Anyone out there who’s kid is at UC Santa Cruz and figured out a good way to get housing on or off campus? Our daughter is likely transferring next fall as a Junior and we hear that there is limited housing for transfer students which means there’s a good possibility she’ll have to find some alternative housing off campus - she has friends there and they seem interested in trying to do a shared housing situation, but I think I’m in denial about how it will come together for her. I understand that even for students that have been there since their freshman year that they have to find other housing after their sophomore year and that it’s not easy. I’m curious what tips and tricks other families have been able to find for their kids. Any suggestions appreciated!
I have a freshman slug (winter 24 admit). Housing is tricky but it is my understanding that 1st year transfer are guaranteed housing for their first year. Be sure she submits her SIR (student intent to register) and housing application early. There are two facebook groups that are very helpful: The unofficial parent group for all things UCSC UC Santa Cruz Unofficial Parent Group | Facebook and the UCSC housing, sublets and roommates- UCSC Housing, Sublets & Roommates | Facebook.
If she is trying to rent a place off campus with a group of friends, they should start looking now. Many places will be collecting applications and signing leases as early as June. My son and his friends are going to be putting in for on campus housing but actively touring houses this weekend as a back-up plan just in case. Hope this helps some
I found the page regarding housing guarantee for 1st year transfer here - Housing Guarantee
My daughter was a sophomore (winter) transfer this year and she was guaranteed housing for the year. She’s in a really tight triple dorm room but at least she got housing!
S is a freshman so had a guaranteed room this year. UCSC is moving to a lottery for next year, with priority if you stay in your own college. That should improve things a bit since there won’t be priority for as many people as previously (which pushed everyone else down the pecking order and made it hard for them to get a room). We were also told that there are always some vacancies in triples if you want one and don’t care who you live with. The triples are not as small as at some other UCs (eg compared to UCLA, where lack of aircon makes it even worse compared to UCSC).