How to Find an Apartment Near UCLA

Congratulations! You're taking a big step in your college journey by moving out of the dorms and into off-campus housing near the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Trust me, you're not alone as many UCLA students struggle with the same thoughts when looking for housing in West LA.

Moving out of the dorms is a rite of passage for most UCLA students, and it comes with a host of benefits like more space, privacy, freedom, and control.

Living off campus has lots of benefits compared to the dorms, some of which are more space, New Friends and budget. When it comes to finding the perfect off-campus housing, there are a few things to consider. Let's review each on the benefits in a little more detail.

Roommates

You have to decide if you want to live in a shared space with roommates or if you prefer to live alone. You're experience living with roommates in the dorms will likely play a big role in your decision. Living with roommates can be a great way to make friends and save money, but it can also lead to disagreements and issues with cleanliness.

The cons of having roommates are that you might get into occasional disagreements or they might not have the same schedule as you.

Ultimately, this is a personal choice that depends on your finances and individual preferences.

Budget

Living off-campus can be either more affordable or more expensive than living in the dorms, depending on your budget. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of how much you can afford for rent, bills, and food before you start your search for a new home.

Don't forget to check out our articles on budgeting and saving money to ensure you have a solid financial plan in place.

Location

The neighborhoods surrounding UCLA are situated in such a way that some off-campus housing options will offer an equal or shorter commute to campus, while others will result in a longer commute. The best way to get a sense of how long your commute will be is by using Google Maps to calculate the walking distance to campus.

It's also important to consider your commute time to the parts of campus you visit the most frequently. For example, if you're a South Campus major, you'll likely be visiting Boelter Hall more often than Broade, so you should look for housing closer to Roebling Ave instead of Ophir Dr.

Apartment Hunting Resources

Apartments.com is a popular resource for students looking for off-campus housing. It offers an easy-to-use platform for searching available apartments based on price, location, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms.

If you're looking for a shorter-term subletter opportunity, the UCLA Subletter Facebook Group is a great resource to find open spots in apartments.

Co-Living

For a unique housing option, consider Tripalink, a co-living brand that offers students the best of both worlds: private bedrooms and shared living spaces like the living room and kitchen. Tripalink is a great way to make new friends while still having your own private space.

You can join with a friend or come solo, and Tripalink will fill the rest of the apartment with like-minded, courteous roommates. This will take away a lot of the stress of finding an apartment.

Tripalink has several locations near UCLA campus, and you can browse available options based on factors like price, number of bedrooms, private bathrooms, parking, in-unit laundry, air conditioning, and bathtubs.

To get started, you can visit the Tripalink website's homepage and click on Los Angeles, West LA, then "Find My Home." You can refine your search using the search bar at the top of the page.

Pet Policy

If you’re a pet owner, it’s important to consider the pet policy of the apartments or off-campus housing you’re considering. Some places might only allow certain types of pets, or might have a limit on the number of pets you can have.

Some places might also charge additional fees for pet owners. Make sure to ask about the pet policy when you’re looking at apartments and keep it in mind when you’re making your final decision.

Amenities

Another important consideration is the amenities offered by the apartment complex. Many questions include Are there on-site laundry facilities, Is there a pool, A gym, A study room and/or a recreational area.

Knowing what amenities you need and which ones you can live without will help you narrow down your search and make it easier to find the right place for you.

Leasing Terms

It’s important to consider the leasing terms when you’re looking for off-campus housing near UCLA or an apartment near UCLA. Make sure you understand the length of the lease, the rent amount, the move-in and move-out dates, and the security deposit required.

You should also ask about the renewal process and the penalties for breaking the lease. Knowing the leasing terms will help you make informed decisions and avoid any surprises later on.

If you are looking to join an apartment as a subletter for a shorter time period, then the UCLA Subletter Facebook Group is a great resource for finding people with open spots.

Safety

Safety is an important factor to consider when you’re looking for off-campus housing near UCLA. Research the crime rate in the area and talk to current residents or the local police to get an idea of how safe the Santa Monica area is. You should also look for apartments that have secure entry systems, such as keyed entry or security cameras. Make sure you feel safe and comfortable in the area before you make a decision.

Visiting the Apartments

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to visit the apartments and check them out in person. Take a walk around the area and get a feel for the neighborhood. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint or broken windows, and make sure to ask about any repairs or renovations that have been made recently.

Pay attention to the lighting, as well, and make sure there are enough lights to keep you feeling safe and secure.

Take the time to ask questions and get to know the management staff. This can give you a good idea of what it would be like to live there and help you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, finding off-campus housing near UCLA can seem daunting, but with a little bit of research and preparation, you can find a place that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Make sure to consider your roommate situation, budget, location, apartment hunting resources, co-living options, pet policy, amenities, leasing terms, safety, and take the time to visit the apartments in person before making a decision.

Finding off-campus housing near the campus can seem pretty difficult if it’s your first time moving out of the dorms and into ucla campus. However, UCLA has great off-campus housing options if you know where to look!

Check out our UCLA articles to learn the more about famous UCLA alumni  and what you need to know before moving to UCLA.