Housing
The International Office assists students with their housing search by providing a list of popular options. Some students prefer to live with families ("homestay") while others choose to live independently in student residences, apartments or houses.
Disclaimer: SBCC is not responsible for placing students and does not assume or accept any responsibility for inspecting, supervising, or resolving any issues that may arise in the landlord-tenant relationship. Read more about our disclaimer.
Housing in Santa Barbara has a low vacancy rate, so housing can be expensive. New international students may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on their I-20.
1. It's never too early to begin your housing search. Many students begin looking in April or May for fall semester, and November or December for spring semester.
2. Consider what type of housing is right for you. There are several options available, including homestays, student-centered & dorm style living with meal plans, shared apartments, or a house with roommates.
3. Think about what location and transportation options are best for you. Walking and biking distance to campus, bus access to campus, near the beaches or downtown, convenient access to campus or shopping, a quiet family atmosphere or locations where there are high concentrations of college students. Check out Which neighborhood is best for me? to view descriptions and maps of the various neighborhoods in the Santa Barbara area.
4. Plan your budget. Housing in Santa Barbara is expensive. The estimated International Student Budget provides a realistic amount you should expect to pay for rent, utilities, food, and other personal expenses. This Budget Worksheet can help you determine what you can afford.5. A lease is a legal contract to rent property. Carefully read your lease before you sign and make sure you understand the terms of your lease. Here are some useful resources. Most housing options require a deposit and the first and last months' rent.
The Coral Group provides homestay options to international students studying at SBCC and UCSB. They accept students who are 17+ years of age, and organize social events and volunteer opportunities for the students.
Website: coralgroupsb.com or find them on Facebook.
Email: Kevin Hansen at kevin@coralgroupsb.com or Charlotte at Charlottecoralgroup@gmail.comThere are several student residence buildings and apartments close to SBCC, and others near bus lines in Goleta and Isla Vista. All SBCC students are provided with a bus pass, which allows them to use the public bus system free of charge for the duration of the semester. Be sure to ask if the apartments or rooms are furnished or unfurnished. Many student-centered apartments are furnished.
Coral Group provides shared furnished apartments living (La Brezza FURNISHED apartments) and homes for International and American students attending SBCC and UCSB. Walking distance to SBCC. Coral Group organizes social events and volunteer opportunities for the students.
Website: coralgroupsb.com or find them on Facebook.
Email: Kevin Hansen at kevin@coralgroupsb.com or Charlotte at Charlottecoralgroup@gmail.comTropicana Gardens Residence Hall - Private student dorms with meal plan options in Isla Vista, near UCSB.
Website: tropicanagardens.com
Email: leasing@tropicanastudentliving.comSanta Barbara Rooms - Furnished student housing near city center.
Website: sb-rooms.comCapri Apartments - Student housing in apartments in Isla Vista near UCSB.
Website: capriiv.comICON & ICON Gardens - Student residence buildings located in Isla Vista less than 2 blocks from the beach.
Website: iconapts.comCheck out various apartment complexes and dorms listed by neighborhood: Apartment Complexes
Coral Group provides shared furnished apartments living (La Brezza FURNISHED apartments) and homes for International and American students attending SBCC and UCSB. Walking distance to SBCC. Coral Group organizes social events and volunteer opportunities for the students.
Website: coralgroupsb.com or find them on Facebook.
Email: Kevin Hansen at kevin@coralgroupsb.com or Charlotte at Charlottecoralgroup@gmail.comBuena Vista Apartments - Apartments located near SBCC.
Website: buenavistasantabarbara.com
Email: info@buenavistasb.comThe Sweeps & CBC Apartments - Townhomes and apartments on the outskirts of Isla Vista near the beach and bus stops.
Website: liveatcbcandthesweeps.com
Email: cbcandthesweeps@essex.comHouse on Mission St - The home is furnished and offers shared rooms for students on single leases.
Website: missionhousesb.wixsite.com/houseonmissionst
Phone: 805-259-8137 or 805-679-3238
Santa Barbara locals and students post rooms for rent with detailed descriptions: Rooms for Rent
Find housing options offered through private property management companies.
SRPS, furnished housing for International and American students in Santa Barbara, multiple locations.
studentresidenceservice.com or contact Kevin Hansen at kevin@coralgroupsb.comMeridian Group – A property management company offering rooms, apartments, and houses for rent in Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, and Goleta.
meridiangrouprem.comBartlein & Company, Inc. - Furnished student housing near city center.
bartlein.com/rentals.htmlIvy Apartment Homes - Multiple locations in the Santa Barbara area.
ivysantabarbara.com/Rental Housing Mediation Task Force can assist you with questions about your housing rights, or if you have a problem with your landlord that is not easily resolved.