Student housing near University of California-Santa Cruz
- 10 places listed
- Santa Cruz, CA
Other Housing Near University of California-Santa Cruz
Check your school's housing rules before you sign; some schools require first-years to live on campus. Visit the school's official site
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Hidden Creek Apartments
Santa Cruz, CA2.2 mi to campus
4.0 (5 reviews)
Hidden Creek Apartments is an apartment community in Santa Cruz, CA, offering units with balcony patios, full kitchens with dishwashers and microwaves, heating, and high-speed internet. Residents have access to on-site laundry facilities, a BBQ grill, picnic area, playground, controlled access, package lockers, cable TV, and on-site management, with convenient transit nearby.
- 24 7 Maintenance
- Balcony/Patio
- BBQ Area
Cypress Point Apartments
Santa Cruz, CA2.5 mi to campus
4.0 (22 reviews)
Cypress Point Apartments is a gated community in Santa Cruz offering apartment homes with balcony patios and a courtyard. Amenities include a full kitchen with dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave and freezer, along with a fitness center, laundry facilities, high-speed internet, cable TV, and heating throughout.
- 24 7 Maintenance
- Balcony/Patio
- BBQ Area
The Hilltop
Santa Cruz, CA2.2 mi to campus
2.0 (8 reviews)
The Hilltop is an apartment community in Santa Cruz, CA offering a range of amenities including a full kitchen with granite countertops, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Residents have access to outdoor spaces such as a balcony patio, BBQ grill, garden, and courtyard, along with indoor common areas including a clubhouse and community lounge. Additional amenities include bike storage, cable TV, carpet, and ceiling fans throughout the units.
- Balcony/Patio
- BBQ Area
- Bike Storage
Graduate Student Housing
Santa Cruz, CA0.4 mi to campus
4.0 (6 reviews)
This student housing property provides convenient proximity to UCSC facilities and academic resources.
Maxwell House
Santa Cruz, CA0.4 mi to campus
5.0 (1 review)
The residential community is designed to accommodate students attending the university.
Stevenson Apartments
Santa Cruz, CA0.3 mi to campus
4.0
The proximity to campus makes it convenient for UCSC students seeking housing options in the area.
Bayit Elie Wiesel House
Santa Cruz, CA0.5 mi to campus
This residence provides on-campus housing accommodations for UCSC students.
Hong-Lim House (F - Dorm)
Santa Cruz, CA0.6 mi to campus
5.0
This dormitory provides on-campus housing for students attending the university.
Casa Dolores Huerta (H - Dorm)
Santa Cruz, CA0.6 mi to campus
The residence provides on-campus living accommodations for undergraduate and graduate students attending the university.
The Village
Santa Cruz, CA0.7 mi to campus
3.0 (7 reviews)
The community offers convenient access to the university and local amenities.
Find off-campus housing near University of California-Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA
On-campus room and board: $19,948 per academic year (College Scorecard, 2024-25)
On-campus housing has room for 9,524 students (IPEDS 2023); undergraduate enrollment 17,940 (College Scorecard, 2024-25)
University of California-Santa Cruz at a Glance
Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education) · Retrieved October 2026
About University of California-Santa Cruz
Perched on California's dramatic coastline, UC Santa Cruz offers an unconventional college experience where academic excellence thrives alongside laid-back West Coast culture. This large public university excels in research and graduate education while maintaining a distinctive commitment to environmental consciousness and social engagement. Students benefit from a vibrant campus community that celebrates diversity and encourages exploration across disciplines, from cutting-edge technology to environmental science to the humanities.
The surrounding Santa Cruz area pulses with creative energy—from local farmers markets and independent bookstores to live music venues and art galleries that reflect the region's bohemian spirit. The community embraces innovation and sustainability, values deeply embedded in the university's mission.
Living near campus puts students at the heart of this dynamic coastal town, where they can easily access both the natural beauty of the surrounding redwoods and beaches and the cultural offerings of a tight-knit, progressive community. The walkable neighborhoods surrounding campus offer the perfect blend of student-friendly amenities and authentic local flavor, making off-campus living an extension of the educational experience itself.
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- Public
- Highest Degree
- Graduate
- Setting
- Small City
- Retention Rate
- 88%
- Accreditor
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
- Classification
- R1 Doctoral University
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual tuition and estimated costs
Santa Cruz's coastal location and vibrant student community mean housing near UC Santa Cruz involves significant planning and creativity. Building flexibility into your housing search and exploring options beyond traditional on-campus residence halls can help you manage expenses.
- ✓Consider shared housing arrangements with roommates, which can significantly reduce individual housing expenses while building community connections
- ✓Explore neighborhoods slightly further from campus that may offer different housing options and allow you to comparison-shop across various areas
- ✓Look into on-campus housing options early, as universities often offer various residence hall configurations that may align with different budgets
- ✓Research local rental assistance programs, housing cooperatives, or graduate student housing initiatives that may be available through the university or community organizations
Living Near University of California-Santa Cruz
Student Housing Guide for UC Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers a vibrant college town atmosphere perfect for student living. The area surrounding campus blends coastal California charm with a bustling downtown scene, creating an engaging environment for academic and social life.
Popular neighborhoods include Downtown Santa Cruz, known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and nightlife along Pacific Avenue. The Westside area provides a more residential feel while remaining convenient to campus. Beach neighborhoods like Capitola offer stunning ocean views and a relaxed lifestyle, attracting students seeking coastal living.
Getting around is convenient through multiple options. Many students bike, taking advantage of the relatively flat downtown terrain and dedicated bike paths. Walking is feasible for those near central locations. Santa Cruz Metro provides reliable public transit connecting neighborhoods to campus, making a car optional for many students.
The area boasts excellent dining and entertainment options, from casual taquerias and coffee shops to upscale restaurants. Independent bookstores, vintage clothing boutiques, and surf shops characterize local retail. The Boardwalk amusement park offers classic entertainment, while hiking trails and beaches provide outdoor recreation.
The student community fosters a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Neighborhoods generally maintain good safety records, particularly in well-populated student areas. The combination of academic focus, natural beauty, and youthful energy makes Santa Cruz an appealing choice for university students seeking engaging off-campus living.
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