UCSB offers two family housing complexes for graduate students, featuring 1- and 2-bedroom apartments located about a mile from the center of campus. Priority is given to families with children, and it is recommended that interested students apply for the waitlist as soon as possible--even prior to admittance--to ensure placement. First and second-year graduate students can be accommodated at San Clemente Villages, UCSB’s housing community for single graduate students. Single student housing is available for the first year to new students as long as they meet annual application deadlines.
Single Student Housing
San Clemente Villages houses full-time regularly enrolled single graduate students in two- and four-bedroom apartments with each bedroom occupied by one person only. Parking, utilities, and wireless internet are included. You may request specific roommates during the application process. Gender inclusive housing options are available for students that are transgender, non-binary, and other diverse gender identities and expressions.
New single graduate students entering fall quarter are given priority consideration for housing for their first year as long as they adhere to application procedures and deadlines. New single graduate students entering winter or spring quarter are accommodated when possible.
The San Clemente housing application is open March 1-May 16. For more information on the application timeline and other important deadlines, Apply.
Family Student Housing
Family Student Housing provides a limited number of one- and two-bedroom single-family units for full-time UCSB students. Storke and West Campus apartments are rented on a month-to-month basis and are both approximately one mile from the main campus. Priority is given to families with children; otherwise, vacancies are filled in order by the date of application and desired move-in date. Non-traditional and extended families are welcome.
If you are not yet a student, you can apply and your application will be added to a waitlist (according to your application date) once you are accepted to UCSB. This is highly encouraged due to estimated wait time. For families with children, the average wait is 3-6 months or less, based on availability. For families without children, the average wait is 6-12 months, based on availability.
The Family Student Housing application can be completed anytime, including prior to admittance to UCSB. There is no deadline. For more information and FAQs, click here.
Current residents of both Storke and West Campus have offered some pros and cons of choosing Family Student Housing over other housing options in the community.
Pros
- Cheaper than comparable units in Santa Barbara
- Has a community feel (residents often get to know their neighbors, resident coordinators provide socials throughout the year for those with and without kids, people commonly socialize in shared lawn spaces)
- Lots of children live here so kids generally seem to enjoy growing up here (there are playgrounds on-site and kid-friendly activities planned throughout the year)
- Close proximity to campus (15-30 min walk, 5-10 min bike ride, and relatively close bus stops)
- Community garden and compost areas at both family housing complexes
- Maintenance is generally very good (quick to respond, friendly, and helpful)
- Community centers can be rented by residents for free
- Utilities and internet are included with your rent
- Close distance to grocery stores and shopping centers
Cons
- Older apartments so there is some wear and tear and a dated appearance (both inside and out)
- Some units don’t have carpet
- No washer/dryer or dishwashers in units (there are laundry rooms on site though)
- Can be a long waiting list to get in (sign up on the waiting list as soon as you can, even as a prospective student)
- Cats and dogs not allowed (unless approved as service animal)
- Space can be limiting depending on the size of the family moving in (no kids vs. a family with children)
Deciding Between Storke I, Storke II, or West Campus? Here are some factors to consider:
- West Campus is the cheapest option and gives you a choice of 1 or 2 bedrooms. From the outside, West Campus does not look as nice as the Storke apartments, but on the inside they are comparable. West Campus is farther from campus than Storke (by a few blocks).
- Storke I: Most Storke I apartments are centered around large shared lawn space. If you like to use your backyard, opt for a 1 story flat or 2 story that is on the base floor. The flats have slightly more space since they do not have to make room for stairs. The second/third floor units (while not having direct access to the yard) do have a balcony patio. Storke I is cheaper than Storke II, but more expensive than West Campus.
- Storke II: Storke II apartments are the largest and most expensive. You can get a top-floor or bottom floor unit but all units are 1 floor inside. They offer centralized heat (instead of wall units as seen in Storke I) and the kitchen has a more open layout. Opt for a top floor apartment if you are looking for lofted ceilings and additional storage space. Opt for a bottom floor apartment if it’s more important for you to have an outdoor patio space.
Check out the Family Student Housing Facebook page for events and to connect with other residents.