Finding the Perfect Short-Term Housing Near UCLA

Finding short-term housing near UCLA can be tricky, especially with the high demand in Westwood and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you're attending a summer session, completing a clinical rotation, or just need a temporary place before a long-term lease, knowing your short-term options as a UCLA student can help ease your housing search. This article explores the various options available, from university-managed accommodations to private rentals, and provides essential tips for securing a comfortable and convenient place to stay.

Top Short-Term Housing Options for UCLA Students

1. UCLA Summer Housing

UCLA offers limited summer housing in dorms and university apartments for enrolled students. These options are convenient but highly competitive, so apply early through UCLA Housing. Living on campus places you at the heart of university life, with easy access to campus resources, libraries, and dining options.

2. Subleasing from Other Students

Many Bruins sublet their rooms during summer or winter break. Subleasing can be a budget-friendly option, allowing you to take over an existing lease from a student who is away for a short period. Check UCLA-specific online forums and social media groups to find sublease opportunities.

3. Furnished Apartments with Month-to-Month Leases

Several furnished apartment complexes in Westwood offer flexible lease terms. These are ideal for visiting students, interns, or exchange students staying a few months. These apartments often come equipped with essential furniture, kitchen appliances, and utilities, making your move-in process seamless.

4. Co-Living Spaces Around Westwood

Companies like Tripalink and Roomi provide co-living arrangements with short leases, furnished rooms, and utilities included. Many are within walking distance of campus. Co-living spaces offer a sense of community, with shared common areas and organized social events.

5. Airbnb and Monthly Rentals

Some Airbnb hosts near Westwood offer discounted monthly rates for students. Choose “monthly stays” when searching and look for Superhosts near campus. Airbnb can provide a variety of housing types, from private rooms to entire apartments or houses, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs.

6. Short-Term University-Affiliated Hotels

UCLA partners with hotels like UCLA Guest House and Tiverton House, which offer short stays for students, visiting scholars, and families. Staying at a university-affiliated hotel provides a comfortable and convenient option, often with amenities like housekeeping and on-site dining.

7. Suburban Host Programs or Homestays

Some West LA families rent rooms to students for a few weeks or months. This can be a cozy and budget-friendly short-term solution, especially for international students. Homestays offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and receive personalized support from your host family.

8. Graduate Housing Temporary Accommodations

Graduate and professional students can access short-term rooms through university-managed graduate housing options-check with your specific department or grad housing office. These accommodations are designed to meet the specific needs of graduate students, providing a quiet and comfortable environment conducive to studying and research.

Exploring Off-Campus Housing Options Near UCLA

Understanding the West LA Housing Market

West Los Angeles, commonly referred to as West LA, is one of Los Angeles's premier neighborhoods on the west side. Situated between Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Culver City, West LA makes for an attractive living option for students, young professionals, and anyone needing quick access to beaches as well as major employment centers.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Renters often select West LA as the perfect balance of lifestyle and location, offering access to everyday essentials like grocery stores, cafes, gyms, and local restaurants while still being minutes from the coast. You can get around easily without a car thanks to public transportation. Metro bus routes and Expo Line stops nearby are just two examples. Drivers can take advantage of the quick access to the 405 or 10 freeways to get to UCLA, Santa Monica College, and Silicon Beach offices.

West LA apartments span an array of styles and price points, from classic courtyard buildings to contemporary furnished apartments with roommate accommodations that cater specifically to roommate arrangements. Many rentals also cater to students by offering flexible leases and coliving options that make shared living more accommodating.

This neighborhood is a popular and practical choice for those looking for West LA Apartments or West LA Homes for Rent. It's also a great option for students who are searching for housing close to major campuses.

Featured Apartment Complexes

Several apartment complexes near UCLA offer attractive short-term lease options and amenities:

Westwood Village Apartment Homes (1033 Hilgard Ave.): Offers furnished and unfurnished 1-bedroom suites and 2-bedroom apartments. Contact: 323-985-7579. Example rates: Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suite: $2,845 - $3,545. Furnished 1 Bedroom Suite: $3,740 - $4,195. Unfurnished 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath: $4,145.
eight70870 Hilgard Avenue: Provides short-term rentals with 1 to 6-month lease terms available (with a monthly premium). Contact: 323-741-6189. Example rates: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath: $2,995 - $3,495. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath + Den: $3,595 - $3,695.
Kelton Arms (433 Kelton Ave.): Offers 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments. Contact: 424-243-4796. Example rates: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath: $2,925 - $3,000. 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath: $4,425 - $4,450. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath: $4,615 - $4,895.
Wilshire Margot (10599 Wilshire Blvd.): Features furnished co-living studio suites and unfurnished apartments. Contact: 424-688-5828. Example rates: Furnished Co-Living Studio Suite: $1,450 - $1,885. Unfurnished Jr. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath: $3,945. Unfurnished 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath: $6,995.
Woodcliff (3201 Overland Ave.): Offers studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments. Contact: 424-392-6847. Example rates: Studio: $2,050 - $2,150. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath: $2,395 - $2,475.

Amenities and Features of Off-Campus Housing

UCLA off-campus housing options include a variety of amenities to enhance the living experience of students. These amenities often include:

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Furnished Units: Many apartments come fully furnished, making it easier for students to move in without the hassle of buying furniture.
Utilities Included: Some rentals include utilities such as water, electricity, and internet in the monthly rent.
Modern Co-Living Spaces: Co-living arrangements offer shared living spaces with private bedrooms, providing a sense of community and shared resources.
Flexible Leases: Many apartments offer flexible lease terms to accommodate the varying needs of students, including short-term leases and month-to-month options.

UCLA Off-Campus Housing: Location and Accessibility

There are several housing options available to University of California, Los Angeles students, some of which are in some of the most popular neighborhoods in West Los Angeles. Not only are these apartment complexes near UCLA, but they are also near the beach, and many of them have a park located nearby.

First of all, some options are owned by the University of California, Los Angeles. For single undergraduate students, there are many rooms for rent near UCLA to choose from, most of the houses or apartments located west or southwest of the campus. All of these complexes are within walking distance of the university, removing the need for students to obtain transportation to get to and from campus.

These apartments in Los Angeles near UCLA range in size between studios and homes with three bedrooms, which are meant to be shared by multiple students who want to experience a bit more independence by living away from campus. Students who choose to live off-campus are encouraged to share housing near UCLA with friends who have also enrolled at UCLA. If they do not have existing contacts at the university, a resident can find one or two individuals who are looking for housing close to ucla.

Amenities, such as television, high-speed internet, and basic utilities, are all included at no additional cost. It is important to note that not all of the UCLA off campus housing offers parking, and the ones that do have limited spaces available. In addition to the restaurants in the neighborhood, residents of these apartments near UCLA can also take advantage of the dining options on the UCLA campus.

As is the case with most apartments near the UCLA campus in West Los Angeles, parking is not guaranteed. In order to secure parking, students must submit proof of valid vehicle registration. Once a person has submitted a valid registration, they will be assigned a garage space or a parking spot.

UCLA Family Housing

UCLA also offers more than 1100 off campus housing options for families. These UCLA university housing units are designed for married students, students who are in same-sex domestic partnerships, and students who are single parents. All of these housing UCLA are rented unfurnished but do come with a complete kitchen, swimming pools for adults and children, access to a childcare center, and a deluxe playground.

If you need a UCLA family housing through UCLA, you should submit your application early, as the limited number of available spaces combined with the high demand for them makes these spaces some of the most sought-after in West LA.

Cost of Off-Campus Housing

Apartments in Los Angeles, CA is generally considered some of the most expensive, thanks to the prestige associated with living in the area. While it's easy to give up on your search for an affordable unit in Los Angeles too soon, it's important that UCLA offers affordable housing options for students who want to live in a nearby unit that provides them with easy access to the campus, as well as Long Beach.

If you're a graduate student in the middle of a search for an apartment for rent near UCLA, you can find a unit in the following areas. Obviously, pricing may vary based on the community that you choose in West Los Angeles and the size of the space that you select.

Westwood: Those who are on the search for furnished apartments in Westwood, CA, are thrilled when they find out about how many cultural events they can attend when they aren't in class. There are several theatres in this portion of Los Angeles, making it a cultural center that still provides a short transit between your complex and the university. The amount varies wildly depending on the size and the location of the space that you choose.

Culver City: Since the 1920s, Culver City has been a hub for TV and movie production, which means you never know who you may see around town when you leave your West Los Angeles abode. Most options here are around 8 miles from the university, so you will want to have access to a vehicle, or you can use public transportation. If your search for a place to live while you're in school includes the desire to be around TV and film studios, Culver City is a great option.

West Los Angeles, CA: Some of the most elite areas of Los Angeles fall within the boundaries of West Los Angeles. If you plan on living in Los Angeles after graduation, Mid-City is a great place to put down roots and call home for the long-term.

Santa Monica: Santa Monica is only 7 miles away from UCLA. If you choose to live here, you can quickly access the university while still enjoying the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There is also plenty to do in your free time, including amusement parks and an outdoor gym that opened in the 1930s.

Venice: If you're in the middle of a search for a place in Los Angeles, CA that allows you to enjoy the beaches and scenery, Venice is a wonderful choice for housing or apartments. Housing in this area can be a little costly because of the demand, but you will be able to enjoy the outdoor gym, the skating rink, and all the other attractions of the area.

Silverlake: If your UCLA University housing search includes the desire to enjoy locally owned artisan coffee shops and other regional attractions that are specific to this area of Los Angeles, Silver Lake is the ideal spot for you. The distance between Silverlake and UCLA is a little long (41 miles), so you'll need to make preparations to drive yourself or take advantage of public transit.

Downtown Los Angeles, CA: Finally, Downtown Los Angeles is a diverse area of more than 85,000 people. This is the part of LA that most tourists want to visit when they come to town, but you can find residential options here while you're enrolled at UCLA. Be sure to take full advantage of all the neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, and attractions that make Downtown LA one of the most sought-after areas in the world.

On Campus vs Off Campus Housing

When you begin your search for homes for rent near the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the first things that you will want to consider is the amount. It's important to note that the cost of a dorm room on the UCLA campus may vary based on what building you get assigned to, any scholarships that you've earned, and other factors.

However, since most homes for rent are positioned pretty close to the UCLA campus, you probably get more bang for your buck by choosing to live off campus. The listing prices differ and are often negligible, and you have more access to the community that surrounds the campus. The community aspect of living in Los Angeles is often the biggest draw for new students who want to be able to spend a day at some of the beaches, if they don't have class, or ride around Santa Monica.

The ability to share your space and the rent with a group of friends or other students is also a reason to choose to live in the University of California, Los Angeles off campus housing.

There is plenty to do in Los Angeles, and deciding to pursue your higher education at UCLA is a great reason to move to the area. Los Angeles offers beaches, shopping, and world-class dining experiences. Since so many of those things to do are situated close to UCLA, it is one of the most popular schools among students.

When you're considering colleges, it's important that you focus on more than just the price, as the experience offered by different universities is often incomparable. Making the decision to live in off-campus housing at UCLA enables you to maximize your college experience.

Additional Resources for Finding Housing

Zuma Housing

Zuma Housing offers Westwood student housing designed for convenience, flexibility, and community. With rooms for rent in Westwood, Los Angeles, you’ll find fully furnished spaces just minutes from UCLA. Their Los Angeles co-living apartments make meeting new people easy, while their furnished apartments near UCLA give you a stress-free move-in experience. From Hilgard apartments in Westwood to Ashton Ave. apartments, they provide comfortable and modern living options. Whether you're looking for UCLA housing, co-living in Santa Monica, or shared living in Los Angeles, Zuma Housing has the perfect spot for you.

UCLA Summer Hostels

UCLA invites sun-seeking, stick-around students and eager interns to lodge with them this summer. This community on ‘The Hill’ (student-speak for UCLA’s extensive residential complex) offers perks where traditional hostels are lacking. A sprawling fitness center ensures you stay fit on the road. Of course, it wouldn’t be summer in SoCal without swimming pool access, so they’ve included that too. When you need to take care of business, they keep you connected with free WiFi and relaxing work zones. Speaking of which, the university location is a busy public transit hub, with multiple local and regional lines whisking commuters to Hollywood, Santa Monica beaches, Downtown and far beyond. The recent addition of designated rideshare zones makes it easier than ever to e-hail a ride.

You'll rest your head in a private room in one of their residential high-rise buildings. Although your room will not have air conditioning, nice breezes off the ocean (only 5 miles away!), help keep temps cooler. You'll have access to a shared bathroom with private showers and toilets, as well as amenities such as study and social lounges, and access to recreational facilities. A communal laundry room is located on the ground floor. Your stay also includes complimentary WiFi and a linen pack consisting of sheets, a blanket, a pillow and a towel upon arrival.

Not just anyone can stay at UCLA this summer, but isn’t exclusivity part of the appeal? To keep their shared lodging situation secure, clean and pleasant for all, you must be able to provide proof that you are 18 years or older AND meet one of the following criteria to book a reservation.

Tips for Securing Short-Term Housing

Start Your Search Early

Given the high demand for housing near UCLA, begin your search well in advance of your intended move-in date. This will give you a wider selection of options and more time to compare prices and amenities.

Use Trusted Platforms

Stick to trusted platforms such as UCLA Housing, reputable apartment rental websites, and Airbnb. Avoid listings on Craigslist or other unverified sources, as these may be prone to scams.

Verify Listings

Before committing to any housing option, verify the listing by contacting the property manager or landlord directly. Ask questions about the lease terms, security deposit, and any additional fees.

Visit the Property

Whenever possible, visit the property in person before signing a lease. This will allow you to assess the condition of the unit, check for any potential issues, and ensure that it meets your needs.

Read the Lease Carefully

Before signing a lease, read it carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Pay attention to details such as the lease term, rent payment schedule, and any restrictions on subletting or pets.

Never Send Money Before Seeing the Property

Never send money or provide personal information before seeing the property or signing an official agreement. Scammers often use fake listings to lure unsuspecting renters into sending money upfront.

Consider Co-Living

Co-living spaces can be a great option for students seeking short-term housing. These spaces offer furnished rooms, shared common areas, and flexible lease terms, making them a convenient and affordable choice.

The Allure of Living Near Santa Monica College (SMC)

Santa Monica College attracts students from throughout Los Angeles and beyond, and many choose to live off campus to take advantage of more space, flexibility, and neighborhood options. Particularly popular for SMC off-campus housing are areas like West LA and Santa Monica with short commute times and student-friendly environments.

Living near Santa Monica College means enjoying some of the Westside's greatest amenities. Students often look for housing near major bus lines that run directly to campus for ease of travel without relying on cars for accessing classes. West LA apartments near Santa Monica College tend to provide better value compared to rentals nearer the beach, while still having manageable commute times.

SMC student housing options off campus range from shared apartments, private bedrooms, and full units for those seeking greater independence. Many SMC students opt to share an apartment to make rent more affordable while enjoying a more social living experience. Neighborhoods near campus offer numerous part-time job opportunities, as well as convenient access to grocery stores, coffee shops, and study spots, all within walking or biking distance.

West LA offers convenient, flexible living environments that accommodate both academic life and everyday living.

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