Best Student Housing in Berkeley, CA 2025-26

You can book your student accommodation in Berkeley in the simplest way through University Living. Every property on the platform is verified, so you won’t be wasting weekends scrolling random ads. Most of these options are close to top uni campuses and come with easy access to commute systems.  

You’ll get all the stuff that actually matters. This includes fast Wi-Fi, laundry that doesn’t cost a fortune, gyms to shake off stress, and quiet study lounges. The best part? There are chill spots too, so meeting new people isn’t hard. You will also have cafes, bookstores, and grocery markets around the corner. Ready to move? Book your student housing in Berkeley with University Living today!

Berkeley isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of place. You can choose from various types of student housing in Berkeley: 

Purpose-Built Student Housing (PBSA)

These are fully furnished, bills included in the rent, and extras you actually use. You will have study lounges, gyms, even game nights. Within PBSAs, you usually find: 

• Studios – Self-contained, quiet, and perfect if you need your own bubble. 

• Ensuites – Private room + bathroom, shared kitchen for when you want company. 

• Shared Flats – Cheapest option, plus a built-in friend circle. Messy at times, but fun. 

Private Apartments

They give you that freedom you seek. You set the rules, you pick your roommates. Or you can skip them altogether. It costs more, sure, but the payoff is privacy and control.

University Halls

UC Berkeley’s on-campus halls are popular with first years. You are right next to lecture halls and libraries. It’s not always the most affordable option, but the convenience (and community feel) makes up for it. 

Skip the stress and dodgy listings, book your student housing in Berkeley with University Living. Every place is verified, secure, and made with student life in mind. 

Berkeley’s full of student apartments, but some names always come up when students talk about the best places to live: 

• Spectra Southside 

• The Durant 

• University Park 

• Identity Logan Park 

• The Bosco 

• 2555 College Ave 

• Found Study Southside Berkeley 

• Found Study Downtown Berkeley 

These are student favorites for a reason. They are close to campus, packed with amenities, and designed for real student life. Want to lock in your spot? Book your student housing in Berkeley with University Living today!

Berkeley can feel pricey, but there are plenty of spots where students manage to live comfortably without breaking the bank: 

• Standard Berkeley 

• Cornelia Suites 

• Three Crown 

• Marine View 

• Richelieu Suites 

• The Logan 

• The George 

The trick is looking a little beyond the “flashy” high-rises and picking areas like West Berkeley, Downtown, or Northside. If you like something from above, book your premium quality student housing in Berkely now! 

Picking the right spot in Berkeley comes down to how close you want to be to campus. Here are the top neighborhoods in Berkeley students usually talk about: 

Southside: It is right next to UC Berkeley and is buzzing with life. Here cafes are on every corner, grocery stores within a short walk.  

• This is basically the heart of student life. 

• Top accommodation: The Standard Berkeley 

Downtown Berkeley: If you want convenience, this is it. Shops, restaurants, and the Downtown BART station make it super connected.  

• You’ll never run out of food spots, and everything’s walkable. 

• Top accommodation: The Berk 

Northside: The streets here are quieter. It is perfect for you if you can trade loud nightlife for late-night study sessions. 

• There are plenty of green corners to breathe between classes. 

• Top accommodation: The Panoramic Berkeley 

West Berkeley: It is a bit far away from the city but is lighter on the wallet. Known for its local markets, art studios, and cool independent cafés. 

• Great if you’re creative or just looking to stretch your budget. 

• Top accommodation: The Laureate Berkeley 

Elmwood: You will have quirky vintage shops, and a slower pace. It is more like a community than a campus extension.  

• A good choice if you want quiet nights and a charming neighborhood vibe. 

• Top accommodation: Stonefire Berkeley 

If you like the vibe of any of these cities, you can book verified student housing here with University Living. Safe, secure, and ready when you are. 

Living in Berkeley is not cheap, but it’s manageable. Simply if you keep an eye on your spending. On an average, most students here end up spending between $1,760 and $2,900 per month. Now this depends on where they live, how often they eat out, and the extras they choose. Following is the cost of living that students wanting to stay in Berkeley should be aware of: 

Note: Not sure where your budget lands? Use University Living’s Cost of Living Calculator and get a personalized estimate before moving to Berkeley.