Student Housing in Santa Cruz, CA
Find student housing in Santa Cruz, CA
Student Housing in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the quintessential college town where students thrive in a vibrant, welcoming community. With UC Santa Cruz at its heart and proximity to Cabrillo College, West Valley College, De Anza College, and San Jose City College, the area has cultivated a distinctly academic atmosphere that celebrates student life. The city buzzes with energy from a thriving downtown scene featuring eclectic cafes, affordable restaurants, and late-night venues perfect for unwinding after classes. Pacific Avenue offers endless shopping and entertainment options, while nearby beaches provide the ultimate study break escape. Transportation is seamless with reliable bus systems connecting campuses and neighborhoods, making car ownership optional. Ten diverse student housing options near campus range from modern apartments to cozy shared houses, each designed with student budgets and lifestyles in mind. The mild year-round climate means you're always just minutes from outdoor adventures—whether hiking redwood forests, catching waves, or exploring nature trails. Santa Cruz student housing isn't just about having a place to sleep; it's about joining a tight-knit community where fellow students become lifelong friends and every neighborhood feels like home.
Housing Overview
- Location
- Santa Cruz, CA
- Properties
- 10 listed
- Total Beds
- 0
What to Know About Santa Cruz
Key highlights for students considering Santa Cruz
10 student housing options available near UCSC campus
Home to UC Santa Cruz, a top-ranked research university
Multiple colleges nearby including Cabrillo and De Anza
Vibrant beach town dining scene with diverse food options
Lively nightlife and entertainment district for students
Accessible public transit connecting to Bay Area colleges
Student Life in Santa Cruz
# Student Life in Santa Cruz, California Santa Cruz offers an exceptional college experience with its stunning coastal location, progressive culture, and vibrant student community. Home to UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and nearby institutions like De Anza College and San Jose City College, the city attracts thousands of students annually seeking both academic excellence and quality of life. The city's appeal lies in its natural beauty—pristine beaches, redwood forests, and the iconic boardwalk—combined with a laid-back, creative atmosphere. Student-friendly neighborhoods cluster around campus, with established housing options throughout the city. With 10+ student housing choices available, finding affordable accommodations is relatively manageable compared to other Bay Area college towns. The job market suits student schedules well, with seasonal tourism opportunities, retail positions along the boardwalk, and tech internships in nearby Silicon Valley. Many students balance work and studies successfully here. Santa Cruz's social scene thrives year-round. Beyond the famous boardwalk amusement park, students enjoy live music venues, coffee shops, farmers markets, and beach bonfires. The city hosts numerous festivals and events celebrating its quirky, environmentally-conscious culture—from the Woodies on the Beach festival to farmers market gatherings. While living costs are higher than inland college towns, Santa Cruz remains more affordable than San Francisco or LA. The community's strong environmental ethic and emphasis on sustainable living creates a unique student culture unavailable elsewhere. Whether you're studying at UC Santa Cruz or commuting from nearby colleges, Santa Cruz delivers an unforgettable blend of academics, nature, and authentic California coastal living.
Explore Santa Cruz
Student Housing in Santa Cruz
The Hilltop
The Hilltop is a 168-unit apartment community located at 363 Western Dr in Santa Cruz, approximately 2.2 miles from UC Santa Cruz. Built in 1974, the property features furnished units with full kitchens, dishwashers, and granite countertops. Residents have access to amenities including a clubhouse, community lounge, courtyard, bike storage, and BBQ grill.
Hidden Creek Apartments
Hidden Creek Apartments is a 146-unit apartment community located at 200 Button St in Santa Cruz, approximately 2.2 miles from UC Santa Cruz. Built in 1972, the property offers amenities including full kitchens with dishwashers, high-speed internet, 24/7 maintenance, on-site management, and laundry facilities. Additional features include controlled access, package lockers, a picnic area with BBQ grill, and nearby transit options.
Cypress Point Apartments
Cypress Point Apartments is a 240-unit apartment community located at 101 Felix St in Santa Cruz, approximately 2.5 miles from UC Santa Cruz. Built in 1973, the property offers amenities including a fitness center, gated community access, high-speed internet, full kitchens with dishwashers, laundry facilities, and 24/7 maintenance.
Graduate Student Housing
Graduate Student Housing located at 645 Heller Dr in Santa Cruz, CA, situated 0.4 miles from the University of California-Santa Cruz campus. This student housing property provides convenient proximity to UCSC facilities and academic resources.
Maxwell House
Maxwell House is a student housing property located at 615 Crown Service Road in Santa Cruz, California, approximately 0.4 miles from the University of California-Santa Cruz campus. The residential community is designed to accommodate students attending the university.
Stevenson Apartments
Stevenson Apartments is an apartment community located on Rd Service Stevenson in Santa Cruz, CA, just 0.4 miles from the University of California-Santa Cruz campus. The proximity to campus makes it convenient for UCSC students seeking housing options in the area.
Hong-Lim House (F - Dorm)
Hong-Lim House (F-Dorm) is a student housing facility located in Santa Cruz, California, approximately 0.5 miles from University of California-Santa Cruz. This dormitory provides on-campus housing for students attending the university.
Bayit Elie Wiesel House
Bayit Elie Wiesel House is a student housing facility located 0.5 miles from the University of California-Santa Cruz campus. This residence provides on-campus housing accommodations for UCSC students.
Casa Dolores Huerta (H - Dorm)
Casa Dolores Huerta is a student housing dormitory located in Santa Cruz, California, approximately 0.6 miles from the University of California-Santa Cruz campus. The residence provides on-campus living accommodations for undergraduate and graduate students attending the university.
The Village
The Village is a student housing property located at 7044 Village Rd in Santa Cruz, California, approximately 0.7 miles from the University of California-Santa Cruz campus. The community offers convenient access to the university and local amenities.
Area Schools in Santa Cruz
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