Student Accommodation Berkeley (California)

Berkeley is a top student destination in California, Berkeley. This beautiful city is home to the University of California, Berkeley and has been listed among the top US cities to live and study. University Living is here to help students at this top university to find their ideal accommodation. You can choose from a wide range of student housing options and connect with your potential landlord in real-time.  

Top Demanded Student Housing in Berkeley 

Students in Berkeley are offered unique housing options. Berkeley offers multiple on-campus and off-campus student housing to university students. Each of these properties comes with furnished bedrooms and housing features to assist students with their academic life.  

On-Campus Accommodation

On-campus accommodation in Berkely are student properties managed by the university. These housing are located in or around the university campus and are the ideal choice for students who wish to live near the university.  

Off-Campus Accommodation 

Off-campus student housing in Berkeley offer students a range of housing options that combine independence with convenience. These properties often feature amenities such as furnished living spaces, high-speed internet, study areas, and proximity to the University of California, Berkeley campus, enhancing the overall student experience. 

Private Student Apartments 

These apartments provide students with a personal living space, typically including a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. They offer greater privacy and the freedom to personalize one's environment. Many are located near campus and come equipped with modern amenities like in-unit laundry facilities and secure access.  

Studios/ PBSAs

Studios and PBSAs are specifically designed for student living, offering studio units that combine living and sleeping areas into a single space. These accommodations often include communal facilities such as study rooms, fitness centers, and social lounges, fostering a sense of community among residents. They are typically situated close to campus, providing easy access to university resources. 

About Berkeley, California City

Berkeley is a city on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, California. It is named after the 18th-century philosopher George Berkeley. Berkeley borders Oakland and Emeryville to the south and Albany and Kensington to the north. 

Berkeley hosts the University of California, Berkeley, its oldest campus. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, managed by the university, is also located here. The city is home to the Graduate Theological Union, a leading religious studies institution. Berkeley is known for its socially progressive culture.  

Berkeley is also home to the La Peña Cultural Center, the largest hub for the Chilean American community in the United States. The Freight and Salvage, the oldest full-time folk and traditional music venue west of the Mississippi River, is also in Berkeley. 

Facts About Berkeley

Berkeley was earlier known as "Ocean View." In 1860, a student from the College of California suggested renaming the area after the 18th-century philosopher George Berkeley. 

The University of California, Berkeley was established in 1868. It is the oldest campus in the University of California system. 

Following the1906 San Francisco earthquake, many displaced residents relocated to Berkeley. 

Berkeley established sister city relationships with 17 cities across 14 countries from 1966 to 2018. 

In the 1960s, Berkeley was at the forefront of the Free Speech Movement, with students advocating for civil liberties and political expression. 

Ideal Cost of Living in Berkeley

Berkeley’s cost of living is higher compared to the national average. The estimated cost of living in Berkeley is $1,400 to $2,000/ month, excluding rent and tuition fees. Students must know all about the factors influencing the cost of living. It is the sum of student housing rent, food and groceries, transportation, electricity and utilities, clothing, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the estimated cost of living in Berkeley, California.  

1. Accommodation: $1,199 and $2,299/ month   
2. Food & Groceries: $350 to $550/ month 
3. Utilities & Internet: $200 to $350/ month   
4. Transportation: $90/ monthly BART EasyPass
5. Entertainment: $200-$300/ month

Transportation Services in Berkeley

Berkeley offers a reliable public transportation system. It is served by AC Transit buses and BART trains. Key bus routes, 6 (Berkeley - Telegraph - Oakland) and 67 (Downtown Berkeley), provide extensive coverage across the city. Important BART stations are Downtown Berkeley and North Berkeley, facilitating regional connectivity. University of California, Berkeley students benefit from the AC Transit Student EasyPass, granting unlimited rides on AC Transit buses and Bear Transit shuttles, included in their student fees.  

Student Life in Berkeley

Student life in Berkeley is centered around the University of California, Berkeley. Students in this beautiful town are engaged in a variety of activities, including participation in 1,000+ student organizations and attending cultural and social gatherings. The campus offers numerous resources, including the ASUC student government, the Berkeley Art Studio, and various choral ensembles. 

Outside the campus, students explore Berkeley’s rich cultural scene, with access to Örly Museum of Hungarian Culture, the Lawrence Hall of Science, Zellerbach Playhouse, and a variety of dining options. Berkeley’s commitment to social activism and sustainability further enriches the student experience and encourages a community of engaged and conscientious individuals. 

Universities in Berkeley 

University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a prestigious public institution on the western coast of the USA. UC Berkeley was established in 1868. Today, it is ranked #12 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It also ranked #17 in U.S. News & World Report. 

The campus spans 1,232 acres and, as of fall 2023, enrolls 33,405 undergraduate and 12,723 graduate students. The university employs a substantial faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 21:1. UC Berkeley is part of the University of California system. The other campuses of UC are in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Davis. The university maintains a selective acceptance rate of 11.4%, meaning the admission process is very competitive. 

Finest Student Friendly Areas in Berkeley 

Claremont 

The Claremont neighborhood, straddling Oakland and Berkeley, is a great place to live for students at the University of California, Berkeley. Its proximity to public transportation and major thoroughfares facilitates easy commuting. The area boasts a variety of cafes, shops, and recreational spaces, providing a balanced environment for study and leisure. Additionally, the neighborhood's safety and community-oriented atmosphere make it an attractive choice for students seeking off-campus housing. 

Berkeley Hills 

Berkeley Hills is a serene residential environment with convenient access to campus. The Grizzly Peak provides panoramic views of the Bay Area. The Tilden Regional Park features extensive hiking trails and recreational facilities.  

Public transportation is accessible via AC Transit bus routes, such as Line 65, which connects the hills to downtown Berkeley and the university campus. This combination of natural beauty and connectivity makes Berkeley Hills an appealing choice for students seeking off-campus housing. 

North Berkeley

North Berkeley is renowned for the "Gourmet Ghetto,". It features eateries like Chez Panisse and the Cheese Board Collective. Students can enjoy green spaces such as the Berkeley Rose Garden and Live Oak Park. For daily needs, grocery stores like Monterey Market and Berkeley Bowl are nearby. The North Berkeley BART station provides efficient public transportation, connecting students to the campus and the broader Bay Area. 

Southside 

Southside Berkeley is known as “South Campus.” This vibrant neighborhood is directly adjacent to the University of California, Berkeley. This area is characterized by its bustling atmosphere, with numerous cafes, bookstores, and student housing options catering to the university community. Telegraph Avenue is lined with diverse shops and eateries, reflecting the neighborhood's eclectic culture. Southside's proximity to campus facilities and its lively environment makes it a popular choice for students seeking both convenience and an engaging community. 

Albany

Albany, California, is a beautiful destination for students at the University of Berkeley. This friendly neighborhood features a variety of off-campus student accommodation in Berkeley. Nearby grocery stores, Safeway and Whole Foods Market, offer all products to meet daily needs. This area boasts several green spaces, such as Memorial Park, Jewel's Terrace Park, and the Albany Bulb, which is known for its unique art installations and scenic views. For entertainment, Albany Twin Theatre provides a classic movie-going experience, and Solano Avenue features a variety of shops, restaurants, and annual events like the Solano Stroll. The Golden Gate Bridge is approximately 15 miles away.