As the third and final quarter of this academic year is approaching, many students begin seriously thinking about where they will live next year. At UCLA, thousands of students live on or near campus, in the surrounding Westwood area. For most upperclassmen, the choice primarily comes down to two options: signing a lease for a private apartment or applying to live in the University Apartments, or UA, offered through UCLA Housing. This article will discuss the key differences between private and university apartments, as well as a personal reflection on the behind-the-scenes of finding an apartment.
One of the biggest factors students consider is cost. University apartments often bundle expenses together, including rent and utilities, in a single payment. This predictability makes it easier for students to navigate their expenses. Private apartments, on the other hand, can vary significantly in price depending on roommates, location and additional expenses. The base rent price may initially appear cheaper, but the price quickly adds up with varying monthly utility expenses, renters insurance, parking fees and additional fees. In Westwood especially, rent can go up fairly high due to demand and proximity to campus.
In terms of convenience, University Apartments are designed with students in mind. They typically come furnished and are located relatively close to campus. UCLA transportation also provides buses to get to and from campus, making commuting convenient. Additionally, maintenance is often handled through the university, providing peace of mind. On the other hand, private apartments can vary in proximity to campus. Typically, the closer to campus an apartment is, the more expensive it becomes. There are also additional factors to consider, such as the commute to school and transportation. Students must also keep up with maintenance for the apartment, which is often dealt with through landlords and property managers directly. That said, privately-owned apartments offer more flexibility in choosing location, number of roommates and lease terms in comparison to University Apartments.
Independence is one of the biggest benefits of a private unit, with more freedom due to fewer housing policies and less oversight. This added autonomy can help tenants feel more in control of their living spaces, with more leeway over the functions of the apartment. On the other hand, University Apartments provide more structure and support through UCLA Housing. There is also a built-in community of students, making it easier to connect with others, like an extension of campus life. However, there are more housing policies and guidelines that need to be followed, which can feel a bit restrictive.
Personally, during my housing journey at UCLA, I looked into both the UAs and private apartments. I applied for university housing but was placed into an eight-person apartment with four rooms, though my preference was for four roommates total. While I would have felt more comfortable in UCLA-affiliated housing coming in as a transfer, I started looking for private apartments given the circumstances. I came across Instagram pages dedicated to finding both housing and roommates, as well as various websites online. After going through listings and speaking with individuals, I jotted down a few apartments I was interested in, ranging in price, distance and amenities. After narrowing them down, I toured the different places in-person, alongside my parents. After taking the factors of each option into consideration, I picked the best apartment for me. Personally, I felt major factors were close proximity to UCLA’s campus and a relatively small number of roommates, and the apartment I chose checked both of those boxes.
Overall, picking a place to live is an important decision, and there are many factors that come into play. It is essential to take into consideration what apartments align with your priorities. It can also help to consult with those around you, such as parents or friends, and take their input into consideration as well. Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both privately-owned apartments and University Apartments, and it is up to you to decide which one you prefer.
