Graduate Students
Welcome, graduate students!
Whether you’re new to campus or continuing your studies, we’re here to help you explore your housing options. Check the options below to find the best fit for your living situation and preferences.
Graduate Student Housing
Located near “Science Hill”, Graduate Student Housing offers furnished apartments with single bedrooms, shared kitchen and living spaces, and all utilities included. It’s home to graduate students from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. 10-month and 12-month contracts available.
How to apply
Graduate students apply for housing through the Housing Portal. Space is limited; applications received by the deadline are considered before late submissions.
Application period for summer and fall 2025 start
- May 2–10, 2025 (open to both new and continuing graduate students)
Winter and spring applications
Applications typically open two months prior to the start of each quarter. Students on the waitlist for summer or fall must update their application if they wish to remain on the waitlist for winter or spring housing.
Assignment process
Most housing is assigned between May and June. A waitlist is maintained throughout the year, and a limited number of spaces may become available during the academic year.
Graduate Student Housing is primarily intended for year-round residents with 12-month contracts.
How housing assignments are made
Assignments are considered in the following order:
- New graduate students (12-month contract, on-time application)
- Current Graduate Student Housing residents (12-month contract, on-time application)*
- Other continuing graduate students (12-month contract, on-time application)*
- Any graduate students (10-month contract, on-time application)*
- Late applicants (ordered by application received date)*
*Note: A lottery may be used if necessary to determine the assignment order.
About the waitlist
Applicants who cannot be assigned housing will be placed on a waitlist, and all late applications will be waitlisted. While housing staff work throughout spring and summer to accommodate as many students as possible, all students on the waitlist are strongly encouraged to also pursue off-campus housing.
Additional housing options
In addition to graduate student apartments, UCSC offers housing options for students with families, as well as resources for those exploring off-campus living.
Family Student Housing
Family Student Housing offers a year-round living experience for students and their families. This welcoming community features unfurnished two-bedroom, one bathroom apartments with internet service, Xfinity on Campus streaming, and one parking space included. Residents also benefit from evening and weekend support from Residential Community Service Partners (RCSPs), and access to an on-site Child Care and Early Education Center.
Off-campus housing
Many graduate students choose to live off campus in the Santa Cruz community. UCSC’s Community Rentals website offers tools and tips to help with your search—including rental listings, workshops, and housing timelines.
Contact us
We’re here to help!
Graduate Student Housing: gradhousing@ucsc.edu
Family Student Housing: fsh@ucsc.edu
Community Rentals: communityrentals@ucsc.edu
