Discover Berkeley: Housing
UC Berkeley Housing offers more than just a place to live —it’s an experience that puts you right at the heart of everything that Berkeley has to offer.
That’s why about 96% of first-year students and a third of transfer students choose to live on campus.
Newly admitted first-year and transfer undergraduate students are guaranteed housing for their first year.
Housing Guarantee
For 2025-26, newly admitted first-year and transfer undergraduate students are guaranteed housing for their first year, as long as they meet all deadlines and conditions. Learn more about applying for housing as a newly-admitted student.
Get Your Best Start
Living in campus housing means you’re surrounded by fellow Golden Bears who are just as eager as you are to start this new journey. You’ll be joining a lively student neighborhood where people study together, relax, and have fun. From movie nights and study groups to impromptu hangouts, our residential communities are designed to help you make the most of campus life, and find where you belong.
Location, Amenities, Community
Living in campus housing puts you close to UC Berkeley’s classrooms, libraries, and club meetings, with convenient amenities that support you on your academic and social journey.
First-year students can choose one of our residence halls, ranging from high-rise units near cafes, bakeries and bookstores, to hillside suites with views of the San Francisco Bay. Residence hall contracts include a meal plan, plus all the conveniences you’ll need, like utilities, wi-fi, laundry, study spaces, live-in support, and more.
Transfer students can choose to live in any of our residence halls, or opt for independent living in one of eight campus apartment buildings, including our newest building, Anchor House, UC Berkeley’s state-of-the-art complex designed just for transfer students.
Top-Notch Dining
Living in campus housing also means easy access to sustainable, nutritious food through Berkeley Dining. With a variety of meal options for every preference and diet, you’ll be set for everything from quick breakfasts to hearty dinners.
Stay Active and Recharge
And when it’s time to unwind, you can hit the gym or try the climbing wall, take a yoga class, paddleboard on the Bay, swim, or chill in outdoor spaces under the California sun. (Check out Recreation & Wellbeing to see all the options.) There’s no shortage of ways to stay active and recharge.
Expanding Student Housing
UC Berkeley is committed to building new housing so students can live on campus for two years or more.
- 2400+ new beds have been added since 2018
- 2600+ new beds are expected by 2028