An MBA is an expensive investment. And if you take a look at Anderson’s estimated student budget, you’ll see that it’s not just tuition that’ll have you reaching for your wallet. The good news is that UCLA offers plenty of ways to limit spending without sacrificing everything that’s great about the school and life in LA.
Let’s take another look at that estimated student budget.
If the “Room/Board” figure seems like an overestimate, then you're on to something. With a little help from UCLA, incoming students can live well below it and find great rates on places to stay in and around campus.
Take a look at three of my favorite options.
Dashew Center Apartment Packages
These straight-forward, modest apartments are for the true bargain shopper. Despite the rock-bottom prices (packages include $735/person/month and $895/person/month options), all options come fully furnished and with utilities (water, gas, electric, cable TV and internet) included. They also offer FREE (or very cheap) parking, 9-month lease options and a short commute to campus (from approx. 0.5 to 1.7 miles). Depending on the package, a swimming pool, fitness center, covered parking and/or gated access may also be included.
So, what’s the catch? Shared bedrooms. This is a big one. And it can be a deal breaker for even the tightest budgets. But if you can stomach the close quarters and a slight change in lifestyle, then these apartments offer some of the best values on campus.
Dashew Center Home – Apartment Packages Page – Brochure Download (PDF)
Rose, Keystone & Venice Barry University Apartments
Think the Dashew Packages were a good deal? Here are three great ones. The Rose, Keystone and Venice Barry University Apartments all offer similar amenities to the Dashew Packages, but without the hook of having to share a bedroom (single apartments also available). With the extra elbow room and rates* starting at less than $750/bedroom/month (and up to $810/bedroom/month), these Palms-Mar Vista locations are in high demand.
However, to live at any of these locations you’ll first have to submit an application through University Housing Services. Housing offers are made on a first come, first served basis and all locations come unfurnished. Next, you’ll need to find a roommate to occupy the apartment’s second bedroom and map out your route to campus (from approx. 4.2 to 5.6 miles) or coordinate your commute with a university shuttle bus (7:00am – 10:00pm weekdays, during academic year).
*Rates provided on the UCLA Housing site are per apartment unit. Approximate per bedroom rates are as listed above.
UCLA Graduate Housing Home – Living in University Apartments
Community Housing Office
Don’t want a roommate? Need a quicker commute to campus? Then the online Community Housing Office is the place to start your campus housing search. With “a database of rental listings which includes shared and vacant apartments, rooms in private homes, studio apartments, guest houses and short-term sublets” and no paywalls the Public and Registered UCLA Student listings are a great place to post and search for the perfect campus abode on the cheap.
Happy house hunting!
Daniel Genter, MBA '15 - Follow UCLA Anderson on Twitter.
