Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Santa Barbara have student housing?

Yes, there are multiple student apartments in Santa Barbara available. Even the universities offer residence halls, undergraduate apartments, graduate apartments, and family student apartments.

How much does it cost to live in Santa Barbara as a student?

Talking about the standard of living in Santa Barbara, $900-$2500 can be a rough estimation of expenses for a month.

Where do Santa Barbara City College students live?

Students either opt for off-campus student housing in Santa Barbara or dorm living.

Which place is suitable for student housing in Santa Barbara?

Isla Vista is an area densely populated by students and is the most suitable location for student housing in Santa Barbara.

Which is the most recommended student housing in Santa Barbara?

Abrego Apartments is the most suitable Santa Barbara student apartments.

Which is the most suitable UC Santa Barbara off-campus housing?

The most suitable UC Santa Barbara off-campus housing is Solis Isla Vista, Goleta.

Is Santa Barbara a college town?

Santa Barbara Ranked 2024's 8th Best Small College City in America.

Is Santa Barbara an expensive city?

Even though Santa Barbara has some of the highest housing prices in the U.S., buyers here experience similar trends as those in more affordable markets.

Are housing in Santa Barbara for students furnished?

Yes, all housing in Santa Barbara for students is completely furnished.

Are the Santa Barbara student rentals close to the beaches?

Several student apartments in Santa Barbara are in proximity to the beaches.

Student Accommodations in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Student Housing

Santa Barbara is a beautiful city on the central coast of California; apart from the broad picturesque beaches, the city is also home to a number of prestigious universities that attract numerous students from around the world. Amber renders a range of Santa Barbara student housing options with room types such as studios, bedroom apartments, ensuites, non-ensuites, shared apartments and many more. Most housing in Santa Barbara for students offers room and common amenities with nearby transportation links and local hotspots. Making student life and travel easy and convenient. In close proximity to the University of California Santa Barbara and UCSB University Center, these student apartments in Santa Barbara are an ideal choice for students. Students could opt for any and all types of apartments with amber; they could connect with the help desk for extra assistance to find a super comfortable apartment at reasonable prices. A few of the notable properties include Abrego Apartments, Santa Barbara, Icon, Goleta, Solis Isla Vista, Goleta, etc.

About Santa Barbara

The city of Santa Barbara is an exceptional seaside escape. These crescent-like California coast-connecting beaches are major tourist spots and great for water transportation business concerns. In addition, there is a range of soaring mountains, acres of vineyards and set-apart communities that lift the harmonious atmosphere of the city. The food and wine scene here is something that one must absolutely indulge in, with hundreds of award-winning restaurants to choose from and dozens of vibrant events all around the year. Kayaking, surfing, exploring underground salt caves, art galleries, museums, boutiques, etc, are a few activities locals enjoy on a day-to-day basis. The city also encourages a diverse economy that includes a large service sector, education, technology, health care, finance, agriculture, manufacturing and many more things.

Additionally, it is also home to famous celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It’s the one and only West Coast market in the top 20, and, with a median listing price of $1.795 million in December 2023, the highest-priced market by more than $1 million. It can evidently be said that this area is practically safe for families and students who wish to live a comfortable life along the beaches. Student housing in Santa Barbara, on the other side, can be the perfect option for students who wish to pursue their education and stay in proximity to the universities.

Best Student Housing in Santa Barbara

Students often look for university housing or dorms during their search for student housing in a new city. However, most of the time, due to high demand, these university dorms tend to fill up pretty quickly. At such times, opting for off-campus student housing in Santa Barbara can be a very suitable option. Room options such as studios, bedroom apartments, ensuites, non-ensuites, and shared apartments are made available to students in most of the student housing in Santa Barbara. Below are a few notable Student housing in Santa Barbara one must consider while looking into student apartments in Santa Barbara;

1. Abrego Apartments, Santa Barbara

The Abrego Apartments offers several non-ensuites near the University of California, Santa Barbara. This Student housing in Santa Barbara is close to the beach and other local hotspots. Bills of water, electricity, gas, internet, and landscaping are rent-inclusive. Students can enjoy a variety of rooms, common amenities, and walking-distance transportation links.

2. Icon, Goleta

Located on Trigo Rd, Icon offers students a bunch of comfortable ensuites and non-enusuites.

Apart from private rooms, bathrooms and shared kitchens, this student housing in Santa Barbara also offers common amenities such as fitness centres, laundry facilities, study lounges, bike parking, etc.

3. Solis Isla Vista, Goleta

Solis Isla Vista is perfectly situated steps from the beach and has near-endless dining and entertainment options. Studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are within walking distance of UCSB, and we have five unique floor plans to choose from. Solis Isla Vista offers residents modern upgraded floor plans, tile and hardwood flooring, vaulted ceilings, and ample storage space.

Cost of Living

Living in Santa Barbara can be a tad bit expensive for students since the area is pretty popular with a high real estate rate. Although opting for student housing in Santa Barbara option can be convenient for students money and comfort. It is recommended to formulate an estimated expense plan to sustain throughout the month. An estimated monthly expense in Santa Barbara is $900-$2500. Below is a breakdown of the expenses of students.

1. Food: $10-$24/Weekly

2. Housing: $101-$4000/Weekly

3. Transportation: $1.39-$45/Weekly

4. Personal Care: $8-$30/Weekly

5. Entertainment: $7-$200/Weekly

Student Travel in Santa Barbara

Public transportation in Santa Barbara primarily consists of buses and trains operated by the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD). The MTD provides bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas, including Goleta and Carpinteria. Various private shuttle services and taxi companies are also available within the city. Below are a few ways to get around from your Santa Barbara student housing.

1. Bus

There are 28 lines that run across the entire city, with East Santa Barbara, West Santa Barbara, and Oak Park being the three main ones. A regular one-way bus ride costs around $1.75, and a day pass is $6.00. It is valid for unlimited trips in one calendar day. Buses run on different schedules and days, so it is important to be awarded the shifts. UCSB & SBCC students may use their valid student ID as a bus pass by tapping it on the farebox upon boarding.

2. Train

The Santa Barbara Train Station is served daily by Coast Starlight trains to and from Los Angeles, Oregon and Washington, Amtrak California's Pacific Surfliners to and from San Diego and Los Angeles, with some trains extending north to San Luis Obispo, and Amtrak Motor Coach service to the San Joaquin trains and some Pacific Surfliners. Just within $25-$46, you can sightsee the entire city from your student housing in Santa Barbara.

3. Bicycles

Bicycles are any day a more economical and environmentally friendly option for commute. Students can either rent or buy a bicycle to run errands or to commute to the universities. Several Student housing in Santa Barbara in the city also provide bike storage areas.

Student Lifestyle and Living in Santa Barbara

Living in Santa Barbara as a student is exciting and diverse. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and pleasant weather all year round. Students can enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and biking whenever they please. Santa Barbara is home to top-notch educational institutions like the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), offering a wide range of academic programs for students to pursue their goals. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues hosting various events and exhibitions throughout the year. Food lovers will appreciate Santa Barbara's diverse culinary scene, featuring restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to international flavors. When it comes to housing, students have plenty of options, including on-campus housing, off-campus apartments, shared rentals, and homestays. It's essential to explore different choices to find the best fit for one's needs and budget. Moreover, Santa Barbara has a strong sense of community, providing students with opportunities to engage in volunteer activities, community service projects, and local events, enhancing their overall experience.

Santa Barbara Tourist Attractions

As mentioned above, the city of Santa Barbara is exceptionally stunning and home to dozens of beaches. The city boasts multiple tourist attractions spots as tourism is a captivating part of its economy. Some notable tourist attractions are;

1. Stearns Wharf

2. Santa Barbara Zoo

3. Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786

4. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

5. Leadbetter Beach

6. Arroyo Burro Beach County Park

Universities in Santa Barbara

The city is also well known for a number of institutions that render valuable courses in diverse fields. Students find it immensely helpful to get educated here due to the career opportunities these universities hold.

1. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

2. Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)

3. UCSB University Center

4. Westmont College

Nearby places to visit

amber © 2024. All rights reserved.
4.6/5 on Trustpilot
Rated as "Excellent" •5000+Reviews by students
Get the app
Payment Options
Contact us
Follow us on