Attending UCLA means living in one of the most exciting parts of Los Angeles. Whether you're an undergraduate, graduate student, transfer student, or international student, finding the right apartment is one of the biggest decisions you'll make before the school year begins.
This guide covers the best neighborhoods near UCLA, what to look for when renting, and how to avoid wasting money on apartment application fees.
Why Students Live Off Campus
While many students live in university housing, thousands choose to rent apartments nearby each year. UCLA also owns and operates several university apartment communities for eligible students who prefer apartment-style living over traditional residence halls.
Students often move off campus for:
- More independence
- Larger living spaces
- Living with roommates
- Pet-friendly apartments
- Flexible lease options
- More privacy
- Access to West Los Angeles neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods Near UCLA
Westwood
The closest neighborhood to campus and the most popular choice for UCLA students.
Westwood offers:
- Walking distance to campus
- Restaurants and coffee shops
- Grocery stores
- Student-friendly apartment communities
- Westwood Village shopping
Sawtelle
Just east of campus, Sawtelle is known for its incredible restaurants, quieter residential streets, and easy commute to UCLA.
Brentwood
A safe and upscale neighborhood with beautiful apartment communities and convenient access to campus.
West Los Angeles
Often offering a wider selection of apartments, West LA is popular with graduate students and young professionals attending UCLA.
Century City
Students looking for luxury apartments, shopping, and modern amenities often choose Century City while remaining only a short drive from campus.
Santa Monica
If you don't mind a slightly longer commute, Santa Monica offers beach living, excellent dining, and easy access to UCLA via major roads and public transit.
Mar Vista
Mar Vista provides a balance between affordability, neighborhood charm, and proximity to UCLA.
Average Rent Near UCLA
Rental prices vary depending on location, amenities, and whether you have roommates.
Many students lower their monthly housing costs by sharing apartments with roommates.
Popular housing options include:
- Studio apartments
- One-bedroom apartments
- Two-bedroom apartments
- Shared apartments
- University-owned apartments
- Co-living spaces
What Should UCLA Students Look For?
When comparing apartments, consider:
- Walking distance to campus
- Public transportation
- Parking
- Laundry facilities
- Internet speed
- Air conditioning
- Grocery stores nearby
- Safety
- Lease length
- Roommate compatibility
- Pet policies
Finding the right location can make a huge difference in your daily routine.
Know the Rental Requirements Before You Apply
Application fees in Los Angeles can add up quickly.
Before applying, check:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Co-signer policies
- Security deposit requirements
- Pet policies
- Move-in costs
Understanding these requirements before submitting applications can save you both time and money.
How ZRently Helps UCLA Students
ZRently was built to make apartment hunting more transparent.
Instead of guessing whether you'll qualify, you can search apartments by:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Flexible credit policies
- Co-signer acceptance
- Pet policies
- Verified rental criteria
Whether you're searching in Westwood, Sawtelle, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Century City, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, or anywhere in Los Angeles, ZRently helps you find apartments that match your qualifications before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UCLA offer apartment housing?
Yes. In addition to residence halls, UCLA owns and operates university apartment communities for eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
What neighborhoods are best for UCLA students?
The most popular neighborhoods include:
- Westwood
- Sawtelle
- Brentwood
- West Los Angeles
- Century City
- Santa Monica
- Mar Vista
These neighborhoods offer convenient access to campus along with restaurants, shopping, and public transportation.
When should I start looking for an apartment?
Most students begin searching 2–3 months before their desired move-in date, and many start even earlier for fall quarter because apartments near UCLA lease quickly.
Can UCLA students use co-signers?
Yes. Many Los Angeles property managers accept co-signers, although each property has its own qualification requirements.
How can I avoid wasting money on application fees?
Apply only to apartments where you meet the listed credit, income, and co-signer requirements. Knowing these qualifications before applying can improve your chances of approval and help you avoid unnecessary application fees.
Final Thoughts
Living near UCLA gives students access to one of the world's top public universities while enjoying some of Los Angeles' most desirable neighborhoods. Whether you choose Westwood, Sawtelle, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Century City, Santa Monica, or Mar Vista, planning ahead and understanding rental requirements can make your apartment search much easier.
At ZRently, our mission is to make renting more transparent by helping renters search apartments based on credit requirements, income requirements, co-signer policies, pet policies, and verified rental criteria before they apply. If you're looking for an apartment near UCLA or anywhere in Los Angeles, ZRently can help you find a home that fits both your lifestyle and your qualifications.