Hi !
We are two French students looking for roommates in June and July 2015 in Berkeley.
We are looking into Craigslist, but it is quite difficult to find something in March.
Can anyone help us ?
Thank You !
Unfortunately, that’s how the local housing market works in the bay area. Rooms are rented/subletted on short notice (available immediately) and to tenants who appear in person to see the room and sign the lease.
Ideally you would book temporary accommodations (e.g. a youth hostel or hotel) for a week before your intended stay, and then search for a room locally. Most people don’t like renting or subletting to tenants they have never met in person; especially not if you’re searching from abroad.
If you are intent on organizing a room now, try airbnb.com. Never used it myself but some of my friends swear on it. You’ll probably end up paying more than if you used Craigslist, but that’s the premium you pay for arranging housing several months ahead of time.
If you’re formally affiliated with Berkeley or another nearby university, you can also apply to live in i-House: