur Commons
MacArthur Commons is a 385-unit apartment community located at 540 39th St in Oakland, CA, approximately 6.0 miles from Merritt College. Built in 2019, the property offers amenities including a fitness center, dog park, bike storage, EV charging stations, clubhouse with community lounge, and in-unit features such as dishwashers, breakfast bars, and balcony patios. Additional amenities include BBQ grills, cable TV, and elevator access.
Warren Olney Residence Hall
Warren Olney Residence Hall is a student housing property located on Kapiolani Road in Oakland, California, approximately 0.9 miles from Merritt College. The residence hall provides on-campus housing options for students attending the college.
Aurelia Henry Reinhardt Residence Hall
Aurelia Henry Reinhardt Residence Hall is located on Post Road in Oakland, California, approximately 0.9 miles from Merritt College. This student housing facility provides on-campus residential accommodations for students attending the college.
Ege Residence Hall
Ege Residence Hall is a student housing property located on Post Rd in Oakland, CA, approximately 0.9 miles from Merritt College. The residence hall provides on-campus housing for students attending the college.
Hettie Belle Ege Residence Hall
Hettie Belle Ege Residence Hall is located on Post Rd in Oakland, CA, approximately 0.9 miles from Merritt College. This student housing property provides on-campus residential accommodations for enrolled students.
Mary Morse Residence Hall
Mary Morse Residence Hall is located at 5369 Underwood Ave in Oakland, CA, approximately 1.2 miles from Merritt College. This student housing property provides on-campus residential accommodations for students attending the college.
Ethel Moore Residence Hall
Ethel Moore Residence Hall is located at 5369 Underwood Ave in Oakland, CA, approximately 1.2 miles from Merritt College. This student housing property provides accommodation for students attending the college.
Orion
Orion is a 241-unit apartment community located at 255 9th Ave in Oakland, CA, approximately 0.8 miles from Laney College. Built in 2019, the property provides student housing options in the downtown Oakland area.
Eleven Fifty Clay
Eleven Fifty Clay is an apartment community located at 1150 Clay Street in Oakland, California, approximately 5.9 miles from Merritt College. The property offers student housing options in a central Oakland location.
Leasing Pros Oakland
Leasing Pros Oakland is an apartment community located at 4200 Broadway in Oakland, CA, approximately 5.5 miles from Merritt College. The property offers residential units designed for student housing needs in the Oakland area.
Edson House Apartments
Edson House Apartments is located at 295 29th St in Oakland, CA, approximately 5.5 miles from Merritt College. This apartment community offers residential units for students and professionals in the Oakland area.
The Skylyne at Temescal
The Skylyne at Temescal is an apartment community located at 3883 Turquoise Way in Oakland, CA, approximately 6.0 miles from Merritt College. The property offers student housing options in the Temescal neighborhood.
Hanover Northgate
Hanover Northgate is an apartment community located at 2450 Valdez St in Oakland, CA, approximately 5.5 miles from Merritt College. The property offers student housing options in the Oakland area.
ArtHaus Mandela
ArtHaus Mandela is an apartment community located at 1705 Mandela Parkway in Oakland, CA, approximately 1.9 miles from Laney College. The property provides student housing options in the Oakland area.
The Uptown
The Uptown is an apartment community located at 500 William St in Oakland, CA, approximately 5.8 miles from Merritt College. The property offers apartment-style housing suitable for students seeking accommodation in the Oakland area.
MacArthur Commons
MacArthur Commons is an apartment community located at 539 39th St in Oakland, CA, approximately 6.0 miles from Merritt College. The property offers student housing options in the Oakland area.
The Collective Oakland
The Collective Oakland is an apartment community located at 618 14th St in Oakland, CA, approximately 6.0 miles from Merritt College. The property offers student housing options in Oakland's central location.
theRefuge Apartments
theRefuge Apartments is a student housing property located at 4400 Martin Luther King Jr Way in Oakland, CA, approximately 6.3 miles from Merritt College. The community offers residential accommodations designed for student living.
theRefuge Apartments
theRefuge Apartments is a student housing community located at 4400 Martin Luther King Jr Way in Oakland, CA, approximately 6.2 miles from Merritt College. The property offers furnished apartments designed for student residents seeking off-campus housing in the Oakland area.
Area Schools in Oakland
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