General Recommendations

Housing Applications

Even if you have not yet received confirmation of acceptance to a UC campus it is important that you begin planning for your accommodations now. Based on your UC campus assignment, we recommend that you visit the www sites indicated to familiarize yourself with the housing options and with your host campus.

If you have received placement confirmation, use the on-line application at the campuses where this option is provided (do not apply on-line if you have not yet been notified which campus you will attend). If you are not able to access the on-line form contact the Campus EAP Office (information at the top of each form) to ask that an application be sent to you. If you are to attend a campus where an on-line application is not available, an application will be sent to you by mail.

Do not wait to receive an official confirmation of acceptance by your host UC campus; apply as soon as your campus placement is known.

Returning The Housing Application And Payment

There is a great deal of competition for University-owned housing. It is very important that you respond to housing applications and contract offers promptly. We recommend that applications, fees and deposits be returned by express mail since it is both secure and can be traced. Failure to meet a deadline can make you ineligible for campus housing.

Payments To UC

Payments for housing and health insurance should be made payable to the UC REGENTS in US dollars and should be in the form of international money order (no personal checks). Visa or Master card may be used in some cases.

Statement Of Intent To Register (SIR) And Statement Of Legal Residence

Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) information are automatically coded in the UC computer system for EAP undergraduate Reciprocity students. However, some campuses may still send you the forms. If you receive these forms, please complete and return as instructed. Do not delay in applying for housing even if return of the SIR is indicated as a requirement.

Correspondence From UC

Much correspondence from UC is computer generated and you may receive items that do not concern you as a no-fee/non-degree reciprocity student. We recommend that you respond to all correspondence clearly indicating that you are an EAP RECIPROCITY STUDENT. With the exception of housing and insurance charges (and personal charges you will incur once you arrive: telephone, late fees library charges etc), you should not pay bills for fees that you receive from UC. If you have questions about correspondence that you receive from UC, ask your international office to contact the EAP systemwide office.

Registration

Graduate level students usually register after arrival and after consultation with the department’s graduate advisor.

Housing Options

University-Owned Housing

The University of California owns or manages a limited number of accommodations. These are usually located on the campus or in close proximity to the campus (accessible by foot, bicycle or shuttle bus). These may include:

Residence Halls

Residence halls are primarily designed for first year students. Few single rooms (one person) are available and most students in residence halls are lodged 2 or 3 per room. Students are very sociable and the halls may be noisy. Consequently, students in the halls go to the library to study (many libraries are open as late as 23:00 or midnight during the term.) Students may purchase a "meal plan" at the residence cafeteria or restaurant. Alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden in the residence halls.

Apartments

Apartments are usually reserved for 2nd year and higher-level students. Rooms are most often shared with another student. The apartment may be shared with 3 or more students depending on its size. Students in apartments benefit from access to a kitchen for meal preparation but may also purchase a residence meal plan if they wish.

University-owned housing is advantageous because it can be arranged prior to arrival in the US and the university may be considered a reliable "landlord". However, university-owned housing contracts are for the entire academic year and are strictly enforced (you may not break your contract to move to non-university housing mid-year).

UC-Affiliated Housing

UC-Affiliated is not owned by UC but can be considered reliable and can be arranged prior to arrival. This may include international houses and off-campus residence halls.

Community Housing

Community housing includes private rental of rooms, studios or shared apartments in the community near the university. Students should be aware that this housing is not UC sponsored and that it not advisable to rent prior to arrival when you can visit the rental in person. Private rentals usually require a deposit the equivalent of first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit.

Co-Operative Housing (Co-Op)

The living environment of the co-op emphasizes community, cooperation, and responsibility. The co-op is among the least expensive housing options, however, residents are expected to make a contribution to the care of their surroundings through monthly work hours and weekly participation in meal preparation and house chores. Co-op housing may vary in quality (the housing will be as efficiently run and clean as its inhabitants). Since co-operative living requires student participation in chores and in the activities of the house, it may not be appropriate for all students.