2025 Educational Campaign

Housing Booklet 2025

The purpose of the UC San Diego Housing Booklet is to be transparent, providing UC San Diego students with intentional information as it relates to UC San Diego Off-Campus Housing. This booklet will breakdown housing as a larger concept: strategizing the housing search process, finding roommates, navigating applications, leasing information, as well as campus and community resources.

Housing Booklet 2025

Part 1: Building a Housing Search Plan

Building a housing search plan is an important first step in the home search process. If you're interested in learning how to create an effective plan, start by identifying your needs versus wants, understanding your rights as a renter, and staying aware of common housing scams. Be sure to set a budget that includes additional costs like utilities and transportation, and consider roommates or public transit to make housing more affordable. To learn more, watch our video about Building a Housing Search Plan.

Part 2: Housing Search Process

The Housing Search Process can be tedious and stressful, but with our guide, it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to establish a timeline, explore trusted platforms like the UCSD Off-Campus Housing website, filter listings based on your needs, and avoid common scams. To learn more, watch our video about the Housing Search Process.

Part 3: Roommate Selection

Selecting the right roommate and how many of them is crucial for a house hunting plan. Living with compatible roommates can greatly improve your housing experience by reducing costs and sharing responsibilities. You can find potential roommates through tools like the UCSD Off-Campus Housing website, where you can create a profile with your preferences and connect with other students.To learn more, watch our full guide on Roommate Selection.

Part 4: Application Process

Application to different residences can be a bit confusing since each application is dependent on location. However, the process becomes easier once you narrow down your options by scheduling tours, contacting leasing agents, and reviewing floor plans and availability as early as possible. It’s important to compare properties carefully, ask questions, and consider factors like income requirements, co-signers or guarantors, and how financial aid or savings may be used to meet eligibility. Watch our video to explore our general Application Process.

Part 5: Campus & Community Service

Stress about signing a lease? Don't worry, this guide will go over everything you'll need to be successful. Like what a lease is, renting agreements, payment terms, and length of stay, along with other important conditions and policies like pets and maintenance expectations. Before signing, it’s important to carefully review all terms, double-check who is on the lease, understand the security deposit, and ask questions about anything unclear. To learn more, watch our video about Signing a Lease.

Part 6: Campus & Community Services

Curious about what community resources are available to you as a student? UCSD offers a variety of on-campus support centers that can help with housing-related needs. Such as the Off-Campus Housing Office which provides transitional, temporary, and emergency housing programs for students facing housing instability, consultations are also available through the Basic Needs Center. Students can also use resources like the UCSD Off-Campus Housing website, 211 San Diego, and other local support services to find additional help. To learn more, watch our video about Campus & Community Services.