On-Campus Services

Alternative housing websites

Some of these links will offer “full vacancy” listings. They are empty apartments for rent, which means you have to find your own roommates

• Uloop.com is specifically for UCSD students, you need a UCSD email to access the site's resources
• UC San Diego Guardian
• San Diego Reader Newspaper
• For Rent.com
• Penny Saver
• Craigslist San Diego
• Apartment List

Note: The above links are suggestions only and are not endorsed by the International Students & Programs Office. 

Print publications

• The San Diego Union-Tribune Classified Section also lists apartments for rent; Sunday’s edition has the largest number of listings.
• The Reader is a free newspaper containing many housing listings. It is published every Thursday, and is a valuable source of information for apartments for rent and roommates wanted.
• The La Jolla Light is a local newspaper which is published every Thursday and contains listings of properties for rent in nearby areas.

Graduate student listserv

This mailing list includes graduate housing opportunities. For instructions on how to signup for the listserv, visit https://mailman.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/grad-housing-op-l .

Off-Campus Housing Resources Webinar

Watch the video: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4684190405457547777

You must contact the home stay provider, hotel, or hostel directly. The UC San Diego International Students & Programs Office does not arrange temporary accommodations, but offers helpful advice and tips about any questions you may have about housing.

Home Stay Programs

Live with an American host family. Private and shared rooms available. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before arrival. Homestays are a great way for students to experience American culture and customs!

Local Homestay Agencies

• • Solana Beach Homestay Program
    • No application fee required.
    • Providing free airport pick up, free housing for several days, and a cultural exchange with an American family.
    • Serving UCSD students and scholars for over 10 years.
    • Homestay Services International
    • Foreign Student Homestay
    • FA Homestay
    • San Diego Homestay

Online Homestay Agencies

• • • HomestayBay San Diego
    • Homestay.com
    • Homestayin

Temporary Housing Providers

These companies own and manage apartments in the local area and can help place you in their temporary or extended-stay accommodation. Additional costs for these services may apply. See websites for more information.

Anatolia Corporate Housing

Synergy Global Housing

Hotels and Temporary Housing

There are many hotels near UC San Diego. Some are within walking distance of UC San Diego:

Youth Hotels

Youth hostels in the San Diego area are far from UC San Diego, but offer dormitory-style housing at a lower rate than hotels. Some have kitchen facilities.

Avoid Housing Scams

Be aware of housing scams, particularly on websites like Craigslist!  Signs of a scam targeting renters can include the following:

• The advertised price of the rental property is much lower than that of similar properties.
• The person trying to rent you the property claims to be an agent for the property owner who is too busy, out of the country, or otherwise unavailable to handle the rental.
• The owner or agent requires you to sign the lease before you see the rental property.
• The owner or agent isn't able to let you enter the home or apartment or charges you a fee to view it. 
• You're asked to wire money as a deposit or payment of first and last month's rent. Remember wiring money is the same as giving cash. You can't get a refund, even if you find out the offer was a fraud.
• The owner or agent uses high pressure sales tactics, urging you to rent quickly, before someone else gets the property.
• The person preparing the lease writes in a higher monthly rent or additional fees that you hadn't agreed upon. 
• The landlord directs you to a website to get a free credit check. This can be a tactic for harvesting your identity. Only disclose this information on a written application after you have seen the property.

What you can do to protect yourself:

• If you’re not able to see the unit in person, have a friend or family member check it out for you. If this isn’t possible, hire a local real estate agent.
• Check for the home’s address online using Google Maps to see if it matches what is being advertised online.
• Use UCSD’s Off-Campus Housing website to search for a property: https://offcampushousing.ucsd.edu/. However, it is still important that you follow the tips listed above when checking out these properties!
• Consult with UCSD Student Legal Services if you have any questions or concerns about a property you are renting/would like to rent: https://students.ucsd.edu/sponsor/student-legal/.
• Report any scams to the San Diego Police Department: https://www.sandiego.gov/police/services/nonemergencies

*Source: USA.gov Housing Scams Website https://www.usa.gov/housing-scams#item-211837