Student Housing near University of California Irvine, CA

The University of California, Irvine student housing offers wide range of options when it comes to choosing accommodation location, room type, amenities, and budget. Such living options include university halls, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), as well as private and shared flats. Students can choose to live in en-suite rooms, studios, and shared rooms, with average rent prices starting at $995 up to $1,850. While some students prefer on-campus accommodation near university facilities, others might benefit from University of California, Irvine off-campus housing. For those searching for student housing in California, possible locations include places around Irvine with many opportunities for recreation, including cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, parks, and public transport.

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University of California, Irvine (UCI), established in 1965, is a public research university that boasts excellent academic programs and research work alongside diversity. UCI is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and has consistently been among the top public universities in the USA for the last 12 years. As per the latest 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UCI ranks #8 among public universities and #34 overall among all universities in the USA. As per the 2027 QS World University Rankings: USA, UCI ranks #252 worldwide.

The university has more than 36,000 students enrolled; in the academic year 2024–25, the enrollment at the institution was 36,621, of which 29,085 were undergraduates and 7,536 were graduate students. In addition, UCI is home to an international student body comprising of 7,995 international students, as per QS World University Rankings 2027. Academically, UCI provides 220+ degree programs in a range of disciplines including engineering, computer science, medicine, business, humanities, education, and sciences. Research work is also one of the core areas of UCI, as the institution has earned a reputation in various domains such as health care, technology, environmental sciences, and social sciences. Faculty and alumni include Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners, reflecting its long-standing contribution to research, education, and public life. Its campuses are:

• Main Campus (Irvine)

• UCI Health Orange County Medical Center Campus (Orange)

The rent of student housing in Irvine is usually priced between $995 to $1,850 monthly. Students can choose from shared bedrooms, private bedrooms with shared bathrooms, and fully furnished apartments. Most of these properties come with facilities like Wi-Fi, furnished rooms, kitchen, study room, swimming pool, gym, lounge area, laundry facilities and secure entry facilities, thus being suitable for students. Here are some of the best student housing near University of California, Irvine:

2777 Alton Park Way, Irvine

• Address: Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606, USA

• Proximity: Around 2.5–2.6 miles from UCI, approximately 8–12 minutes by car depending on traffic.

• Highlights: This fully furnished accommodation offers shared and private room options, along with a study room, swimming pool, gym, BBQ area, and washer/dryer. Utilities including Wi-Fi, water, electricity, gas, and trash disposal are included.

• Best for: Students looking for affordable furnished rooms with plenty of community amenities and convenient access to UCI.

17402 Millikan Ave, Irvine

• Address: 17402 Millikan Ave, Irvine, CA 92606, USA

• Proximity: Around 2.7 miles from UCI, approximately 8–12 minutes by car.

• Highlights: Students can choose furnished shared-bedroom accommodation with access to a communal kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, Netflix, a swimming pool, spa, games area, balcony, and secure entry. Water, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi, heating, and other utilities are included.

• Best for: Students who want furnished shared living, social spaces, and an all-inclusive setup.

16899 Jamboree Road, Irvine

• Address: Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92606, USA

• Proximity: Around 2.6 miles from UCI, approximately 8–12 minutes by car.

• Highlights: This furnished student accommodation provides private bedrooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens, along with a study desk, common living area, swimming pool, games room, balcony, spa, and secure entry. Wi-Fi and several utilities are included.

• Best for: Students who prefer a private bedroom while sharing common spaces and amenities.

45 Austin Irvine

• Address: 45 Austin 45, Irvine, CA 92604, USA

• Proximity: Around 5.1–5.3 miles from UCI, approximately 12–18 minutes by car depending on traffic.

• Highlights: The property offers fully furnished private bedrooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens, plus modern appliances, walk-in closets, desks, and chairs. Students also have access to fitness centres, swimming pools, lounges, and monthly housekeeping, while utilities, Wi-Fi, and Netflix are included.

• Best for: Students looking for private furnished rooms with extensive community facilities and included utilities.

2885 Fairview Road - Private

• Address: Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

• Proximity: Around 3 miles from UCI, approximately 10–15 minutes by car depending on traffic.

• Highlights: This fully furnished private apartment features bedrooms with shared bathrooms, a modern kitchen, living and dining areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, in-unit laundry, air conditioning, a lounge, swimming pool, fitness centre, BBQ area, and games room. Gas, water, electricity, and trash disposal are included.

Note: Ready to settle in near UCI? Book your verified student housing with University Living today!

The cost of living in Irvine could change based on the type of accommodation, lifestyle, and budgeting pattern of each person. The average cost that students will incur in Irvine every month could be between $1,520 and $3,790. Rent is considered the highest cost in Irvine, where students will have to pay between $1,000-$2,500. Food will cost about $350-$600 every month, utilities might cost about $60-$120, the Internet and mobile services will cost about $60-$110, and transport costs could be $0-$110.

Note: Students must remember that these figures are just an estimation and should use the Cost of Living Calculator by University Living for a better calculation.

The tuition fees at University of California, Irvine are based on the course and academic field. Tuition costs for international students range from $59,500 to $72,000 each year. Engineering, Computer Science and Technology courses cost about $59,500, while Health and Medicine programs may be priced up to $65,000 per year. Physical and Biological Sciences cost about $59,559, and Humanities, Arts and Education programs cost about $60,000. The most expensive estimated tuition fees are those in Business, Law and Public Policy, which costs $72,000 annually.

If you decide to go for studying at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), choosing the right neighbourhood might change your life, spending and even socializing. Some of the areas you can opt to live in are University Town Center, University Park, Westpark, and Woodbridge. All these localities offer you several amenities including greens, cafes, entertainment, shopping and the closeness of the campus. In terms of nightlife, being a master planned city, you will find everything only in shopping centres.

1. University Town Center (UTC)

University Town Center is one of the most convenient neighbourhoods to stay at for UCI students as it is located 5-minute walk to the UIC campus, thus providing you with easy access to everything you need. The University Center Shopping Mall is the well-known landmark of the area, while Le Diplomate Bakery Cafe and Press & Moka are among the favourite cafes of the locals. You can also try Eureka! and Center Hub at Trade, where you can have a drink or a snack. As for entertainments, there are Anthill Pub & Grille and Yard House where you can spend time in pub-style atmosphere. William R. Mason Regional Park is the park nearest to the neighbourhood, while Trader Joe's is an excellent choice for groceries. If you’re planning to live here, expect a one-bedroom apartment to cost around $2,600–$2,647 per month.

2. University Park

University Park provides an ideal residential environment that is peaceful yet allows you to be near UCI, which would make it a good choice for you if you enjoy greenery and a calm environment post lectures. It is located at about 5-7 minutes driving distance or 15 minutes by transit from the university. Some of the important places in the vicinity include University High School as well as Cassel Earth Coffee and Commons Café for coffee breaks. Bacchus Bar and Bistro and Postino Park Place provide you with food and drinks, while Bar Louie – The District and Hangar 24 Orange County provide you with fun places at night. Turtle Rock Nature Center and Wholesome Choice Market are other nearby locations with Wholesome Choice Market being quite popular for international and fresh products. For students considering this neighbourhood, average monthly rent typically falls between $1,997 and $2,300.

3. Westpark

Westpark is an easily accessible, Mediterranean-styled housing area that can be enjoyed by upperclassmen, graduate students, and young professionals looking for both proximity to the university and an engaging neighborhood. The distance between UCI and Westpark is approximately 8-10 minutes via car or 25-30 minutes via bus. Bill Barber Memorial Park is a frequently visited local landmark, whereas Blue Hummingbird Coffee and Kitchen and Mimi’s Cafe are easily available cafes. Andrei’s Restaurant & Bar and The IRV Bar offer good places to spend time in the evenings, whereas The Stand and Bar Louie – The District offer more of a pub experience. San Diego Creek Bicycle Trail is one of the biggest outdoor areas, whereas H Mart Irvine is a frequently visited place for shopping and food. Monthly rent at Westpark starts at $2,327 to $2,500 in this area.

4. Woodbridge

Woodbridge is an upscale resort-type neighbourhood that has two large artificial lakes and beautiful walking trails. It takes students about 7-10 minutes by car and about 35 minutes to travel to UCI by public transport. North Lake and South Lake docks are the most recognizable landmarks in this area, whereas The Lost Bean and NEP Cafe are famous cafes where students can have their coffee and brunch. For the evenings, students may choose Habana or Bacchus Bar and Bistro, which serve dinner and drinks, while The Pub at Lake Forest and Yard House Spectrum offer pub options. Woodbridge Lakefront Lagoons & Trails will suit those who prefer spending their free time outdoors, and Woodbridge Village Center Farmers Market will offer them seasonal products. Monthly rent costs are about $1,927-$2,495 for one-bedroom apartment.

Getting around Irvine as a student is easy, with the presence of free shuttles and economical regional transportation that links UCI to nearby neighborhoods, shopping districts, and other nearby cities. Transportation alternatives are the Anteater Express, the OC Bus, and Metrolink. There are distinct advantages with each of them, from free rides within the campus to reduced or full-ride student rates for trips outside.

1. Anteater Express (UCI Shuttle)

The Anteater Express is a free shuttle transportation provided by the UCI for students that links the main campus to on-campus student housing, University Town Center, and nearby student apartment complexes. UCI students can enjoy free campus shuttle services while paying approximately $2 per trip for the selected off-campus Newport Beach weekend trips. Shuttle operations take place between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM during the weekdays.

2. OC Bus (OCTA System)

For students wishing to travel beyond Irvine, Metrolink is a great option. This railway service offers a chance to connect to various parts of the region, including Los Angeles and San Diego. Students can use the Student Adventure Pass for free, while those who don’t have it will need to purchase a weekend day-passes which cost around $10. The trains operate between 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

3. Metrolink (Regional Commuter Rail)

Metrolink is useful for students travelling beyond Irvine, with regional rail connections towards Los Angeles, San Diego, and nearby coastal destinations. Through the Student Adventure Pass, eligible students can travel free with a valid school email address using the Metrolink app. Without the pass, weekend day passes cost around $10. Trains generally operate from 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with the Tustin and Irvine stations being key nearby stations.