Housing Options
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 homestay.
For assistance with housing, please complete the Housing Interest Form (PDF) and include it with your Enrollment Application. Our housing coordinator can help you find a place to live that meets your individual needs.
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 a UC Berkeley Extension international student. Tau House and Hillside dormitories are smaller than International House, and students receive more individual attention from staff.
International House
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- Approximately 12 meals per week; bag lunches available
- Kitchen available for individual use
- Central hall bathrooms
- Unique community of student residents from more than 60 countries, including the United States
- Features include multicultural and international activities, high-speed Internet access, indoor and outdoor dining, café, easy access to the UC Berkeley campus, and common facilities and services
- Single and double rooms available
- New residents must pay $35 nonrefundable application fee and $500 refundable security deposit
- View rates and apply directly
- Map
Tau House
- 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 and 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 refundable deposit required; Visa and MasterCard accepted
- Check in two days before the term begins; check out one day after the term ends
- Tau House website
- Housing Interest Form
- Map
Hillside Durant
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- Two fully-equipped kitchen and dining areas, including all appliances and dishware, available for all residents
- No meals provided; off-site meal option available
- Central hall bathrooms
- Maximum 24 student residents, including UC Berkeley and international students
- Features include an on-site resident assistant; wireless Internet access; sink, TV, and minirefrigerator in rooms; backyard with barbecue; study lounge; coin-operated laundry
- Approximately $3,320 per person per term—double room
- $200 nonrefundable deposit is required; credit cards, check, or cash accepted
- Hillside Durant website
- Housing Interest Form
- Map
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.
- Five-minute walk to class
- No meals provided
- Shared kitchen
- Central hall bathrooms
- Features include high-speed wireless Internet and minifridges in rooms, bed linens, coin-op laundry, community/Internet lounge, fitness facility with swimming pools, sports classes
- $840 per person per month—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 accepted
- YMCA website
- Housing Interest Form
- Map
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 email to housing@unex.berkeley.edu.
Furnished Apartment
- 15-minute walk or bus ride to class
- No meals 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; no credit cards accepted
- A list of apartment providers who offer short-term leases for international students is available
- Housing Interest Form
Campanile Court
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- One- to five-bedroom furnished apartments with cable TV, high-speed wireless Internet, standard kitchen appliances, in-unit laundry
- Diverse group of residents including UC Berkeley and international students
- Features include roommate matching, on-site 24-hour resident assistants, organized activities, fitness center, library/computer lab/study room, social lounge, rooftop deck, $99-per-month resident parking
- Price per person per term, including utilities, ranges from $3,000 for the lowest-priced room in a shared apartment to $6,500 for the highest-priced private studio
- New residents must pay $35 nonrefundable application fee and first month's rent with contract
- Apply directly here
Private Room in a Family Home (Homestay)
- 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 July 2011. Fees and availability are subject to change without notice.