UC San Diego is set in La Jolla, a coastal neighborhood with stunning scenery and some of the highest rents in San Diego County. Most students pay $1,200–$1,700/month for a shared room near campus. The neighborhoods immediately adjacent to UCSD — University City and the Village area just east of campus — have the densest student apartment inventory. Students who want lower prices, more social energy, or beach proximity look to Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach, 20–30 minutes away by bus or car. La Jolla itself has limited rental inventory and high baseline prices, so most off-campus students end up in University City or beyond. The coastal climate makes biking genuinely pleasant for much of the year.
UC San Diego requires incoming freshmen to live on campus for their first year through the residential college system. UCSD has six residential colleges, each with its own culture and community — freshmen are assigned to one and live on campus in housing affiliated with that college. Planning for sophomore off-campus housing should begin during spring quarter of freshman year.
After the freshman year, students rent freely throughout San Diego. There is no contracted off-campus housing system. UCSD's Off-Campus Housing office maintains a listings board and tenant resource guides. Many students find housing through Facebook groups and Craigslist as well as through the official board.
Most apartments near UCSD turn over in June and September. Landlords in University City start listing units in February and March. Good 3- and 4-bedroom apartments in University City go quickly in March and April for summer move-in. Students who wait until May are searching in a noticeably thinner market.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with University of California, San Diego before signing a lease.
February and March are the prime months for securing quality housing near UCSD. University City apartments — the primary off-campus zone — turn over predictably in summer, and the best units go to students who start looking before spring quarter ends. Starting early also lets you do in-person tours, which are essential in a market where condition varies widely.
March through April is the peak competition window for near-campus housing. Current tenants are deciding whether to renew, and returning students and incoming transfers compete for the same inventory. University City units within biking distance of campus are the most sought-after and go the fastest during this window.
Students searching in May or June can still find housing, but University City availability thins out and you're more likely to end up in Clairemont Mesa or further east. Pacific Beach is a popular fallback — more availability, lower prices per square foot, and the beach, with a longer bus or car commute to campus.
The primary off-campus student zone — east of campus and adjacent to the UTC mall area. Dense apartment complexes built specifically for the UCSD population. Close enough to bike to campus and walkable to grocery stores, restaurants, and the UCSD Trolley station. Most competitive area for near-campus housing.
About 20–30 minutes from campus by bus or car, Pacific Beach offers more spacious apartments at lower prices than University City, plus the obvious draw of being blocks from the ocean. Popular with upperclassmen who prioritize lifestyle over proximity. Nightlife and beach culture are central to PB's identity.
Walking distance from campus but expensive and limited in inventory. Mostly used by grad students and professional programs who can afford the premium. Limited availability — landlords here know they can charge above-market rates given the location.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Shared rooms near UCSD in University City typically run $1,200–$1,700/month. La Jolla Village proper is more expensive. Pacific Beach offers shared rooms in the $1,000–$1,400 range with a longer commute. Solo apartments near campus start around $1,800–$2,200/month.
