Housing Options
Housing selection depends on your interests, preferences and budget. With options available in both Berkeley and San Francisco, you can choose from the bustling atmosphere of a dormitory, the independence of a private or shared apartment, or the personal attention of a homestay.
- Dormitories and Student Residences
- Private or Shared Apartments
- Homestays
- Hotels and Short-Term Stays
For assistance with housing, please complete the Housing Interest Form (PDF) and include it with your enrollment application. Please be cautious about sending money to unknown individuals or companies offering housing. Our housing coordinators can help you find housing that meets your individual needs.
Dormitories and Student Residences
Dormitories are recommended if you want a structured atmosphere with opportunities to meet new people through planned activities. Meals are sometimes provided, and you will likely have a roommate who is not a UC Berkeley Extension international student.
Berkeley Options
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- One- to five-bedroom furnished apartments with wireless Internet, standard kitchen appliances, in-unit laundry, on-site 24-hour resident assistants, organized activities, fitness center, café and social lounge, rooftop study room, and deck
- Pricing begins at $3,200 per term; see website for details
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- Features include meals for purchase next door at Foothill Dining Hall, furnished single and double rooms, laundry facilities, computing center and beautiful bay views
- Pricing begins at $390 per week for both singles and doubles; see website for details
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class
- Features include meals, multicultural and international activities, wireless Internet, indoor and outdoor dining, café, easy access to the UC Berkeley campus, and common facilities and services
- See website for rates and application details
San Francisco Options
- 10-minute walk to class in San Francisco
- Choice of four buildings (recommended: The Spaulding and The Herbert)
- Features include fully furnished rooms, high-speed Internet, community lounge, daily complimentary breakfast, coin-operated laundry
- Pricing begins at $750 per month (shared room); see website for details
- 10-minute bus ride or 15-minute walk to class in San Francisco
- Features include private rooms and bathrooms, cable TV and Internet, minirefrigerator, and housekeeping services.
- Pricing begins at $950 per month (shared room); see website for details
- 10-minute bus ride or 15-minute walk to class in San Francisco
- Features include fully furnished rooms, private or shared bathrooms, utilities, planned tours and activities, community kitchen and dining room, lounge and recreation room, and coin-operated laundry
- Pricing begins at $800 per month (shared room); see website for details
- Fully furnished rooms feature private bathrooms, included utilities, community kitchens, wireless Internet, TV lounge and recreation area, and coin-operated laundry
- Pricing begins at $550 per month; see website for details
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 dormitories.
Berkeley Options
- Central Berkeley locations
- Furnished and unfurnished apartments, special discounts and short leases
- Pricing begins at $1,175 per month; see website for details
- Central Berkeley locations
- Studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments with high-speed Internet, 24-hour on-site building management, spacious closets, rooftop gardens and terraces, and available garage parking
- See website for pricing details
- 10-minute walk to class in Berkeley
- Studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom pet-friendly apartments with fully equipped kitchens, garage parking, resident lounge with free wireless Internet and on-site laundry
- Pricing begins at $1,800 per month; see website for details
- 5-minute walk to class in Berkeley
- Furnished and unfurnished one- and two-bedroom apartments with gourmet kitchens, on-site laundry, roommate assistance, CityCarShare on premises and private terraces
- Pricing begins at $1,800 per month; see website for details
Rexidence Residential Services
- Central Berkeley locations
- Studio, private room and double room fully furnished options include utilities in rental fee
- Pricing begins at $750 per month; see website for details
San Francisco Options
- 1-bedroom, 1-bath and 2-bedroom, 2-bath furnished apartments features fully equipped kitchens, included utilities and optional maid service
- Recommended properties: 848 Pine St.(between Nob Hill and Union Square) and Crystal Tower, 2140 Taylor St. (in North Beach/Russian Hill)
- Pricing begins at $2,500 per month; see website for details
Rexidence Residential Services
- 10-minute bus ride to downtown
- Studio, private room and double room fully furnished options include utilities in rental fee
- Pricing begins at $1,800 per month; see website for details
Homestays
A homestay is a private room in a local family home, and homestay opportunities are available in San Francisco, Berkeley and nearby areas. Features often include meal options, wireless Internet, laundry, use of family areas and English spoken in homes. We highly recommend using one of the homestay programs listed here.
International Housing Placement Service
- Breakfast and dinner options
- Pricing begins at $750 per month; see website for details
- Breakfast and dinner options
- Pricing begins at $900 per month; see website for details
- Breakfast and dinner options
- Regional agent assistance
- Pricing begins at $750 per month; see website for details
Hotels and Short-Term Stays
Short-term housing is recommended if you are staying for a brief period of time or if you need accommodations while securing long-term housing.
Berkeley: YMCA Residence Hotel and Fitness Facility
- Five-minute walk to class in Berkeley
- Features include single and double rooms, fully equipped kitchen and Internet lounge
- Pricing begins at $900 per month (special rate for UC Berkeley Extension students); see website for details
Berkeley: Piedmont House
- 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to class in Berkeley
- Traditional hostel with single or shared rooms and inexpensive rates for short- and long-term stays
- Pricing begins at $32 per night; see website for details
San Francisco: Email housing@unex.berkeley.edu for a list
All housing rates are current as of March 2013. Fees and availability are subject to change without notice.
Photo for Stern Hall courtesy of Keith Stevenson
Apartment Search Resources
Plan Your Budget
In addition to program fees, you need to budget for living expenses. No financial aid is available. See estimated minimum expenses for:
What Is Extension?
We know you have questions:
- What is UC Berkeley Extension?
- How does it relate to UC Berkeley?
- Where is Extension located?
- What is a certificate?