Student Housing Near University of California-Davis
Find verified off-campus housing near University of California-Davis in Davis, CA
About University of California-Davis
UC Davis stands out as a leading public research institution with a distinctive bike culture that defines campus life. Located in California's Central Valley, the university combines rigorous academics across engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and liberal arts with a remarkably collaborative student community. The famous "Picnic Day" celebration—one of the nation's largest student-run festivals—showcases the vibrant, inclusive culture that attracts students from across the globe.
As a selective public university, UC Davis offers exceptional educational value with a moderate net price that makes quality higher education accessible. The strong completion rates reflect both institutional support and a student body committed to success. The surrounding Davis community itself enhances the college experience, with farmers markets, local restaurants, and outdoor recreation easily accessible by the abundant bike paths that connect campus to downtown.
For students considering housing near campus, the area offers excellent options with reasonably priced rentals compared to other California university towns. Many students choose to live off-campus within walking or biking distance, enjoying lower costs than on-campus housing while remaining fully integrated into the dynamic student neighborhood that surrounds the university.
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- Public
- Highest Degree
- Graduate
- Setting
- Small Suburb
- Retention Rate
- 93%
- Accreditor
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
- Classification
- R1 Doctoral University
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual tuition and estimated costs
Davis offers relatively affordable housing options for a major public university, with both on-campus and off-campus alternatives available in a college-town setting that tends to be less expensive than nearby urban areas.
- ✓Consider living slightly farther from campus (1-2 miles) in surrounding neighborhoods, which can be roughly 15-25% cheaper than immediate campus-adjacent housing while remaining bikeable in this bike-friendly town.
- ✓Look into shared housing arrangements early—splitting a rental unit with roommates typically reduces per-person costs significantly compared to single occupancy.
- ✓Explore housing options on the outskirts of Davis or in nearby smaller communities with shuttle access, which may offer 20-30% savings versus central Davis rentals.
- ✓Apply for on-campus housing during early registration periods, as institutional housing often provides more predictable costs than volatile private rental markets.
Living Near University of California-Davis
UC Davis Housing Guide for Students
Davis's compact, bike-friendly layout makes housing accessible without a car. Most students live within a mile of campus in neighborhoods like West Davis, near Picnic Day Park, or Downtown, which offers walkable access to restaurants and shops along F Street. The Sycamore area provides a quieter residential feel while remaining convenient to campus.
Student neighborhoods tend to cluster around the university core, where shared houses rent for roughly 20–30% less than comparable urban areas. Many students bike to class year-round thanks to Davis's flat terrain and extensive bike paths—essential transportation in this car-lite community.
Downtown Davis buzzes with independent cafes, vintage shops, and local restaurants catering to student budgets. The Farmer's Market (Wednesday and Saturday) offers affordable produce and community gathering. For larger shopping needs, the Marketplace and nearby centers provide typical chain retailers.
The overall community feel emphasizes sustainability and activism. Local culture celebrates cycling, environmental consciousness, and aggie traditions. The town genuinely embraces its student population, creating a welcoming college-town atmosphere without excessive party reputation, making it ideal for students seeking academic focus alongside social engagement.
Other Housing Near University of California-Davis
Sterling 5th Street
Sterling 5th Street is a 160-unit student housing community built in 2019, located at 2100 5th Street in Davis, CA, approximately 1.5 miles from UC Davis. The property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance and fitness facilities, air conditioning, bike storage, a clubhouse, community lounge, and outdoor spaces with BBQ grilling areas. Units feature balcony patios, carpet, and ceiling fans, with controlled access entry throughout the property.
Greystone
Greystone is a 160-unit apartment community located at 2505 5th St in Davis, CA, approximately 1.8 miles from UC Davis. Built in 1993, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance, air conditioning, bike storage, a clubhouse, business center, and various community spaces. Units feature balcony patios, dishwashers, and ceiling fans.
Tahoe Hall
Tahoe Hall is a student housing property located at 533 Oxford Circle in Davis, CA, approximately 0.9 miles from UC Davis. The fully furnished units include a full kitchen with dishwasher and garbage disposal, along with amenities such as air conditioning, heating, high-speed internet, and a community lounge. The property features hardwood floors, carpet, ceiling fans, cable TV, and additional conveniences including a fireplace and ice maker.
Identity Davis
Identity Davis is a 70-unit student housing community located at 525 Oxford Circle in Davis, CA, approximately 1.0 mile from UC Davis. Built in 2021, the property features fully furnished units with in-unit washer/dryer, granite countertops, and garbage disposals. Residents have access to amenities including a fitness center, pool, business center, clubhouse, and package lockers.
Sol at West Village
Sol at West Village is a 683-unit student housing community located at 1580 Jade St in Davis, CA, approximately 1.2 miles from UC Davis. Built in 2011, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance, fitness center, air conditioning, bike storage, business center, clubhouse, and on-site convenience store.
Meridian Place
Meridian Place is a 11-unit apartment community located at 820 B St in Davis, CA, approximately 0.8 miles from UC Davis. Built in 2018, the property offers units equipped with full kitchens, air conditioning, dishwashers, and in-unit amenities including balcony patios and ceiling fans. Community features include bike storage, a community lounge, controlled access, doorman concierge service, elevator access, and EV charging stations.
Russell Park Apartments
Russell Park Apartments is a fully furnished apartment community located 0.8 miles from UC Davis in the Center 400 Russell Community Park area. The property offers units equipped with full kitchens, in-unit washer dryers, and high-speed internet. Amenities include a community lounge, air conditioning, heating, and cable TV in a smoke-free environment.
Viking Apartments
Viking Apartments is a 35-unit apartment community located at 801 D St in Davis, CA, approximately 0.9 miles from UC Davis. Built in 1962, the property offers furnished units with amenities including air conditioning, full kitchens, covered parking, high-speed internet, and on-site laundry facilities. Individual leases and 24/7 maintenance are available to residents.
The Edge Apartments
The Edge Apartments is a 120-unit apartment community located at 4005 Cowell Blvd in Davis, CA, approximately 2.6 miles from UC Davis. Built in 1988, the property offers amenities including air conditioning, dishwashers, balcony patios, bike storage, a basketball court, clubhouse, and 24/7 maintenance.
University Square
University Square is an apartment community located at 300 J St in Davis, CA, approximately 0.9 miles from UC Davis. Built in 1961, the 89-unit property offers amenities including high-speed internet, laundry facilities, a pool, and furnished kitchens with microwave, range oven, and refrigerator. The community maintains a smoke-free environment.
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