Written by Sumaya Alamanee
If you ask me or anyone of my peers at the GIC program about the number one concern that incoming grad student have, the most likely answer to that question would be housing. At least that was my main concern when I joined the PhD program here at UC Irvine. I initially opted for off-campus housing, but after my first quarter, I realized that I was spending too much on the rent and monthly parking at UCI (since I had to drive every day to campus). So I immediately started considering on-campus housing. After all, housing options offered around campus are cheaper (probably the cheapest you’ll find in Orange county). It’s also a walking distance from your lab, classes, friends and UCI’s social events. Depending on which complex you end up staying at, you might also be a walking distance from the Anteater Recreation Center, Campus Plaza and University Town Center. This post will hopefully give you an idea of housing options around campus.
1. Housing Complexes:
There are 6 housing complexes around UCI’s campus: Palo Verde, Verano Place, Campus Village (CV) and the American Campus Communities (ACC) which are 3 privately owned apartment communities on the east side of the campus (Vista Del Campo, Vista Del Campo Norte and Puerta Del Sol). The map below shows the location of each one of these communities:
As you may see, all these communities are relatively close to campus. They vary – however – based on the size, floor plans, cost and amenities. Some of these apartments are furnished and others are not. Palo Verde, Verano Place and Campus Village contain appliances such as stove, oven, refrigerator, lights in the kitchen and bathroom. Furnished units in CV might come with bed, dresser, desk, sofa, coffee table, lamp etc. [1]
This flyer gives a brief overview of each one of these communities, their monthly rental rates, transportation to and from campus and other information.
2. Application and eligibility:
It’s worth mentioning here that students admitted into a PhD program are eligible for guaranteed housing. That’s unfortunately not the case with other students; Masters students, undergrads over the age of 25 and students with families are eligible to apply for on-campus housing but they are not guaranteed to get an offer (usually they get placed on a waitlist and get offers only if there are availabilities).
The application for guaranteed housing of 2019-2020 was available from March 1st – May 1st. Housing offers are usually send mid-May and students are expected to respond by the deadline indicated in the offer. If you have any questions about guaranteed housing, please feel free to send them to gradguarantee@housing.hsg.uci.edu. Any other questions regarding housing can be directed to the UCI Student Housing Office at housing@uci.edu or 949-824-6811
This page might give you an idea of which communities you are eligible to apply for based on your status (single, married with no children, single with children etc). The housing application procedure is pretty straightforward:
- You submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
- After you explore your housing choices, you complete an online application (There is a $20 non-refundable application fee for newly enrolling students) where you specify your housing communities preferences.
- Housing assignments are usually e-mailed by the second week of September. Move-in information will be available online early September.
- Notify your housing community of the time and date you plan to move in to your apartment. And make sure you schedule your move-in during their established check-in times.
3. Housing Amenities and Facilities:
All complexes have study rooms and community rooms available for reservation. Other facilities include BBQ grills,laundry rooms, wellness center, TV and game rooms. In campus Village there is a basketball and volleyball courts available at anytime. Some apartments have amenities included, some require you to pay for electricity or water (usually $10-20 per month). Internet is included in all apartments. In some units you may need to purchase a router and set up the wifi (please refer to the OIT website for more information).
Again, feel free to reach out to the Student Housing Office or to your peer mentor whenever you have any questions. Welcome to UCI!!!