Housing Options
Your housing selection depends on your interests, preferences, and budget. Choose from the bustling atmosphere of a dormitory, the independence of a private or shared apartment, or the personal attention of a home stay. For assistance with housing, please complete the housing interest form and include it with your enrollment application. Our housing coordinator can help you find a place to live that meets your individual needs.
Whichever option you choose, our International Student Services office is happy to help.
Reserve your housing by completing the housing interest form.
Short-Term Stays
YMCA
Dormitories
International House
Tau House
Hillside Residence
Hillside Durant
Private or Shared Apartments
Details
Home Stay
Details
Housing Option Details
Short-Term Stays
YMCA:
RESIDENCE HOTEL AND FITNESS FACILITY
The YMCA is most suitable for short-term stays while you search for long-term housing. It is recommended if you have a limited budget, as accommodations are basic. The YMCA offers the convenience of a downtown location and a diverse mix of residents, including many who are not students. The sports and fitness facility is free for residents. Newly remodeled in 2009.
- Five-minute walk to class
- No meals are provided
- Shared kitchen
- Central hall bathrooms
- Features include DSL high-speed internet and mini-fridges in rooms, bed linens, coin-op laundry, community/Internet lounge, fitness facility w/swimming pools, sports classes
- $800 per person per month for a single room
- No deposit is required; payment for at least the first month is made on arrival; rate requires at least a 21-day stay; stays of fewer than 21 days will be charged the posted hotel rate plus the local hotel tax
- Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted
YMCA Website
Map
housing interest form
Dormitories
Dormitories are recommended if you want a structured atmosphere, as there are opportunities to meet new people through planned activities. Meals are usually provided, and you may have a roommate who is not an IDP student. Tau House and Hillside dormitories are smaller than International House, and students receive more individual attention from staff.
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- Various meal plans are available
- Kitchen is available for individual use
- Central hall bathrooms
- Unique community of student residents from more than 60 countries, including the United States
- Features include multicultural/international activities, high-speed Internet access, indoor/outdoor dining, café, easy access to the UC Berkeley campus, and common facilities and services
- Three sizes each of single and double rooms
- Price per person per term ranges from $4,763 for the lowest-priced double to $6,095 for the highest-priced single
- Price includes $500 advance payment and $65 membership fee
- New residents must pay $35 non-refundable application fee and $500 refundable security deposit
- Apply directly at ihouse.berkeley.edu/l/room_info.html.
Map
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- 18 meals per week are included, with bag lunches and late dinner plates available
- No kitchen is available; common refrigerator and microwave
- Central hall bathrooms
- Diverse group of residents, including UC Berkeley students as well as international students
- Features include TV lounge, high-speed wireless and cable Internet access, outdoor areas and roof decks, living room, dining room, table tennis, billiards, basketball, computers, study room, linens, and coin-operated laundry
- $4,675 per person per term—triple room
- $5,000 per person per term—double room
- $8,200 per person per term—single room (limited number)
- $200 deposit is required; Visa and MasterCard are accepted
- Check in two days before the term begins; check out one day after the term ends
Tau House Website
Map
housing interest form
- 15-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- 19 meals per week
- Common refrigerator and microwave available
- Central hall bathrooms
- Diverse group of residents including UC Berkeley students as well as international students
- Features include on-site, 24-hour resident assistants; organized activities; high-speed wireless Internet access; indoor/outdoor dining; TV lounge; table tennis; billiards; coin-operated laundry; study room with computers
- Approximately $4,600 per person per term for a triple room
- Approximately $5,000 per person per term for double room
- $200 deposit is required
- Credit card, check, or cash is accepted
Hillside Residence Hall Website
Map
housing interest form
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- Two fully-equipped kitchen/dining areas including all appliances and dishware are available for all residents
- No meals are provided; off-site meal option is available
- Central hall bathrooms
- Maximum 24 student residents, including UC Berkeley students as well as international students
- Features include an on-site resident assistant; wireless Internet access; sink, TV, and mini- refrigerator in rooms; backyard with barbecue; study lounge; coin-operated laundry
- Approximately $3,320 per person per term for a double room
- $200 deposit is required
- Credit cards, check, or cash accepted
Hillside Durant Website
Map
housing interest form
Private or Shared Apartments
Apartments are recommended if you want to be more independent or prefer a quieter atmosphere for studying. Apartments can be less costly than some dormitory options. For more information about private or shared apartments, send an e-mail to housing@unex.berkeley.edu.
FURNISHED APARTMENTS IN THE BERKELEY AREA
- 15-minute walk or bus ride to class
- No meals are provided
- Individual apartment features vary, as do the types of bathrooms
- Single room in a shared apartment averages $850 per month
- Private apartment averages $1,500 per month
- Landlords generally require deposits, and no credit cards are accepted
- A list of apartment providers who offer short-term leases for international students is available
housing interest form
Home Stay
PRIVATE ROOM IN FAMILY HOME
- 10 to 30 minutes to class by public transit
- Available in Berkeley and nearby areas
- Meal options are available
- Shared kitchen
- Shared bathrooms
- Features may include TV, high-speed Internet access, laundry, use of family areas, and English spoken in homes
- $4,275 per person per term for a single room with meals
- $3,750 per person per term for a single room without meals
- $300 advance payment is required and will be applied to the total
- Check in two days before the term begins; check out one day after term ends
housing interest form
All housing rates are current as of October 2009. Fees and availability are subject to change without notice.