Begin your search for student housing in Berkeley 6-9 months before school begins. By beginning this search early, you will have time to research your options, find housing suited to your needs, and prevent yourself from winding up with limited choices.
Student apartments in Berkeley CA, include various safety features. Typically, there is gated access, surveillance cameras, secure locks, and on-site management for added security. Be sure to verify these during tours.
To rent the best student apartments in Berkeley, search on amber. Review available options, take a virtual tour, and submit a rental application along with the necessary documentation.
Should your student apartments in Berkeley prove unsatisfactory, make a formal complaint; the claim should be directed to the property manager or the booking operator regarding the condition of the apartments. Record any visible differences and seek a solution, a refund, an alternative, or compensation.
To extend your stay in your private student apartments in Berkeley, contact amber to check availability and sort out the details. Keep in mind that extensions are subject to availability and might come with extra charges at student apartments in Berkeley.
When booking student apartments in Berkeley, check the location's proximity to your campus. Also, check the included amenities (such as internet and utilities), the terms of the lease, and the reviews of previous tenants. Verify the condition of student apartments in Berkeley and the reliability of the landlord or management.
Multiple payment options like net banking and debit cards are available. Our payment portal assists students with the procedure to find the best student apartments in Berkeley. For a detailed explanation, watch our video on how to pay for student accommodation when you choose to book your best student apartments in Berkeley.
The rent in most private student apartments in Berkeley typically covers accommodation costs. It may or may not include utilities like water, electricity, and internet. A deposit is usually required to secure the student apartments in Berkeley and is refundable at the end of your lease, subject to conditions.
Viewing your student apartments in Berkeley, before booking, is important. You request a virtual tour or detailed photos on the amber app. Amber offers video walkthroughs to help prospective tenants make informed decisions about choosing Berkeley apartments near campus remotely.
Most off-campus student apartments in Berkeley consist of different types of studios, 1B, and shared rooms. You can thus make an informed decision based on your interests. You can also choose between 2B and 3B apartments, depending on your budget.
Berkeley is situated in Northern California, on the east side of the San Francisco Bay. It belongs to the famous Bay Area region and is located only 20 minutes away from San Francisco. Berkeley was founded in 1878, and it has now become a center of international education, largely due to the University of California, Berkeley. There are about 120,000 people living in Berkeley, and a lot of them are students, contributing to the dynamic atmosphere in the area. For those who love nature, there are such beautiful sights as Tilden Regional Park and the Berkeley Hills nearby.
Berkeley has an impressive safety rating (about 70+) according to different safety indexes, while Northside and Elmwood are considered relatively safe areas for young people. Regarding the job opportunities in the area, Berkeley has plenty to offer. The University of California, Berkeley alumni can find employment in more than 90% of cases within six months after graduation, with a high probability of getting a job in Silicon Valley, startup companies, or international firms. Moreover, there are also cultural festivals held in Berkeley annually, for example, the Berkeley Art Festival.
Finding the appropriate student housing in Berkeley is essential for ensuring comfort, convenient living, and academic success. The students normally seek accommodation near their campuses, affordable, safe, and with amenities such as internet, libraries, and gyms. Amber makes the task easier through its selection of student housing in Berkeley CA. Here are a few options for the best student apartments in Berkeley:
| Berkeley student accommodation | Distance to UC Berkeley | Key Amenities | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard at Berkeley | ~1 min walk (<0.1 miles) | Rooftop deck, Fitness center, Clubhouse, Study rooms, Computer lab, Game room | From $3660/month |
| Bosco Berkeley | ~18 mins walk (0.7 miles) | Bay views, In-unit W/D, Furnished suites, AC/Heating, Secured entry | From $1,638/month |
| Nob Hill | ~25 mins via BART (13 miles) | Historic building, High-speed Wi-Fi, Communal kitchen, Study area, 24/7 security | From $1,050/month |
| 251 9th Street Residences | ~30 mins via BART (14 miles) | Regular cleaning, Shared community space, High-speed Wi-Fi, Fully furnished, All utilities included | From $1,195/month |
| 1080 Folsom Residences | ~30 mins via BART (14 miles) | In-unit kitchenettes, Communal kitchen, High-speed Wi-Fi, Regular housekeeping, Workspaces | From $1,195/month |
Berkeley also provides various options for cheap student accommodation in Berkeley CA that provide both comfort and affordability. Even affordable options have all basic facilities and are well-connected. Here are some of the options available for affordable Berkeley student accommodations:
| Cheap Berkeley Student Apartments | Room Types | Key Amenities | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Logan Park | Studio, 1-Bed, 2-Bed, 3-Bed | Rooftop dog park, 24-hr fitness center, Game zone, Courtyards with fire pits, Breakfast bar | From $1129/month |
| 1725 Berkeley Way | 3-Bedroom Shared Townhouse | Fully furnished, In-unit W/D, Smart locks, Dishwasher, Heater, Close to public transit | From $1,400/month |
| Bosco Berkeley | Studio, 2-Bed to 6-Bed Apartments | Bay views, Study lounge, Modern furnishing, Secured parking, Induction cooktops | From $1,638/month |
| University Park Berkeley | Studio, 1-Bed, 2-Bed Apartments | Private covered parking, Secure bike storage, 24-hour maintenance, On-site laundry facilities | From $2350/month |
| Stonefire Berkeley | Studio, 1-Bed, 2-Bed, Penthouses | Fitness facility, Outdoor terrace, Granite countertops, In-unit W/D, Stainless appliances | From $3,518/month |
Berkeley provides many student-oriented neighborhoods, each offering something unique based on your lifestyle preferences, from proximity to the university, social environment, or budget-friendly Berkeley residence halls. Here is a brief rundown to assist you in making your choice:
| Area | Student Vibe | Commute to UC Berkeley | Avg Rent (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southside | This is the most popular student area, packed with cafes, eateries, and nightlife | 5–10 mins walk | $1,500–$2,200 |
| Northside | Known for its peaceful environment and proximity to engineering and science buildings, perfect for focused study. | 10–15 mins walk | $1,400–$2,000 |
| Downtown Berkeley | Offers excellent transport links, shopping, and entertainment options. | 10 mins bus/walk | $1,600–$2,300 |
| Elmwood | Ideal for students who prefer quieter surroundings with boutique cafes and bookstores. | 15 mins bus | $1,300–$1,900 |
| West Berkeley | Known for lower rents and a creative community vibe. | 15–20 mins bus | $1,200–$1,800 |
Berkeley student apartments offer various room types to suit different tastes and budgets.
1. Private Rooms: These are highly popular amongst students as they allow one a separate space to sleep and study. Besides the personal room, students enjoy shared facilities such as bathrooms, a kitchen, and living areas.
2. Shared Apartments (2-bedroom, 3-bedroom): These are the popular housing options in Berkeley. Students dividing the rent and utility bills make these places increasingly affordable, and at the same time, they have a community feeling.
3. Studio Apartments: They are a good choice for those who want absolute privacy and freedom from others. Besides having a separate bedroom, living area, and bathroom, the apartments contain all the necessary amenities for daily activities.
4. 1-Bedroom Apartments: Price and privacy-wise, this type is a compromise between studio apartments and private rooms. They are meant for one occupant only.
Having a detailed knowledge of the living costs in Berkeley is very important for student budgeting. Berkeley is considered one of the most expensive cities in the USA for students, mainly due to the sky-high apartment rental prices in Berkeley, CA and the generally expensive pricing in the Bay Area. The monthly expenditure of students living in Berkeley is in the range of $2,400-$2,800 on average.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,200–$2,200 |
| Utilities + Wi-Fi | $150–$250 |
| Transportation | $60–$100 |
| Groceries | $250–$400 |
| Food & Dining | $300–$500 |
| Leisure & Shopping | $100–$200 |
Berkeley is very easy to get around, putting pedestrians first. The majority of off-campus housing in Berkeley is located within a walking distance of 10 to 20 minutes from the University of California, Berkeley campus. This transport network has been built to accommodate the large number of students traveling from their homes to school.
Berkeley is very easy to get around, putting pedestrians first. The majority of off-campus housing in Berkeley is located within a walking distance of 10 to 20 minutes from the University of California, Berkeley campus. This transport network has been built to accommodate the large number of students traveling from their homes to school.
| Mode | Description | Avg. Cost | Student Discounts & Passes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Transit (Bus) | The primary bus system serves Berkeley, Oakland, and the East Bay. | $18–$25/week | AC Transit Class Pass: UC Berkeley students get unlimited rides (included in student fees). |
| BART (Train) | High-speed rail connecting Berkeley to San Francisco and Oakland. | $30–$45/week | Clipper BayPass: Discounted regional passes available for eligible students via pilot programs. |
| Cycling | Berkeley is a "Gold-Level" bike-friendly city with extensive bike lanes. | $5–$20/week (rental plans) | - |
| Walking | The most common mode for those in the Southside and Northside neighborhoods. | Free | - |
| BearWalk (Escort) | Night safety shuttle and walking escort service provided by UCPD. | Free | - |
Some of the most well-known universities and colleges in Berkeley are highly student-oriented. Here is a list of the top universities in Berkeley.