Struggling to find student housing in San Francisco, CA? Find an affordable housing option close to some of the prime places in the city with us. San Francisco student housing on amber compares verified housing based on location, budget, and lifestyle. You get a list of lavish, as well as budget-friendly and cheap apartments in San Francisco. This includes ensuite rooms, shared flats, studios, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). Many of our off-campus housing in San Francisco are close to top universities like San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco (USF). Students searching for San Francisco apartments near SFSU can find good options with easy access to the university.
Why students choose San Francisco: Excellent connectivity between campuses and important public hubs World-famous attractions like Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square. Neighborhoods such as Telegraph Hill and Japantown offers best libraries, cafes, and cultural spaces, excellent public transport, and top-notch infrastructure make San Francisco a priority for international students. Whether you enjoy cultural fests, music events, or late-night cafes, living in student apartments in San Francisco delivers a special experience full of opportunities. All your paperwork, bookings, and move-in stages are supported by amber’s 24x7 student support team, making student residences in San Francisco easy and reliable. With price transparency, exclusive offers, no hidden fees, and a curated list of San Francisco student apartments, you can find student housing that fits your needs. Some of the top student housing in San Francisco options include 251 9th Street Residences, 875 Post Street Residences & 524 Columbus Residences.
San Francisco is known for its higher cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities, but students can manage expenses by choosing affordable university of San Francisco off-campus housing and using public transportation.
The cost of living for students in San Francisco typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation. Shared student residences in San Francisco can cost between $800 to $1,200 per month, while private studios may range from $1,500 to $2,000.
The cost of student housing in San Francisco varies by type and location. Shared apartments are typically $800 to $1,200 per month, while private studios or 1-bedroom apartment in San Francisco CA can cost $1,500 to $2,000 per month.
Students at the University of San Francisco (USF) often choose neighborhoods like Inner Sunset, Haight-Ashbury, or Downtown, which are close to campus and offer convenient access to student apartments in San Francisco.
Booking San Francisco student apartments early ensures better choices, lower prices, and convenient locations near universities and areas like Cow Hollow. Early booking also helps secure popular University of San Francisco off campus housing options before the start of the academic term.
Renting student accommodation in San Francisco is easy through platforms like amber.
When booking student apartments in San Francisco, things to keep in mind when you book student housing include proximity to campus, rent, and amenities. Check utilities are included and explore options like 1 bedroom apartment in San Francisco CA for budget-friendly choices. Amenities in student housing can vary widely depending on the provider, but many include utilities in the rent.
June Homes 94110 is an excellent San Francisco student apartment, offering modern amenities near the popular universities. For private student housing San Francisco CA, consider properties like Bosco Berkeley, 202 Van Ness Avenue, and University Park Berkeley known for their stylish living spaces.
Rent for student apartments San Francisco CA is typically paid monthly through bank transfer or credit card. Some landlords require an upfront deposit, refundable at the end of your lease. Be sure to confirm the accepted payment methods when booking student apartments San Francisco or reach out to our booking experts for assistance.
San Francisco, California is among the most iconic cities in United States; it is one of our most populous and progressive cities, a global center for high-tech innovation and education. If you have never been to San Francisco, consider this city as the perfect place to spend some time.
San Francisco has a long, rich history. It was a center of progress and cultural exchange during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. Today the city has a population of over 870,000. That makes it a youthful place with lots of opportunities for students. Students living here can get outside at Golden Gate Park or Twin Peaks. They can go to big events like the Outside Lands Music Festival. And they can enjoy the city's art and food scene. All in all, living in student residences in San Francisco ensures a memorable and fulfilling college experience.
Finding the right San Francisco student housing is a big step when you move to a new city like San Francisco. It's not just a place to sleep. You want somewhere comfortable, somewhere that helps with studying and actually meeting people. Amber makes this easier. They list a wide range of verified San Francisco apartments near SFSU so students can pick what fits them. Here are some of the best options for student accommodation in San Francisco.
| Best Student Housing in San Francisco | Amenities | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 251 9th Street Residences | CCTV, Bills Included, Work Space, High-Speed WiFi | $1195 / month |
| 1080 Folsom Residences | Study Room, Laundry Facility, Work Space, High-Speed WiFi | $1195 / month |
| Upmarket Residences | WiFi, Work Space, Regular Cleaning, Common Kitchen | $1195 / month |
| Nob Hill | Dual Occupancy, Bills Included, Laundry, 24h Surveillance | $1050 / month |
| 16 Turk St | Dual Occupancy, Bills Included, Laundry, Overnight Security | $855 / month |
Living in San Francisco as a student is exciting. But paying the bills is usually the top worry. The city does offer a number of cheap apartments in San Francisco so you don't have to give up comfort or the basics. Here are some good options for cheap student housing San Francisco that give you quality, safety and essential amenities.
| Affordable San Francisco student housing | Top Amenities | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Turk St | Dual Occupancy, Bills Included, Laundry, Overnight Security | $855 / month |
| Nob Hill | Dual Occupancy, Bills Included, 24h Surveillance, Laundry | $1050 / month |
| 251 9th Street Residences | CCTV, Bills Included, Work Space, High-Speed WiFi | $1195 / month |
| 1080 Folsom Residences | Study Room, Laundry Facility, Work Space, High-Speed WiFi | $1195 / month |
| Upmarket Residences | WiFi, Work Space, Regular Cleaning, Common Kitchen | $1195 / month |
San Francisco is a city with many different neighborhoods. Each one has something for students. Want housing near your university or a quiet place to study? The city has it. Here are top five student-friendly areas in San Francisco to consider.
| Areas | Highlights | Nearest University | Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond District | It provides a quiet atmosphere near USF and Golden Gate Park; it features diverse, affordable dining. | University of San Francisco (USF) | $2,400 – $3,500 |
| The Mission | Provides awesome nightlife, sunny weather, and excellent transit links to downtown campuses. | UC San Francisco (Mission Bay) | $3,100 – $3,700 |
| Sunset District | Features a peaceful environment; ideal for focused studying and coastal access. | SF State (SFSU) | $2,300 – $3,400 |
| SoMa | Houses modern high-rises; puts students in the heart of the urban tech core. | Academy of Art University | $3,500 – $4,600 |
| Haight-Ashbury | Combines a central location with artistic culture and architecture. | UCSF (Parnassus Campus) | $3,000 – $3,400 |
San Francisco student housing has different room types for different needs and budgets. You can do private rentals or flatshares. They give students independence. Here's a quick guide to the room types available for student housing San Francisco.
1. Ensuite Rooms
Ensuite rooms have a private bedroom and a private bathroom. You still share the kitchen and living space with others.
2. Non-Ensuite Rooms
Non-Ensuite rooms give you a private bedroom but the bathroom, kitchen and living areas are shared. These student apartments in San Francisco are a more budget friendly option for students who don't mind sharing facilities with housemates.
3. Studio Apartments
Studio apartments in San Francisco are independent apartments and include a bedroom, private bathroom and a kitchen. They suit students who want independence and privacy.
4. 1-Bed or 2-Bed Apartments
1-bed or 2-bed apartment in San Francisco CA includes separate bedrooms and shared kitchen, bathroom and living areas. These San Francisco student apartments work for students who want extra space or prefer living with a roommate.
5. Shared Apartments
Shared apartments in San Francisco have private bedrooms inside a unit and shared common areas like the kitchen and bathroom. This San Francisco student housing suits students who want a mix of privacy and community.
Knowing how much it costs to live in San Francisco matters if you're a student. It really helps you figure out and manage a budget. San Francisco is pretty expensive. But it also has lifestyle and opportunity, so many students still come here. International students can expect to spend about $2,500 to $3,500 per month. This excludes rent for San Francisco student apartments. Here's a general breakdown of monthly expenses.
1. Food & Groceries: $400 to $600 per month.
2. Transportation: $80 to $120 per month.
3. Utilities (including Internet): $150 to $250 per month.
4. Clothing: $50 to $100 per month.
5. Sports & Leisure: $100 to $200 per month.
San Francisco has lots of ways for students to get around, so commuting to class, exploring the city, or meeting friends is not that hard. Buses and cable cars, biking, and ride-sharing services all work well. Here’s your guide to student travel in San Francisco.
| Mode of Transport | Routes Covered | Price for Students |
|---|---|---|
| Muni (Bus, Rail, Trolley) | All city neighborhoods, including transit to USF, SFSU, and UCSF. | Free for all youth under 18; $43/month (Lifeline) or $86/month for adults. |
| BART (Rapid Rail) | Connects SF to Berkeley, Oakland, and the SFO Airport. | 50% discount via Clipper START (for eligible low-income students 19–64). |
| Cable Cars | Old routes including Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde, and California St. | $9.00 per ride (single); included in the $104 "A" Monthly Pass. |
| Bay Wheels (Bikeshare) | 300+ stations across the city; ideal for short "last-mile" trips. | $5/year for students via the "Bike Share for All" program (eligibility required). |
| Caltrain | Rail service running from San Francisco (4th & King) down to San Jose. | 50% discount for youth (under 18); GoPass available through participating colleges. |
San Francisco is great for students. It mixes cultural diversity with famous landmarks and neighborhoods where students can hang out. It has a student-friendly vibe and lots of heritage. The social life is buzzing. There’s always something to explore.
San Francisco is a haven for art lovers. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has an impressive collection of contemporary works. The de Young Museum offers both fine art and historical exhibits. The city’s streets are full of colorful murals. You see many in the Mission District. They show the city’s cultural diversity. Students can try local favorites like sourdough bread and clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf For nightlife, go to SoMa. Lots of bars and clubs are there such as The Fillmore.
Also, the city hosts many events that work well for students. Outside Lands Music Festival is one of the big ones. Also, festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese culture. These events make it easy for students to connect with local culture.
San Francisco has some of the best schools in California, so students from all over the world come here for education. Below are some the best universities in San Francisco;
| University | Courses | Student accommodation in San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco (USF) | Business, law, and health sciences | 16 Turk St |
| San Francisco State University | Cinema, creative writing, and engineering | 1080 Folsom Residences |
| California College of Arts | Architecture, fine arts, and industrial design | June Homes 94108 |
| Golden Gate University | Business, accounting, and law | Upmarket Residences |
| Academy of Art University | Fashion, film, and game design | 371 Columbus Residences |