Student accommodation, flats, and rooms for rent in Santa Barbara

If you're planning to study at one of these institutions, you're probably looking for student accommodation in Santa Barbara. Here’s everything you need to know to find your ideal flat or room, including the best neighbourhoods to live in, the availability of student residences, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s do this!

Student apartments for rent in Santa Barbara

When it comes to student apartments in Santa Barbara, you’ve got two main options: On the one hand, there are studio apartments. These offer more independence and privacy, providing all necessary spaces for one person or a couple.

On the other hand, there are shared apartments with two or more rooms. These have shared common areas like the kitchen and living room. Just a heads-up: check if the listed price is per person or for the entire apartment.

Student rooms for rent in Santa Barbara

In Santa Barbara, you’ll find both single rooms and shared rooms for two people. Both options are usually fully furnished, with a bed, wardrobe, desk, and chair for each student.

Rooms can be part of privately shared flats or student residences. Private flats are typically cheaper, while student residences often come with extra perks and amenities for its residents.

Student accommodation in Santa Barbara

Here are some neighbourhoods you should consider when looking for a place to live in this vibrant Californian city:

Flats for rent in Isla Vista

Isla Vista is a neighbourhood near Santa Barbara that’s bustling with students during the academic year. The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), has a large campus here, surrounding Isla Vista on all sides except for the beach. This makes the area perfect for those who want a relaxed yet fun environment, with plenty of students and conveniently close to both the university and the beach.

Apartments in Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is ideal if you want to be near popular student hangouts. Keep in mind that it’s about a 40-minute bus ride from Downtown to the UCSB campus, so you’ll need to be prepared for the commute on class days.

Rooms for rent in Lower State

Lower State is right next to Downtown Santa Barbara and closer to the beach. Lower State is great for those who prefer a quieter area but still want easy access to the city centre and the university via public transportation.

Student accommodation near the University of California, Santa Barbara

The UCSB campus is located in the Isla Vista area of the city, essentially surrounding Isla Vista except for the beachfront.

Here is a link to the UCSB campus map.

Student residences in Santa Barbara

Many student residences in Santa Barbara are located in Isla Vista, right next to the UCSB campus. Those in the actual Santa Barbara are usually near bus stops that provide easy access to the university. UCSB also has its own on-campus student residencies spread throughout its campus.

Frequently asked questions about studying in Santa Barbara